Santa Rosa Medical Center: Services, Locations and Medicare Guide for 2026

Mark Garrett, AJ Health and Wealth

Santa Rosa Medical Center is an important healthcare provider for residents of Milton, Pace and surrounding communities in Northwest Florida. The hospital provides emergency care, inpatient treatment, surgical services, diagnostic testing and several specialty programs. Its affiliated outpatient facilities and Santa Rosa Medical Group clinics extend that care into other parts of Santa Rosa County and the western Florida Panhandle.

For Medicare beneficiaries, choosing a hospital involves more than knowing which facility is nearby. Patients also need to understand which services are offered, where those services are performed, whether the facility and individual physicians participate in their insurance network, and how inpatient, outpatient or observation status could affect their costs.

This guide provides an updated overview of Santa Rosa Medical Center’s major services, emergency and outpatient locations, affiliated physician offices and practical Medicare considerations for 2026.

Santa Rosa Medical Center at a Glance

Santa Rosa Medical Center is a 129-bed acute-care hospital located at 6002 Berryhill Road in Milton, Florida. The hospital reports a medical staff of more than 200 physicians and a workforce that includes approximately 700 associates and volunteers.

Its major service areas include:

• Emergency medicine
• Heart and vascular care
• Stroke and neurological care
• Orthopedics and joint replacement
• General and specialty surgery
• Robotic-assisted surgery
• Diagnostic imaging
• Laboratory services
• Digestive health
• Respiratory care
• Sleep medicine
• Maternity and women’s health
• Men’s health and urology
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain management
• Bariatric services
• Wound care and hyperbaric medicine

Santa Rosa Medical Center was named to Forbes’ 2026 Top Hospitals by State list with a five-star Overall Hospital Quality Rating, making it one of only ten hospitals in Florida — and the only hospital in the Panhandle — to earn that distinction. The hospital also received its second consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, following an “A” in fall 2025 and another “A” in the spring 2026 grading cycle. Awards can provide useful information, but patients should consider them alongside their own medical needs, physician recommendations, insurance network and personal experience.

Emergency Care in Milton and Pace

Santa Rosa Medical Center operates two emergency departments: the hospital-based emergency room in Milton and the Santa Rosa Medical Center Pace ER.

Milton Emergency Department

The main emergency department is located inside Santa Rosa Medical Center at:

6002 Berryhill Road, Milton, FL 32570
Main hospital number: 850-626-7762

Because it is connected to the acute-care hospital, patients who need additional monitoring, surgery or inpatient treatment can be admitted to the hospital when appropriate.

Santa Rosa Medical Center Pace ER

The Pace ER is located at:

4250 Woodbine Road, Pace, FL 32571
Phone: 850-983-4486

This is a freestanding hospital emergency department that operates 24/7 — not an urgent-care center. It has eight private treatment rooms and offers on-site radiology and laboratory services. The facility treats conditions such as severe chest pain, respiratory distress, serious allergic reactions, broken bones, wounds requiring stitches and possible concussions.

Because the Pace facility is an emergency department, services are billed at emergency-care rates. Patients with minor illnesses or injuries may face lower out-of-pocket costs at an urgent-care center or primary-care office when it is medically safe to use one.

In a genuine emergency, patients should call 911 or go to the nearest appropriate emergency department. Medicare Advantage plans generally cover emergency care according to federal rules, but network considerations may become important after the patient is stabilized and follow-up or inpatient care is arranged.

Heart and Vascular Care

Santa Rosa Medical Center provides diagnostic and treatment services for heart and circulatory conditions. Depending on the patient’s needs, care may include:

• Cardiac testing and monitoring
• Echocardiography
• Vascular imaging
• Evaluation of chest pain and abnormal heart rhythms
• Treatment of heart and vascular disease
• Cardiology and interventional-cardiology consultation
• Inpatient and outpatient follow-up care

Cardiac symptoms can require immediate attention. Chest pressure, shortness of breath, fainting, sudden sweating or pain radiating into the arm, back, neck or jaw may signal an emergency.

For scheduled cardiac testing or procedures, Medicare Advantage members should verify the network status of the hospital, cardiologist, testing facility and any other specialists who may interpret the results. They should also determine whether prior authorization is required.

Stroke and Neurological Care

The hospital evaluates and treats neurological conditions, including suspected stroke. Fast treatment is critical because certain stroke therapies are effective only within specific time windows.

Warning signs can include:

• Facial drooping
• Sudden arm or leg weakness
• Slurred or difficult speech
• Sudden confusion
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden vision changes
• An unexplained severe headache

Patients experiencing possible stroke symptoms should call 911 rather than driving themselves to the hospital.

Santa Rosa Medical Center received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus recognition, with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll status, for the second consecutive year in 2026. The recognition reflects adherence to evidence-based stroke-care measures, although each patient’s treatment and outcome depend on individual circumstances.

Orthopedics, Joint Replacement and Rehabilitation

Santa Rosa Medical Center’s orthopedic program treats bone, joint, muscle and ligament conditions. Services may include evaluation and treatment of:

• Fractures
• Arthritis
• Sports and activity-related injuries
• Hip and knee problems
• Shoulder conditions
• Chronic joint pain
• Conditions requiring joint-replacement surgery

Orthopedic care may involve imaging, medication, injections, physical therapy or surgery. Patients considering elective joint replacement should ask whether the surgeon, hospital, anesthesiology group, rehabilitation provider and any durable-medical-equipment supplier participate in their Medicare Advantage network.

Outpatient physical therapy is available at 5992 Berryhill Road, Suite 100, Milton, and can be reached at 850-626-5187. Rehabilitation can help patients recover strength, mobility and function after an injury, surgery or hospitalization.

Surgical and Robotic-Assisted Services

Santa Rosa Medical Center provides inpatient and outpatient surgery. Its surgical service directory includes:

• General surgery
• Breast cancer surgery
• Colon and rectal procedures
• Colonoscopy and endoscopy
• Gynecologic surgery
• Hernia repair
• Orthopedic surgery
• Urologic surgery
• Vascular surgery
• Robotic-assisted procedures

Robotic technology can help a surgeon perform certain minimally invasive procedures through smaller incisions. It does not operate independently; the surgeon controls the system throughout the procedure. Whether robotic surgery is appropriate depends on the condition, procedure, surgeon’s experience and patient’s health.

Before scheduled surgery, patients should ask which professionals will bill separately. Hospital care can generate separate claims from the surgeon, anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, radiologist, pathologist and other specialists.

Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Services

Santa Rosa Medical Center provides imaging services used to diagnose injuries, monitor chronic conditions and guide treatment. Available services include:

• Routine X-rays
• CT scans
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear medicine
• Fluoroscopy
• Bone-density testing
• Breast imaging
• Echocardiography
• Image-guided biopsies
• Interventional-radiology procedures

Routine X-rays may be available without an appointment, while most advanced imaging requires a physician’s order and a scheduled appointment. Patients can contact Central Scheduling at 850-564-2741. According to the hospital’s diagnostic-imaging information, scheduling is available Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Before scheduling an MRI, CT scan or other advanced test, Medicare Advantage members should verify whether prior authorization is required. Authorization requirements can differ even when the ordering physician and imaging facility are both in the plan’s network.

Respiratory and Sleep Care

The hospital’s respiratory-care program evaluates and treats breathing and lung conditions. Care may involve pulmonologists, respiratory therapists and other specialists working together to help patients manage illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and other pulmonary disorders. More information is available through the hospital’s respiratory-care department.

Santa Rosa Medical Center also operates a Sleep Disorders Center. Sleep studies may be used to investigate:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Unexplained nighttime awakenings
• Abnormal movement during sleep
• Other sleep-related breathing disorders

An overnight polysomnogram can measure oxygen levels, breathing patterns, leg movement and brain activity while the patient sleeps. The Sleep Disorders Center is located at 5992 Berryhill Road, Suite 204, Milton, and can be reached at 850-626-2717. The hospital also lists 850-626-5454 for sleep-care information.

Patients should verify whether their Medicare plan requires a referral, prior authorization or the use of a particular durable-medical-equipment supplier if a CPAP machine is prescribed.

Women’s, Maternity and Men’s Health Services

Women’s services include maternity care, gynecologic services, breast imaging and surgical care. The Women’s Place is located near the hospital at 5992 Berryhill Road, Suite 101, Milton, and can be reached at 850-626-5272.

The affiliated Santa Rosa Medical Group also maintains obstetrics and gynecology offices, including a location at 6072 Doctors Park Road in Milton.

Men’s health services may involve primary care, diagnostic testing, urology and surgical treatment. Because individual specialists can participate in different insurance networks from the hospital, patients should verify both the facility and treating physician before receiving scheduled care.

Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine

The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine treats difficult or slow-healing wounds, including certain diabetic wounds, pressure injuries and wounds related to circulation problems. Treatment may include:

• Specialized wound evaluation
• Debridement
• Infection management
• Advanced wound dressings
• Patient education
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy when medically appropriate

The center is located at 4225 Woodbine Road in Pace and can be reached at 850-983-4493. Medicare coverage for wound treatment or hyperbaric oxygen depends on medical necessity and Medicare’s specific coverage requirements.

Santa Rosa Medical Center and Outpatient Locations

The hospital maintains an updated outpatient-location directory. Santa Rosa Medical Group also operates primary-care and specialty offices throughout Milton, Pace, Navarre, Cantonment and surrounding communities.

Santa Rosa Medical Group’s Community Network

Santa Rosa Medical Group lists physician practices serving Milton, Pace, Navarre, Holley, Gulf Breeze, Midway, Jay, Avalon Beach, Century, Pea Ridge, Pensacola and Cantonment. Its specialties include family medicine, primary care, cardiology, interventional cardiology, general surgery, bariatric surgery, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, pain management, pulmonary and critical care, sleep medicine, urgent care and urology.

Selected primary-care locations include:

• Family Medicine—Avalon: 4264 Avalon Boulevard, Milton; 850-626-5381
• Family Medicine—Dogwood: 5804 Dogwood Drive, Milton; 850-983-4498
• Family Medicine—Five Points: 5595 Woodbine Road, Pace; 850-981-7746
• Family Medicine—Woodbine: 4225 Woodbine Road, Suite A, Pace; 850-994-6575
• Primary Care—Navarre: 7456 Navarre Parkway, Navarre; 850-626-5459
• Primary Care—Cantonment: 2360 South Highway 29, Cantonment

The Cantonment primary-care office provides adult primary care, including preventive care, chronic-condition management and treatment of minor illnesses.

Physician-office participation can differ from hospital participation. Always verify the exact office, physician and insurance product before an appointment.

Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

Santa Rosa Medical Group operates urgent-care centers at Avalon Boulevard in Milton and Five Points on Woodbine Road in Pace. Both locations list daily hours of 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Urgent care may be appropriate for:

• Minor cuts and burns
• Sprains and uncomplicated injuries
• Cold, flu or strep symptoms
• Minor infections
• Vaccinations
• Basic laboratory testing
• Non-emergency X-rays

The Pace ER is a freestanding emergency department—not an urgent-care clinic. It provides emergency-level services and bills accordingly.

Call 911 or seek emergency care for symptoms such as severe chest pain, signs of stroke, respiratory distress, major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or a serious allergic reaction.

What Medicare Patients Should Verify

Santa Rosa Medical Group states that it accepts Medicare and many commercial and Medicaid plans. The Pace ER also states that it accepts Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans. However, this does not mean that every physician, facility or Medicare Advantage product has identical participation.

Never ask only, “Do you accept Medicare?” Instead, verify the following:

1. Is this exact facility in my plan’s network?
2. Is the treating physician in my plan’s network?
3. Are the radiologist, anesthesiologist, pathologist and emergency physician participating?
4. Does the procedure require prior authorization?
5. Is a referral required?
6. Will the service be billed as hospital-based outpatient care?
7. What deductible, copayment or coinsurance should I expect?

Santa Rosa Medical Group advises patients to contact the member-services number on their insurance card before an initial appointment. Its insurance-participation line is 1-877-848-1457.

People with Original Medicare should confirm that the provider is enrolled in Medicare and whether the physician accepts Medicare assignment. Medicare Advantage members must verify participation using the complete plan name—not simply the insurance company’s name.

Consumers can also use Medicare Care Compare to review hospital and provider information. Insurance-network information should still be confirmed directly with the plan because directories and contracts can change.

Observation Status Versus Inpatient Admission

A patient can spend a night in the hospital without being formally admitted as an inpatient. If the hospital classifies the stay as outpatient observation, different Medicare coverage and cost-sharing rules may apply.

Patients or their representatives should ask:

• Am I an inpatient or under observation?
• When did that status begin?
• How will my medications and testing be billed?
• Could this affect Medicare coverage for rehabilitation or skilled-nursing care after discharge?

Medicare explains the distinction on its outpatient observation-services page.

Billing, Estimates and Financial Assistance

Patients may receive separate bills from the hospital and independent professionals involved in their care. These can include emergency physicians, radiologists, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, pathologists and other specialists.

For scheduled treatment, ask for a cost estimate and confirm that every expected provider participates in the insurance network. Santa Rosa Medical Center’s billing and financial-assistance information explains payment plans, financial assistance and patient cost responsibilities.

Patients remain responsible for applicable deductibles, copayments, coinsurance and noncovered services. Many insurance plans also require precertification or prior authorization for non-emergency admissions and scheduled procedures.

Medical Records and Patient Portal

Medical records can be requested through the hospital’s online records-request process. A signed authorization from the patient or legal representative may be required.

The hospital also provides a patient portal for eligible medical information. Portal records can help patients keep track of test results, discharge instructions and portions of their hospital history, but they do not replace a conversation with the treating physician.

Useful Telephone Numbers

• Hospital main number: 850-626-7762
• Central Scheduling: 850-564-2741
• Business Office customer service: 850-564-2775
• Medical records: 850-626-5163
• Patient-portal support: 800-669-4096
• Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine: 850-983-4493

Questions to Ask Before Scheduled Care

Use this checklist before a non-emergency test, procedure or hospital stay:

• Which Santa Rosa facility will provide the service?
• Is that exact location in my plan’s network?
• Is the physician in-network under my complete plan name?
• Will other specialists bill separately?
• Does the service require a referral or prior authorization?
• Will it be billed as inpatient, outpatient or observation care?
• What will my expected deductible, copayment or coinsurance be?
• If I need rehabilitation, home health care or medical equipment afterward, which providers can I use?
• Who should I contact if the claim is denied?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Pace ER the same as urgent care?

No. The Pace ER is a freestanding hospital emergency department. It provides emergency-level evaluation and treatment and bills as an emergency department. Santa Rosa Medical Group operates separate urgent-care centers in Milton and Pace for appropriate non-life-threatening conditions.

Does Santa Rosa Medical Center accept every Medicare Advantage plan?

Do not assume that it does. Network participation can vary by insurance company, specific plan, facility, physician and service. Verify the complete plan name with both the plan and the provider before scheduled care.

Does staying overnight mean I was admitted as an inpatient?

Not necessarily. A patient may remain in the hospital under outpatient observation status. Ask the hospital whether you are formally admitted and how your status could affect Medicare coverage and costs.

Can I receive separate bills after hospital treatment?

Yes. The hospital and professionals such as emergency physicians, radiologists, anesthesiologists and pathologists may submit separate claims.

How AJ Health & Wealth Can Help

Mark Garrett is a licensed independent Medicare broker serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Whether you’re weighing Original Medicare against a Medicare Advantage plan, trying to confirm that Santa Rosa Medical Center and your preferred physicians are in-network, or simply want a second set of eyes on your coverage before a scheduled procedure, a local, no-cost plan review can help you avoid costly surprises.

The Bottom Line

Santa Rosa Medical Center provides an important local hospital option for residents of Milton, Pace and northern Santa Rosa County. Its services include emergency care, heart and stroke care, orthopedics, surgery, diagnostic imaging, respiratory care, women’s health, sleep medicine, rehabilitation and advanced wound treatment. Its affiliated medical group expands access to primary and specialty care across the surrounding region.

Hospital participation does not automatically guarantee that every affiliated physician or outpatient location is in-network. Before non-emergency care, Medicare beneficiaries should verify the facility, physician, authorization requirements and expected costs directly with their plan.

If you would like help understanding how your Medicare plan works with Santa Rosa Medical Center and other local healthcare providers, contact Mark Garrett at AJ Health and Wealth for a local Medicare plan review.

Internal Links

• Medicare Dental, Vision and Hearing Gaps in 2026
• The Hidden Costs After a Hospital Stay: What Pace and Pensacola Seniors Should Know About Medicare
• Most Pace and Milton Medicare Beneficiaries Throw This Letter Away — Here’s Why That’s a Mistake

Sources and Further Information

• Santa Rosa Medical Center services
• Santa Rosa Medical Center diagnostic imaging
• Santa Rosa Medical Center respiratory care
• Santa Rosa Medical Center sleep care
• Santa Rosa Medical Center outpatient locations
• Santa Rosa Medical Center Pace ER
• Santa Rosa Medical Center billing and financial assistance
• Santa Rosa Medical Center medical-record requests
• Santa Rosa Medical Group locations
• Santa Rosa Medical Group billing and insurance
• Medicare Care Compare
• Medicare: Inpatient or outpatient hospital status

This article is provided for general educational purposes. Hospital services, office locations, hours, physician affiliations and insurance participation can change. Contact the healthcare provider and your insurance plan directly before scheduling treatment.

AJ Health and Wealth is not connected with the Federal Medicare program. By contacting this number, you will be connected with a licensed insurance agent. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.