If you had to name the first hospital to know in Little Rock, Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock would be at the top of the list.

It's not just because of its size, but because it is the healthcare institution with the longest history and the greatest trust in Arkansas.

Baptist Health is Arkansas's largest private nonprofit healthcare system, operating a network of hospitals and clinics in several cities across the state in addition to its Little Rock headquarters. The Little Rock facility has 718 beds, making it the largest private nonprofit hospital in Arkansas.

The hospital is located in west Little Rock and has good accessibility. Baptist Health's main facility provides excellent medical services in various specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and orthopedics. Notably, the cardiovascular surgery department is a core strength of Baptist Health, achieving high success rates in heart surgeries and interventional procedures. The Baptist Health Cancer Center also operates, offering integrated chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical treatment.

The emergency room operates 24 hours, and outpatient appointments can be made through the hospital's official website (baptisthealth.com) or by phone. When checking insurance networks, it helps to first confirm whether you are within the Baptist Health network to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

One of the advantages of the Baptist Health system is its extensive service network. In addition to the Little Rock headquarters, there are related hospitals and clinics in various areas of Arkansas, including North Little Rock, Stuttgart, and Harbor Grace, allowing for continuous medical services anywhere in the region after designating a primary care physician.

Preventive medicine and health management services, such as imaging tests, health screenings, and rehabilitation therapy, are also provided under Baptist Health. After moving to Little Rock, it's good to remember that selecting a doctor within the Baptist Health network will facilitate coordinated care during the process of choosing a primary care physician along with insurance.

Choosing a hospital is primarily about ensuring it aligns with your health insurance network.

Even at the same hospital, using services out-of-network can significantly increase your out-of-pocket expenses.

Before moving, it is essential to carefully check your insurance policy and first verify whether Baptist Health is included in your network.