Living in Jacksonville, the city is so large that there are many options ranging from local clinics to major hospitals, cancer centers, and children's specialty hospitals.

In particular, having the world-renowned Mayo Clinic is a significant advantage for Jacksonville.

The first is Mayo Clinic in Florida. Specifically, it has a large campus located to the east of Jacksonville, near the Beaches. It is one of the main campuses of Mayo Clinic, alongside those in Rochester, Minnesota, and Phoenix, Arizona.

Mayo is known not as a place to visit for a cold, but rather for complex and severe conditions such as cancer, heart disease, organ transplants, and neurological disorders. Its system of having multiple specialists evaluate patients together is also a strong point. There are cases where patients come from other states specifically to Jacksonville when diagnoses or treatments are difficult at other hospitals.

Appointments vary depending on the specialty and insurance. Some specialties allow patients to request appointments directly, but insurance companies may require a referral for specialist visits. So, rather than stating that "Mayo does not require a referral," it's more accurate to check with your insurance first.

The second is Baptist Health. This is the healthcare system that Jacksonville residents encounter much more frequently in their daily lives.

Centered around Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville in downtown, it operates several hospitals and medical facilities, including Baptist Medical Center South, Beaches, and Nassau. With specialists and urgent care facilities located throughout the area, it's convenient to address everything from primary care to tests, surgeries, and hospitalizations within one healthcare network.

Notably, the Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville campus also houses Wolfson Children's Hospital, which is well-known for pediatric care. If you have children, it's good to know its location. It plays a crucial role in pediatric emergencies and specialized treatments in Jacksonville and northeastern Florida.

The third is UF Health Jacksonville. This university hospital, affiliated with the University of Florida, plays an important role in education, research, and the treatment of severe patients.

One key aspect to remember is trauma care. UF Health Jacksonville operates a Level I Trauma Center, specializing in the treatment of critically injured patients from severe traffic accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, and other life-threatening traumas. It has a much higher level of trauma care personnel and equipment compared to a typical emergency room.

Additionally, being a university hospital, it has various specialties and plays a significant role in treating complex conditions, severe patients, and clinical research. If you live in northern Jacksonville or downtown, you will likely encounter this hospital frequently.

Besides these, there is also Ascension St. Vincent's. It operates several hospitals and medical facilities in various areas, including St. Vincent's Riverside in Riverside, making it a commonly used option alongside Baptist depending on your location.

For pediatric care, it's also good to know about Nemours Children's Health. Nemours provides a range of pediatric specialty care in Jacksonville and is connected with Wolfson Children's Hospital. This is a place you may encounter when your child needs specialized care beyond general pediatrics.

However, in the U.S., just because there's a good hospital nearby doesn't mean you can go there without consideration. This is the biggest difference from Korea. You need to check your insurance network first. The out-of-pocket costs can vary significantly depending on whether the care is in-network or out-of-network, even for the same tests or treatments.

So, when moving to Jacksonville, I would suggest first selecting a nearby PCP, or primary care physician, from your insurance company's website. It's also helpful to know the locations of urgent care and emergency rooms close to home. If you go to a major hospital emergency room for a common cold or minor injury, you might end up waiting for hours and incurring significant costs.

Ultimately, the advantage of healthcare in Jacksonville is the abundance of options. For complex severe conditions, Mayo Clinic is a top choice; for general healthcare, Baptist Health is representative; and for severe trauma and university hospital care, UF Health is notable. With pediatric specialists and various local hospitals available, Jacksonville can be considered a city with a robust healthcare environment for families settling down.