Highlands Lake Center

Highlands Lake Center is a skilled nursing facility located at 4240 Lakeland Highlands Rd in Lakeland, Florida, within Polk County. The facility operates with 179 certified beds and is classified as a for-profit corporation. It is certified to accept both Medicare and Medicaid residents. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services assigns Highlands Lake Center an overall star rating of 2 out of 5, which falls below the national average. The health inspection rating stands at 2 out of 5, reflecting findings from recent state and federal inspection cycles. The staffing rating is 3 out of 5, placing it at the national average in terms of nurse and staff hours per resident. The quality measure rating is 4 out of 5, indicating performance above the national average on clinical outcome indicators tracked by CMS. These ratings are derived from inspection reports, staffing data, and quality measure calculations submitted to and verified by CMS. The facility maintains an active status with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Highlands Lake Center accepts both Medicare and Medicaid as payment sources, making it accessible to residents who rely on federal or state insurance programs for their care. Individuals and families researching payment options should contact the facility directly at (863) 646-8699 to obtain current information regarding private pay rates, insurance acceptance, and bed availability under specific payer types. When compared to Florida state averages, Highlands Lake Center presents a mixed profile across the four CMS rating categories. Florida nursing facilities carry a statewide average overall rating that generally aligns with national benchmarks, and a 2-star overall rating places this facility below that threshold. The 2-star health inspection rating similarly falls below what is typical for Florida facilities in aggregate. The 3-star staffing rating is consistent with the midpoint seen across the state. The 4-star quality measure rating is a notable distinction, as it reflects above-average performance on clinical metrics such as hospitalization rates, medication management, and functional outcomes. Prospective residents and their families are encouraged to review the full CMS Nursing Home Care Compare profile alongside AHCA inspection reports to develop a complete picture of facility performance over time.