HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has earned national recognition for orthopedic surgery excellence and patient safety, landing among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for orthopedic services.

• The hospital received the 2025 Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award and was named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery, marking its fourth consecutive year earning this distinction.
• Additionally, the facility earned an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization focused on patient safety.

“Our hospital is a national leader in quality care because of our incredible team and their singular focus on providing exceptional, compassionate care for every patient,” said Dr. Dan Hagler, chief medical officer at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital.

The Leapfrog Group’s assessment considered more than 30 performance measures in assigning the “A” grade. “It reflects enormous dedication to your patients and their families, and your whole community should be proud,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.

Dr. Brad Bowman, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades, praised the hospital’s consistent performance across multiple specialties.

• “The leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to clinical excellence at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital sets a high mark for specialty care in Florida and nationwide.”

The hospital also received recognition for excellence in several other areas, including cardiac care, vascular procedures, and gastrointestinal services. Notable achievements include five-star ratings for heart failure treatment, carotid surgery, gallbladder removal surgery, and sepsis treatment.

The facility was also named among the top 10% of hospitals nationally for surgical care, receiving the 2025 Healthgrades Surgical Care Excellence Award.

For specific specialty achievements, the hospital maintained its five-star ratings in multiple orthopedic procedures, including total knee replacement, hip fracture treatment, and spinal fusion surgery.