Lakeway Regional Medical Center exceeding expectations, officials say

After more than eight months of operation, Lakeway Regional Medical Center has performed better than officials expected.

Since opening, the medical staff at the 274,500-square-foot facility has treated more than 5,500 people, with another 3,000 going through the emergency room as of Oct. 30, something LRMC CEO David Kreye attributes to a growing need for medical care in the area.

"I think there was a bigger need out here than anyone ever imagined," Kreye said. "When you think about all the new rooftops within 5, 8 or even 10 miles of the facility, there is a huge need. We've been pleasantly surprised by the community's support."

The hospital, located at 100 Medical Parkway in Lakeway, has exceeded expectations in the number of patients treated in both outpatient and emergency room visits, and data shows it has received patient satisfaction past the 70th percentile, Kreye said.

"We are just grateful that we are here to serve the community when they need us," Kreye said.

The better-than-expected patient numbers have put the medical center in a position to think about expansion sooner than expected.

"This really puts us ahead of schedule," Kreye said. "Especially if you think about all the development that is planned along the [Hwy.] 71 corridor."

LRMC is not currently planning any major additions but is staying focused on providing the highest-quality care available, Kreye said. While the medical center has no immediate plans of building expansion, the facility could add up to 40 more beds in a short time.

LRMC was built with six floors, and the top floor is currently used for storage purposes, Kreye said. If the need arose, the facility could add the beds quickly to handle the demand.