If you are considering retiring in San Diego, don’t let the fear of leaving your current doctor hold you back from moving to San Diego. You’ll definitely find excellent services and top-notch medical professionals with specialties among the best in the U.S. The region is known as a leader and innovator in healthcare. San Diego has 25 hospitals and more than 26,000 health and social assistance facilities, employing over 140,000 people. San Diego is home to some of the best ranked hospitals in the nation, and others with excellent regional rankings.
The Best Hospitals and Medical Centers
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2015/2016 rankings, San Diego has many of the best healthcare providers. Every year, multiple facilities receive top rankings. Ratings are based on critical criteria and patient outcomes.
#1 University of California San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center
A general medical, surgical, and trauma center, the UC San Diego Health System is a hospital and healthcare system associated with the university. With 685 doctors, it is the number one ranked hospital in the San Diego metro region and ranked nationally in 12 adult specialties including:
• Cardiology and heart surgery – 24th
• Cancer – 23rd
• Diabetes and Endocrinology – 31st
• Ear, nose and throat – 33rd
• Gastroenterology and G.I. surgery – 24th
• Geriatrics – 18th
• Nephrology – 20th
• Neurology and neurosurgery – 22nd • Orthopedics – 31st
• Pulmonology – 6th
• Urology – 25th
• Gynecology – 44th
Currently there are four hospitals in the UCSD health system, with 10 outpatient clinic locations in the San Diego region.
In 2016, UCSD Health System opened the Jacobs Medical Center, the largest new hospital development in Southern California. The 10-story La Jolla location will be home to three specialty facilities: Hospital for Cancer Care, Advanced Surgery Center and Hospital for Women and Infants.
The UCSD health system was also awarded “Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence” by Healthgrades, placing it among the top 5% of U.S. hospitals.
It also earned an “A” rating for the third time in “Hospital Safety Score” from the Leapfrog Group, and their annual hospital rankings for keeping patients safe from preventable and medical errors.
Source http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressrelease/uc_san_diego_health_system_top_ranked_by_healthgrades
#2 – Scripps La Jolla Hospitals and Clinics
A general medical, surgical and trauma center in La Jolla, with 777 doctors, it’s ranked 2nd regionally and nationally ranked in 8 categories including:
• Diabetes and Endocrinology – 13th
• Ear, nose and throat – 37th
• Geriatrics – 31st
• Gynecology – 14th
• Orthopedics – 23rd
• Pulmonology – 22nd
• Gastroenterology and G.I. surgery – 35th
• Cardiology and heart surgery – 19th
#3 – Scripps Mercy Hospital
The 3rd ranked, general medical, surgical and trauma center in San Diego, with 533 doctors. Its ranked 42nd nationally for diabetes and endocrinology, and scores very high in 3 other specialties.
It has 5 hospital campuses, 11 clinics and 12 medical center sites throughout San Diego.
#4 – Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center
The 4th ranked regional general medical, surgical, and trauma center. It has 58 doctors and focuses on 11 adult specialty areas. It also has high performance ratings in 3 areas including: pulmonary disease, heart failure and knee replacement.
Kaiser also has 20 clinics spread around San Diego.
#5 – Sharp Grossmont Hospital
Located in La Mesa, Sharp is the 5th ranked regional hospital and general medical, surgical and trauma center. With 623 doctors, it performs highly in pulmonary disease and hip- replacement procedures, and is also a highly accredited rehabilitation facility.
The Sharp Healthcare Network has 4 acute care hospitals, 5 urgent care centers and several other service facilities in the San Diego area.
Rady Children’s Hospital
A general children’s hospital and trauma center, is the 6th largest children’s hospital in the U.S. and has 377 hospital beds. It’s nationally ranked in 10 categories:
• Orthopedics – 2nd
• Cancer – 25th
• Cardiology & Heart surgery – 35th
• Diabetes & Endocrinology – 15th
• Gastroenterology and G.I. surgery – 37th
• Neonatology – 25th
• Nephrology – 38th
• Neurology and neurosurgery –19th • Pulmonology – 33rd
• Urology – 37th
Source – http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/san-diego-ca
Tri-City Medical Center
Serves the coastal communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista with a hospital nearby, wellness center and outpatient services.
Palomar Health System – in north county San Diego is the largest hospital district in California, covering 850 mi.2
The Palomar Medical Center
A billion-dollar hospital in Escondido, ranked the fifth most technologically advanced hospital in the world.
Source: www.sandiegobusiness.org/industry/healthcare
Excerpt from our Ebook Choosing Where to Retire: Why Not San Diego – Chapter 4 – Excellent Healthcare Facilities