Both Cleveland Clinic and Massachusetts General Hospital are highly reputable medical institutions with strengths in various areas. Cleveland Clinic stands out for its quick appointment availability and financial assistance options, while Massachusetts General Hospital is notable for its nursing care and physician qualifications. However, potential patients should consider the reported long wait times at Massachusetts General Hospital and the new copay policy at Cleveland Clinic when making their decision.
| Attribute | Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH) | Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall patient satisfaction rating | 4.8 out of 5, based on 823,272 reviews | 84% patient experience rating (Healthgrades). 86% gave a "superior" overall rating. |
| Specialty focus and expertise | Highly ranked in cardiology and heart surgery. Nationally ranked in 14 adult and 10 children's specialties. Focus on heart and vascular, digestive disease, neurosciences, and orthopedics. Offers a wide range of medical subspecialties. | Known for its expertise in a wide range of specialties, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and surgery. It is a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School. |
| Availability of advanced medical technology | Known for technological advances, including innovative laser and robotic surgery. Pioneered coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Utilizes AI in areas like stroke intervention, surgical planning, and drug discovery. | The hospital is recognized for contributions to the development and refinement of information technology for clinical care, research, and education. |
| Insurance coverage acceptance | Accepts a wide variety of insurance plans, including group health plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. Also accepts some exchange health plans. A new copay policy effective June 1, 2025, requires payment at check-in for nonemergency outpatient services for commercially insured and Medicare Advantage patients, but appointments will not be canceled if patients cannot pay immediately and a 0% interest payment plan will be offered. | Massachusetts General Hospital accepts most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, it is important to verify coverage specifics with your insurance provider prior to receiving care. |
| Wait times for appointments | Many consultants have availability for appointments within 48 hours. | Some patients report long wait times in the emergency department. In January 2024, some patients reported waiting up to 13 hours to be seen. A main blood lab at MGH, which services all MGH patients, often has wait times of 1-2 hours. |
| Location and accessibility | Main campus is located at 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195. | The main campus is located at 55 Fruit Street in Boston, MA. It is accessible by public transportation via the MBTA Red Line at Charles/MGH station. The hospital offers accessible entrances, parking, and shuttle services. |
| Quality of nursing care | 78% of patients reported that their nurses "Always" communicated well. | The hospital has received recognition for the quality of nursing care. One study found that nursing staff received the highest percentage of positive comments, with patients citing advocacy, communication, and respect as outstanding qualities. |
| Physician qualifications and experience | Physician-led group practice. Attracts top physicians in their fields. 81% of patients reported that their doctors "Always" communicated well. | Physicians at Mass General are board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics and/ or geriatrics and serve on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. |
| Cost of services and payment options | Provides price lists for Ohio hospitals. Has a cost estimator tool. Payment options include online, phone, and in-person payments. Offers financial assistance to those who qualify. | Massachusetts General Hospital is committed to price transparency. Patients can contact Patient Billing Solutions or use an online tool to view a cost estimate of common health care services. |
| Hospital readmission rates | Monitors 30-day readmission rates. | In 2017, MGH found that units using ARNs saw a 3% drop in readmissions in the first year. |
| Patient safety record | Committed to patient safety. Focuses on preventing infections and reducing harm from falls. Uses electronic medical records to improve safety and meet safety goals. | The hospital has received awards related to patient safety. Mass General Brigham is striving for the highest quality and safest experience for every patient. |
| Availability of clinical trials | Conducts more than 8,000 clinical trials. | Massachusetts General Hospital conducts a wide variety of clinical trials and studies to advance research and develop new treatments. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |