Both Massachusetts General Hospital and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are top-tier hospitals with strengths in research, patient care, and advanced technologies. MGH stands out for its larger research program and Harvard affiliation, while Cedars-Sinai is notable for its focus on patient experience and continuous improvement based on feedback. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences, as both offer excellent medical care.
| Attribute | Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts) | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, California) |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Size (Number of Beds) | Approximately 997-1,080 staffed beds | 915 beds (other sources mention 877 or 886 beds) |
| Specialty Focus | Offers care in virtually every specialty and subspecialty of medicine and surgery; known for innovations in cancer, digestive disorders, neurosciences, heart disease, orthopedics, transplantation, urologic diseases, and trauma care; dedicated Mass General for Children | Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Cancer Treatment, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology and GI Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Gynecology, Urology, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Transplantation Services, Women's Health, Pediatric Care |
| Teaching Hospital Affiliation | Original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School | Affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA |
| Research Funding and Activity | Largest hospital-based research program in the United States; $1.2 billion annual research budget in 2021; $1.57 billion total research operations in 2024 | Total research expenditure in 2020–21 was $252 million. In fiscal year 2021, Cedars-Sinai received $93 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Burns and Allen Research Institute oversees translational and clinical research. They have more than 2,100 active research projects. |
| Patient Satisfaction Scores | Patients rate experiences very highly; received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades | Analyzes 300,000 feedback surveys per year and implements changes based on the findings. Improvements in HCAHPS scores in their Emergency Department. Patient experience is highly rated, with a focus on compassionate care and personalized services. Consistently recognized for patient experience, achieving high performance ratings. |
| Mortality Rates for Key Procedures | Better than Expected or As Expected for Heart Failure and Heart Attack treatments; Better than Expected for Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery and Bowel Obstruction | Mortality rates have remained among the lowest in the U.S. |
| Infection Rates | Committed to reducing CAUTI; aim to achieve zero CLABSI; low rates of CAUTI and CLABSI following major head and neck flap surgeries | Magnet hospitals tend to have lower infection rates. |
| Availability of Advanced Technologies | Utilizes advanced technologies such as CAR T-cell therapy and proton therapy | Known for its advanced technology and facilities. Focuses on technologically advanced medical education. Research includes areas like Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. |
| Insurance Coverage Acceptance | Accepts most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid | Contracted with more than 100 types of insurance plans. Accepts private insurance, HMO, PPO, POS, EPO, Medicare, and Medi-Cal plans. It is important to verify if Cedars-Sinai physicians are included in specific restricted provider networks. |
| Accessibility and Location Convenience | Located at 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114; easily accessible by car, public transportation, or on foot; accessible parking and shuttle services | Located in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles. Easily accessible by car or public transportation. Offers ample parking and wheelchair accessibility. |
| Availability of Multilingual Staff | Multilingual staff with experience treating diverse populations; offers medical interpreter services at no cost | Offers multilingual staff and interpreter services. |
| Awards and Recognition | Magnet Status (first hospital in Massachusetts to achieve); designated as a Top Hospital for patient safety and healthcare quality practices by The Leapfrog Group; consistently recognized as one of America's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Healthgrades awards include America's 250 Best Hospitals Award and Surgical Care Excellence Award | Magnet designation for nursing excellence (six consecutive designations). Ranked among the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Multiple National Institutes of Health grants for research programs. Tied for #1 in California and Los Angeles in U.S. News & World Report's 'Best Hospitals 2024-25'. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Patients rate their experiences very highly, with nearly all indicating they would recommend the hospital to others. | Patient experience at Cedars-Sinai is highly rated, with a focus on compassionate care and personalized services. Consistently recognized for patient experience, achieving high performance ratings. High overall rating from patients. |