Mayo Clinic generally has higher patient satisfaction and a broader range of specialties, while Northwestern Memorial Hospital is recognized for its location in downtown Chicago and research involvement. Both are highly ranked hospitals with some reported issues regarding wait times and communication.
| Attribute | Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) | Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL) |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty areas offered | 62 primary specialties, including Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology (GI) & GI Surgery, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, Ear, Nose & Throat, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, Urology, Cancer, Cardiology and Heart & Vascular Surgery, Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Rheumatology, and specialized care for women. | Nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties including cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and GI surgery, geriatrics, neurology and neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pulmonology and lung surgery, and urology. |
| Patient satisfaction ratings | Overall rating of 95 out of 100. 96 out of 100 patients would recommend. Five-star ratings from CMS for Overall Hospital Quality. | Healthgrades gives it an 81% patient experience rating, which is 15% higher than the national average. The Illinois Hospital Report Card indicates that 81% of patients would recommend the hospital, 14% higher than the state average. |
| Appointment wait times | Specific wait times can be obtained by contacting the Appointment Office at 507-538-3270. | Some consumer reviews mention long wait times in the emergency room. |
| Insurance acceptance | Arrangements with many insurers, including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and various HMOs. Contact Patient Account Services to confirm specific coverage. | Accepts a wide variety of commercial insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Anthem, and Blue Choice Preferred PPO. They also participate in traditional Medicare and Medicaid, as well as various managed care options. |
| Location and accessibility | Rochester, Minnesota, about 90 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Rochester International Airport (RST) is about 10 miles away. Accessible via pedestrian subways, skyways, and intercampus shuttles. Most hotels offer free weekday shuttle service. | Located on Northwestern University's Chicago campus in Streeterville. Address: 251 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. Accessible via public transit, including a CTA bus interchange. Parking is available at discounted rates for patients and visitors. |
| Physician expertise and qualifications | Over 5,104 providers across 62 primary specialties. Staff is recognized for expertise and compassionate care. | Over 1,900 physicians on staff, many holding faculty appointments with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. |
| Technology and equipment available | Known for introducing new technologies to improve patient care. Dedicated Center for Innovation. | Utilizes cutting-edge medical technologies and treatment protocols, including robotic surgery and stem cell therapy. |
| Research and innovation involvement | Involved in over 12,000 clinical studies. Mayo Clinic Research Innovation supports technological innovations. | Heavily involved in research and innovation. In 2018, hospital-based research funding topped $484 million. |
| Hospital affiliations | Includes Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital and Mayo Clinic Psychiatric Hospital. | Flagship campus for Northwestern Medicine and the primary teaching hospital for the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Affiliated institutions include the Lurie Children's Hospital and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. |
| Cost and payment options | Provides cost estimates and financial assistance options. Offers a 6% discount to uninsured patients and free on-site financial counseling. | The cost of care depends on the patient's insurance plan, deductibles, and co-payments. Financial assistance options may be available. |
| Patient support services | Concierge services, social work, spiritual and religious services, and patient education. Office of Patient Experience addresses compliments, concerns, or suggestions. | Offers various patient support services, including patient advocates and resources for education and support. |
| Overall reputation and rankings | Consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the U.S. and the world by U.S. News & World Report. Recognized for high-quality patient care and safety. | Consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the nation. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it as the #1 hospital in Illinois for 14 consecutive years. In 2025-2026, it was ranked #11 nationally. It has also received Magnet recognition for nursing excellence. |
| Overall Quality of Care | Patient experience score of 4 out of 5 stars. | 70% of consumer reviews gave a 'superior' overall rating. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |