Both UCLA Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital are top-tier medical institutions with strengths in various areas. UCLA Medical Center stands out for its consistent high rankings, patient satisfaction in Los Angeles, and wide network of locations. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is notable for its high patient recommendation rate, advanced technology, and strong research programs. The choice between the two depends on individual needs and priorities, such as location, specific medical specialties, and insurance coverage.
| Attribute | UCLA Medical Center | Northwestern Memorial Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Ranking (US News & World Report) | UCLA Health hospitals have consistently ranked among the top 10 in the U.S. for over 30 years. In 2022-2023, it was #5 in the nation and #2 in California. U.S. News & World Report no longer includes an ordinal ranking. | #1 hospital in Illinois for 13 years, #9 in the nation in 2022, recognized as a 'Best Hospital', nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties |
| Specialty Services Offered | Wide array of specialty services including cancer care, cardiology, neurology, and surgery. Highly ranked in 14 out of 15 adult specialties. Specialty care includes Allergy/Immunology, Cardiology, Dermatology, ENT, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Infectious Disease, Nephrology, Neurology, OB/GYN, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Pulmonary, Rheumatology, Surgery, and Urology. Primary care, immediate care, and specialty care services across Southern California and the Central Coast. | Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Cancer, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Gastroenterology and GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Urology, Pulmonology and Lung Surgery, Ear, Nose, and Throat, Heart and Vascular Care, Women's Health |
| Patient Satisfaction Scores | Ranked as the top hospital for patient satisfaction in Los Angeles, receiving four out of five stars based on HCAHPS survey data. In 2023, UCLA Health hospitals were among the top 15% in the nation for patient experience. | 4 out of 5 stars patient experience rating, 81% of patients would recommend (15% higher than state average) |
| Hospital Size (Number of Beds) | Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center has 520 inpatient beds. UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital has 131 beds. Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA has 74 beds. UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica has 281 inpatient beds. UCLA West Valley Medical Center has 260 beds. | 894 inpatient beds, 943 beds total, 139 ICU beds |
| Technology and Equipment | One of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the world. Has 25 operating rooms. | Da Vinci Surgical System for robotic surgeries, Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) systems, bar code medication administration (BCMA) systems |
| Research and Innovation Programs | Research centers covering nearly all major specialties of medicine, nursing, and dentistry. Conducts research for a wide range of medical disorders and offers opportunities to participate in clinical trials. Known for its innovative approach to healthcare, integrating cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. | $484 million in hospital-based research funding (as of 2018), fosters academic inquiry and innovative research |
| Teaching Hospital Affiliation | Primary teaching hospital for the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the UCLA School of Nursing. | Primary teaching hospital for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine |
| Insurance Accepted | Accepts Medicare and private indemnity insurance. They participate in over 100 local and national managed care networks, including HMO, PPO, and Medicare Advantage plans. Specific accepted plans include Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Health Net of California, and UnitedHealthcare. | Details available on hospital's website or by contacting billing department |
| Location and Accessibility | The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is located in Westwood, Los Angeles, California. UCLA Health has numerous locations across Southern California and the Central Coast. | 251 East Huron Street, Chicago, Illinois, located on Northwestern University's Chicago campus in Streeterville, accessible via public transit |
| Emergency Room Wait Times | Emergency Room wait time for non-life-threatening conditions is about 2-6 hours. | Not available |
| Infection Rates | Hospitals are compared to the number of infections expected, given the number of patients they care for. The Leapfrog Group provides a standardized infection ratio (SIR). Specific infection rates (Central line-associated bloodstream infections, Catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Surgical site infections, etc.) are tracked. | SIR is 0.676, 15 MRSA bloodstream infections in 2023, 76 CDI infections in 2023, 23 CLABSIs in adult ICUs in 2023, 2 Neonatal ICU CLABSIs in 2023 |
| Awards and Accreditations | America's 50 Best Hospitals Award and America's 100 Best Hospitals Award . Accredited by The Joint Commission since 1966. "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader" designation. Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence. | Magnet recognition for nursing excellence, Top Performer on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission, America's 250 Best Hospitals Award , Outstanding Patient Experience Award , 5-star rating from CMS |