Healthcare in Los Angeles Metro
Los Angeles, Pasadena, Long Beach, GlendalePopulation: ~10M4 Health Systems
Los Angeles has one of the most competitive healthcare markets in the nation, with two Honor Roll hospitals (UCLA and Cedars-Sinai), plus USC Keck and numerous other excellent options. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming.
Healthcare Landscape
UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai are both world-class, with UCLA exceling in academic medicine and Cedars known for celebrity-quality care. USC Keck is strong in research. Providence and other systems serve various communities across the sprawling metro.
Key Considerations
- ✓UCLA and Cedars-Sinai are both excellent - choice may depend on location
- ✓UCLA is stronger in research and academic medicine
- ✓Cedars-Sinai is known for concierge-level service
- ✓USC Keck is underrated and offers excellent specialty care
- ✓Traffic means location matters - choose the closer excellent option
Compare Health Systems
Click any health system for detailed information, or compare them side-by-side below.
Top Specialties
ENT (#2 nationally)Pulmonology (#4 nationally)Diabetes & Endocrinology (#5 nationally)Ophthalmology (#5 nationally)
Highlights
- ✓36 consecutive years on Honor Roll (longest streak)
- ✓10 specialties ranked in national top 10
- ✓Top medical school (David Geffen School of Medicine)
Best For
- +Complex conditions requiring subspecialist expertise
- +Rare diseases and diagnostically challenging cases
- +Organ transplants
Considerations
- !Westwood location means significant traffic
- !Very high costs for out-of-network
Top Specialties
Cardiology & Heart Surgery (#6 nationally)Gastroenterology (#7 nationally)Diabetes & Endocrinology (#9 nationally)Orthopedics (#10 nationally)
Highlights
- ✓10 consecutive years on Honor Roll
- ✓8 consecutive 5-star CMS ratings
- ✓Known for celebrity and VIP care
Best For
- +Heart disease and cardiac surgery
- +GI conditions and liver disease
- +Patients who value concierge-level service
Considerations
- !Very expensive for out-of-network patients
- !Can feel commercial compared to academic centers
Top Specialties
Cancer (NCI-designated)UrologyENTOphthalmology
Highlights
- ✓USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
- ✓Pioneer in organ transplantation
- ✓Strong urology program
Best For
- +Cancer treatment (especially urologic cancers)
- +Patients affiliated with USC
- +Those seeking academic medicine at potentially lower cost than UCLA
Considerations
- !Downtown LA location can be challenging
- !Less name recognition than UCLA or Cedars
Top Specialties
Cancer (John Wayne Cancer Institute)OrthopedicsCardiac careSpine surgery
Highlights
- ✓John Wayne Cancer Institute on campus
- ✓Santa Monica beachside location
- ✓High patient satisfaction
Best For
- +Westside residents wanting excellent local care
- +Cancer patients (John Wayne Cancer Institute)
- +Those seeking smaller, more personal setting
Considerations
- !Smaller than UCLA or Cedars for complex cases
- !Limited Level I trauma capability
Quick Comparison
| Health System | Type | Beds | Ranking | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCLA Medical Center | academic | 520 | #6 nationally (US News 2024-25) | Complex conditions requiring subspecialist expertise |
| Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | nonprofit | 915 | #8 nationally (US News 2024-25) | Heart disease and cardiac surgery |
| Keck Medical Center of USC | academic | 401 | #5 in CA | Cancer treatment (especially urologic cancers) |
| Providence Saint John's Health Center | nonprofit | 266 | #18 in CA | Westside residents wanting excellent local care |
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