Healthcare in Sacramento Valley
Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, DavisPopulation: ~3.5M4 Health Systems
Sacramento's healthcare is led by UC Davis Medical Center, the region's only academic medical center and Level I trauma center. Sutter and Dignity Health provide strong community alternatives.
Healthcare Landscape
UC Davis is the clear leader for complex care and trauma, while Sutter Sacramento and Kaiser serve the majority of routine and preventive care needs. The region is somewhat underserved compared to the Bay Area.
Key Considerations
- ✓UC Davis is the only academic medical center in the Central Valley
- ✓Sutter Medical Center Sacramento is the main community hospital alternative
- ✓Kaiser Sacramento serves a large membership base
- ✓May need Bay Area referrals for highly specialized care
Compare Health Systems
Click any health system for detailed information, or compare them side-by-side below.
Top Specialties
Trauma (Level I - only in region)Cancer (NCI-designated)Children's HospitalBurn center
Highlights
- ✓Only Level I trauma & burn center between SF and Oregon
- ✓UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
- ✓UC Davis Children's Hospital
Best For
- +Trauma and severe injuries
- +Complex cancer cases
- +Pediatric specialty care
Considerations
- !Not as highly ranked nationally as UCSF or UCLA
- !May refer ultra-complex cases to Bay Area
Top Specialties
Cardiac careCancer (Sutter Cancer Centers)OrthopedicsStroke care
Highlights
- ✓Part of Sutter Health network
- ✓Comprehensive cardiac program
- ✓Certified stroke center
Best For
- +Routine to moderately complex care
- +Cardiac surgery and interventions
- +Maternity services
Considerations
- !Not academic - UC Davis for complex cases
- !Insurance limitations within Sutter network
Top Specialties
Primary carePreventive medicineChronic disease managementMental health
Highlights
- ✓Major Kaiser presence in Sacramento
- ✓Multiple facilities throughout region
- ✓Strong preventive care programs
Best For
- +Kaiser members
- +Preventive care
- +Chronic disease management
Considerations
- !Kaiser network only
- !Complex cases referred to UC Davis
Top Specialties
Cardiac care (Mercy Heart & Vascular Institute)CancerOrthopedicsStroke care
Highlights
- ✓Mercy Heart & Vascular Institute
- ✓Part of CommonSpirit Health
- ✓Strong cardiac surgery program
Best For
- +Cardiac care
- +Community hospital needs
- +Patients with Dignity Health insurance
Considerations
- !Not academic
- !Smaller than UC Davis or Sutter
Quick Comparison
| Health System | Type | Beds | Ranking | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC Davis Medical Center | academic | 649 | #7 in CA | Trauma and severe injuries |
| Sutter Medical Center Sacramento | nonprofit | 513 | #18 in CA | Routine to moderately complex care |
| Kaiser Sacramento | hmo | 291 | — | Kaiser members |
| Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital | nonprofit | 315 | #22 in CA | Cardiac care |
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