U.S. News Ranks Scripps Hospitals No. 1 in San Diego Region

The combined medical programs of Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla rank No. 1 in the San Diego region for the third year in a row and are among the best in the nation in eight specialties, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Hospitals list, which was released today.

“Ranking No. 1 in San Diego and among the best in the nation, repeatedly, is a great honor and a testament to the highest-quality patient care and expertise provided by our hardworking physicians, nurses and staff,” said Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health. “While such recognition is celebrated by everyone here at Scripps, our patients are the real winners because they can take comfort in and benefit from access to outstanding health care right here in San Diego County.”

The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 30th year, recognize the nation’s top 50 hospitals that excel in treating patients with the most challenging health care needs. For 2019-2020, U.S. News evaluated hospitals in 16 adult specialties and ranked the nation’s top 50 hospitals in 12 of those specialties based largely on hard data.

The 4,653 hospitals that were analyzed by U.S. News & World Report represent virtually all U.S. community inpatient facilities. Only 165 (3 percent) of the hospitals analyzed were nationally ranked in at least one specialty.

The combined programs of Scripps La Jolla and Scripps Green hospitals (called “Scripps La Jolla Hospitals” on the list) were nationally ranked in eight specialties: Orthopedics (No. 11), Pulmonology (No. 12), Gynecology (No. 22), Gastroenterology and GI Surgery (No. 25), Cardiology and Heart Surgery (No. 29), Diabetes and Endocrinology (No. 31), Geriatrics (No. 36), and Neurology and Neurosurgery (No. 48).

This is the 15th year the Scripps cardiology and heart surgery program has made the U.S. News national ranking. Scripps offers exceptional quality care that often exceeds state averages in delivering evidence-based interventions. The Prebys Cardiovascular Institute at Scripps is the largest, most advanced center on the West Coast for cardiovascular medicine, research and training. Through a longtime partnership with Kaiser Permanente, Scripps also is the exclusive provider of cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology surgery to Kaiser Permanente members in the San Diego region.

Nationally ranked for the seventh consecutive year, Scripps hospitals are recognized for excellence in orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine and treatment of complex conditions. Treatment options include the latest FDA-approved technologies, devices and procedures at multiple locations throughout San Diego County. The Donald P. and Darlene Shiley Musculoskeletal Center on the campus of Scripps Green Hospital is home to advanced diagnostics, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation services, as well as orthopedic research and education.

Nationally ranked for the seventh consecutive year, Scripps gynecology programs are recognized for excellent results with high-risk patients, and patient survival rates. Scripps OB-GYN doctors provide excellent specialized services such as fertility clinics and genetic testing and counseling. The Scripps OB-GYN program includes 40 surgeons who perform a high rate of minimally invasive surgery, reducing patient complications and length of stay in the hospital. Gynecology patients consistently give Scripps high satisfaction scores for expertise, courtesy and friendliness.

Nationally ranked for the sixth consecutive year, Scripps diabetes programs include prevention, early intervention, education, treatment and technology to personalize diabetes care. Scripps is one of San Diego’s largest providers of the Diabetes Prevention Program, an intensive lifestyle intervention program directed at people with prediabetes. The Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute is a leader in diabetes studies and research. Scripps’ internationally recognized Project Dulce is a diabetes care and education program that addresses the needs of culturally diverse populations. These models have been the basis for programs throughout the world.

Nationally ranked for the sixth consecutive year, Scripps’ pulmonary medicine services include diagnosis and treatment options for routine and complex respiratory problems, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

Nationally ranked for the seventh consecutive year, Scripps is recognized for treating the most challenging digestive and liver problems as well as offering access to emerging therapies through clinical research. In 1990, Scripps established San Diego’s first liver transplant program and founded the Scripps Clinic Liver Disease Center, which is internationally recognized for research and treatment of people with chronic liver disease.

Nationally ranked for the seventh consecutive year, Scripps has more than 90 physicians whose specialties or areas of expertise include geriatric medicine. These physicians are skilled at providing care to older patients for a wide range of conditions associated with aging.

Scripps neurology and neurosurgery programs are recognized for excellence in treating a range of neurological conditions. From stroke care, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease to traumatic brain injuries, Scripps’ neurological specialists use the most advanced technology and treatment methods. All five Scripps Health hospital campuses have earned the Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for delivering high-quality, life-saving stroke care. Scripps neurosurgeons are recognized experts in brain surgery and combine advanced techniques with state-of-the-art technology, including minimally invasive brain surgery treatments.