U.S. News Ranks Scripps Health No. 1 for Heart Care and Orthopedics in San Diego Region

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Scripps Health’s cardiology program and orthopedics program the best in the San Diego region and named Scripps among the nation’s best in six specialties in the magazine’s annual “Best Hospitals” list.

The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in its 35th year, recognize the nation’s top 50 hospitals that excel in treating patients with the most challenging health care needs. U.S. News evaluates hospitals in 15 adult specialties and 20 common procedures and conditions. Of the nearly 5,000 hospitals evaluated this year, only 11% earned a Best Hospitals ranking.

“These national rankings are a testament to the skill and dedication of our physicians, nurses and other employees who deliver the best possible care to all of our patients every single day,” said Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder. “They also highlight the resilience of Scripps to weather the storm of challenges that continue to confront health care providers.”

The combined programs of Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla — listed by the magazine as “Scripps La Jolla Hospitals” — are among the nation’s top 50 hospitals in:

• Cardiology (No. 23)
• Orthopedics (No. 28)
• Gastroenterology and GI Surgery (No. 34)
• Diabetes and Endocrinology (No. 38)
• Geriatrics (No. 39)
• Obstetrics and Gynecology (No. 41)

Heart care 

This is the 19th year the Scripps heart program has made the U.S. News national ranking. Scripps is a leading provider of exceptional quality heart care throughout San Diego. The Prebys Cardiovascular Institute at Scripps is one of the largest, most advanced centers 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. 

Orthopedics

Nationally ranked for the 11th 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. Scientists at Scripps Clinic’s Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education (SCORE) are on the leading edge in developing artificial cartilage, testing new devices and surgical techniques, and conducting publicly and privately funded clinical research to support the highest possible level of orthopedic care.

Gastroenterology and GI Surgery

Nationally ranked for the 11th 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.

Diabetes

Scripps diabetes programs include prevention, early intervention, education, treatment and technology to personalize diabetes care. 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. Scripps is one of the largest providers in the national Diabetes Prevention Program in San Diego County, an intensive lifestyle intervention program directed at people with prediabetes.

Geriatrics

Nationally ranked for the 10th time, 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.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Nationally ranked for the 11th consecutive year, Scripps obstetrics and gynecology programs are recognized for excellent results with high-risk patients, and for patient survival rates. Scripps OB-GYN doctors provide excellent specialized services such as minimally invasive surgery — including robotic surgery — and advanced clinical technology. 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.

And for the first time, U.S. News honored Scripps Mercy Hospital among hospitals across the country rated as the “Best for Equitable Access” for providing high quality care and achieving excellent outcomes among vulnerable patient populations in historically underserved communities.