U.S. News Ranks Scripps Hospitals No. 1 in San Diego Region for 2020-2021

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

“Repeating as the top-ranked health system in the San Diego region is only possible because the hardworking physicians, nurses and staff members at Scripps deliver the highest-quality of care and expertise to our patients every single day,” said Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health. “We are especially proud of this honor which comes during a time when everyone at Scripps has worked hard to provide the best care possible while navigating some of the most challenging conditions we’ve ever experienced.” 

The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 31st year, recognize the nation’s top 50 hospitals that excel in treating patients with the most challenging health care needs. For 2020-2021, U.S. News evaluated hospitals in 16 specialties and ranked the nation’s top 50 hospitals in 12 of those specialties based largely on hard data.

The 4,500 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 seven specialties: Orthopedics (No. 10), Cardiology and Heart Surgery (No. 30), Gynecology (No. 31), Urology (No. 32), Gastroenterology and GI Surgery (No. 41), Neurology and Neurosurgery (No. 48), and Geriatrics (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 and now among the top 10 programs in the country, 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.

Scripps urologists have a wide range of clinical expertise and utilize advanced diagnostic tools to treat routine and complex urinary conditions, including cancers of the prostate, kidney and bladder. Urologic surgeons offer progressive treatment methods, including minimally invasive and robot-assisted procedures. These surgical treatments feature smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and risk of infection, and shorter recovery periods.

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.