UCSD Medical Center, Scripps La Jolla Top Local & State Hospital Rankings

UCSD Medical Center in Hillcrest was named the best hospital in San Diego on Tuesday in U.S. News & World Report's 24th annual rankings of medical facilities around the country.

The 530-bed facility is the fifth best in California, according to the publication.

UCSD Medical Center appeared in national rankings in 10 specialties: pulmonology, 9th; nephrology, 17th; geriatrics, 20th; and urology 22nd.

"Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top hospital both locally and nationally reflects the extraordinary talents and expertise of our doctors, nurses and staff," said Paul Viviano, CEO of the UC San Diego Health System.

"As the region's only academic health system, we are devoted to offering an unparalleled quality of care and demonstrably superior clinical results based on a philosophy of care that puts patients first," Viviano said. "Our vision for the community is to create a healthier world—one life at a time—through new science, new medicine and new cures."

Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla was ranked second in San Diego and sixth in the state by the magazine.

The 351-bed facility was ranked 20th best in the U.S. for cardiology and heart surgery.

"These rankings further validate that Scripps is a world-class medical institution, whose physicians and staff provide our patients  excellent care," said Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health president and CEO.

"This is the ninth year that Scripps has received a national ranking in heart care from U.S. News and we are especially proud to be listed this year among the top 20 in the nation, which is an indication that we continue to improve our standing among the best in the nation," Van Gorder said.

Scripps Mercy Hospital was listed third-best in the region and 16th in the state, while Sharp Memorial was fourth and 25th, respectively.

U.S. News & World Report named Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore as the best in the country, while Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center was listed as best in California.

The magazine surveyed 5,000 medical facilities around the country and provided rankings in 16 specialties.

-City News Service