Hospitals in California
Overview and quality data
California is served by 378 Medicare-certified hospitals providing inpatient and outpatient care including emergency services, surgery, and specialized treatment programs. These facilities are spread across 235 cities, with Los Angeles having the largest concentration at 19 facilities. Other major cities include San Francisco (13) and Sacramento (10).
The average quality rating for hospitals in California is 3.0 out of 5 stars — below the national average of 3.1. 96 facilities (36%) earned 4 stars or higher, and 25 achieved a perfect 5-star rating.
285 hospitals (75%) offer emergency services. The majority are acute care hospitals (277), with 38 critical access hospitals serving rural communities.
Browse by City
235 cities with hospitals in California
What to Look For
Key factors when choosing a hospital in California
CMS Quality Rating
CMS rates hospitals 1-5 stars based on mortality, safety, readmission, patient experience, and timely care. Prioritize hospitals with 4 or more stars.
Emergency Services
Check if the hospital has a 24/7 emergency department. For specialized needs, look for trauma center designations or stroke center certifications.
Specialty Services
Ensure the hospital offers the care you need — cardiac surgery, cancer treatment, orthopedics, maternity, or other specialized programs.
Patient Safety Record
Review safety scores for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), surgical complications, and other preventable adverse events tracked by CMS.
Insurance Acceptance
Verify the hospital accepts your insurance plan and is in-network. All listed hospitals are Medicare-certified, but commercial insurance coverage varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
About hospitals in California
How many hospitals are in California?
California has 378 Medicare-certified hospitals across 235 cities. Los Angeles has the most with 19.
Which cities in California have the most hospitals?
The top cities are Los Angeles (19), San Francisco (13), Sacramento (10), San Diego (9), Bakersfield (6).
What is the average quality rating in California?
The average CMS rating for hospitals in California is 3.0 out of 5 stars, below the national average of 3.1. 25 facilities earned a perfect 5-star rating. 36% scored 4 stars or higher.
What should I look for when choosing a hospital?
Key factors include cms quality rating, emergency services, specialty services. Visit our individual facility pages for detailed quality data and CMS ratings.
Are all hospitals listed here Medicare-certified?
Yes. Every facility on OurHealthNetwork is certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Our data comes directly from CMS Hospital Compare and is updated regularly.
Does Medicare cover hospital care?
Medicare covers hospital services for eligible beneficiaries. Coverage details vary by service type and facility. Check with the specific facility and your Medicare plan for coverage details.
How often is CMS Hospital Compare data updated?
CMS typically updates hospital quality data quarterly. Our database reflects the most recent CMS release, refreshed periodically.
Can I compare hospitals across cities in California?
Yes. Click any city below to view hospitals in that area with detailed quality data, star ratings, maps, and facility information.
Find Hospitals Near You
Select a city above or search to find hospitals in California.
Browse All StatesData source: CMS Hospital Compare ·