The Best Hospitals in Illinois, According to the Data
Which are the best hospitals in Illinois? Each year, U.S. News & World Report conducts a comprehensive study of hospitals across the country. Researchers use this data to rank the hospitals by state, specialty and other criteria. VA and military hospitals are not included.
Some of the ranking factors include survival and readmission rates, patient experience, patient safety and quality of nursing. This year’s report placed greater emphasis on patient outcomes and experience.
Top-Ranked Hospitals in Illinois
Here are the top 10 rankings for the best hospitals in Illinois (some hospitals were tied):
#1 Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago
#2 Rush University Medical Center, Chicago
#3 Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood
#4 Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn
#4 University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago
#6 OSF Healthcare St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria
#7 NorthShore University HealthSystem-Metro Chicago, Evanston
#7 Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield
#9 Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove
#10 Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge
#10 Advocate Sherman Hospital, Elgin
Best Hospitals in Illinois for Pediatrics
- These Illinois hospitals received top rankings for pediatric care:
- Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago
- University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, Chicago
- Advocate Children’s Hospital-Park Ridge, Park Ridge
- Advocate Children’s Hospital-Oak Lawn, Oak Lawn
- OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, Peoria
- Children’s Hospital of the University of Illinois, Chicago
- Garfield Park Hospital, Chicago
- La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Chicago
- Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center, Springfield
- Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital of Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood
- Rush University Children’s Hospital, Chicago
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago, Chicago
- St. John’s Children’s Hospital, Springfield
- Streamwood Behavioral Health Center, Streamwood
Why Are Hospital Rankings Important?
U.S. News estimates nearly 2 million hospital inpatients a year will face surgery or special care that poses an increased risk of harm or death. These risks are often based on age, physical health or pre-existing conditions.
Hospital rankings can help these patients find the best places for the specialized care they need. However, a highly ranked hospital is not necessarily the best choice for every patient. U.S. News also rates hospitals based on areas of specialty. Therefore, a patient might fare better at a hospital that specializes in certain conditions or types of surgeries. For example, while Centegra Hospital-McHenry in McHenry, Illinois, is not among the 10 overall best hospitals in Illinois, it is ranked highly in the field of pulmonology.
Have a Safe Hospital Stay
The risk of infection or other complications exists at every hospital, no matter how high its rating.
Here are some suggestions for staying healthy in the hospital and after you are discharged:
- Have your doctor check for pre-existing infections before you enter the hospital.
- Review your medications with your physician to determine whether you should change a drug or dosage before surgery.
- Ask ahead of time what symptoms might indicate a post-operative infection or complication.
- Maintain good hygiene in the hospital, especially when hand washing is involved. Ask your visitors and medical team members to use hand sanitizer.
- Ask a family member or advocate to help you keep track of tests, medications and doctors’ instructions.
- If you have doubts about an upcoming surgery or procedure, ask for a second opinion.
- Watch for warning signs of complications. Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience atypical symptoms. These could include high fever, redness and swelling, bleeding or extreme pain.
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