Why Choose UC San Diego Health

smiling mom comforts son

You'll find the care, specialists and treatment options to support you through every stage of life at UC San Diego Health.

From primary care to treatment for complex conditions, your care will stay connected across one health system. As the region's only academic medical center, we bring the latest advancements in medicine to our patient care.

Expertise Across Your Health Needs

Whether you're scheduling a preventive visit, managing an ongoing condition or facing a complex diagnosis, choose us: We're here to help you get and stay healthy.

Connected Care, Convenient Access

When your health concerns require specialized treatment or services, having a connected team of doctors in the same health system can make all the difference. At UC San Diego Health, connected care means:

Find Care Near You

Good care should fit into your life and be available in the communities where you live and work. With three hospitals and dozens of clinics throughout San Diego County, UC San Diego Health offers primary care, specialty care and same-day express and urgent care clinics close by.

Use the map to explore locations near you. You can filter by primary care, specialty care, same-day care, emergency care, hospitals and other services, including labs, pharmacies and infusion centers.

Yext Location Map Cover Image

Recognized for Quality, Safety and Patient Care

When you choose your health care, it helps to know that the system you select has national recognition. UC San Diego Health is consistently recognized for quality, clinical excellence and patient safety and outcomes. Our honors include:

  • San Diego's No. 1 hospital system, according to U.S. News & World Report
  • Nationally ranked in 20 medical and surgical specialties
  • Top grades for quality and patient safety

These distinctions reflect the work of physicians, nurses, researchers and care teams focused on delivering high-quality care to our patients.

View Rankings and Awards

Graphic with U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals badge and the words Leading the Way in patient care.

#1 — Year After Year

UC San Diego Health is again ranked the No. 1 hospital system in San Diego by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-27. As one of only 20 health systems nationwide on the “Best Hospitals” Honor Roll and nationally ranked in eight medical and surgical specialties, we're committed to delivering innovative, compassionate care with exceptional outcomes.

View All Rankings

More Options and Advanced Care Through Academic Medicine

An academic medical center (AMC) brings research, education and patient care together. At UC San Diego Health — the region's only AMC — your doctors also teach and conduct research, helping bring new discoveries and advances into everyday care.

For you, that means access to clinical trials, advanced treatments and technologies, and specialists with expertise in complex or rare conditions — care that may not be available elsewhere in the region.

How to Choose UC San Diego Health

You may be able to switch to UC San Diego Health sooner than you think. The most common windows are during your annual open enrollment period or after a qualifying life event. If UC San Diego Health is already in network with your current plan, you don't have to wait — you can change to a UC San Diego Health PCP at any time.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you've experienced a qualifying life event, now may be the time to review your health coverage. Choose a plan that gives you access to the doctors, specialists and hospitals at UC San Diego Health.

Stories From Our Patients

Real experiences of care and connection

Read how patients have found support, expertise and compassionate care through UC San Diego Health. Their stories show how expert care can help you through changing health needs.

FAQs About Care at UC San Diego Health



Ready to Switch to UC San Diego Health? 

Once you've chosen a health plan that includes UC San Diego Health, our guide to switching your care can help you find a primary care doctor, establish care and make the transition easily.

Learn How to Switch Your Care