LOS ANGELES – For the 17th year in a row, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been honored with a national consumer award for having the best overall healthcare quality, doctors and nurses in the Los Angeles area based on an independent survey of households.
The medical center has received a 2012-2013 Consumer Choice Award from the National Research Corporation for its high-quality medical care as well as its image and reputation. It is one of only 16 hospitals nationwide to earn the award every year since its inception in 1995.
"This award is especially meaningful because in addition to being an academic medical center, we are a community hospital," said Thomas M. Priselac, president and chief executive officer. "To receive recognition from our community is particularly gratifying."
Cedars-Sinai was among 3,200 hospitals included in the research corporations' Markets Insights/Ticker survey, which reached more than 450,000 consumers in about 270,000 households nationwide. The Nebraska-based research corporation asked local consumers which hospitals they preferred based on quality.
The medical center ranked No. 1 in the Los Angeles area in several survey categories. Consumers said it was the "most preferred for all health needs," and that it had the most personalized care, the latest technology and equipment, the highest patient safety, the widest range of services and the best community health programs.
Cedars-Sinai also received top ranking in the Los Angeles region for several clinical care areas, including specialties in orthopedics, cancer, neurology, heart, plastic surgery, physical therapy, imaging, transplantation, weight loss surgery, and gynecology and obstetrics.
"Every day our doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals strive to merit the confidence our patients place in us," said Michael Langberg, MD, senior vice president for medical affairs and chief medical officer. "It is a responsibility our staff takes very seriously."
In all, 297 hospitals across the country received a Consumer Choice Award for the quality of their healthcare and their service as rated by local households. The research corporation said the hospitals' selection by their own communities reflects a "customer-centric" approach to healthcare.