The Best Hospitals
An exclusive survey of more than 1,000 leading doctors yields 43 sources of top medical care
RESOURCES
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Free list of rehabilitation specialists with a stamped, self-addressed envelope, 122 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60603. American Paralysis Association, (800) 526-3456. Spinal cord injury hot line. National Council on Independent Living, (518) 274-1979. Life after rehabilitation.
RHEUMATOLOGY MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER, MINN. / 46 pct.
HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY NEW YORK / 27 pct.
BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL BOSTON / 26 pct.
UCLA MEDICAL CENTER LOS ANGELES / 24 pct.
JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE / 16 pct.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA HOSPITAL BIRMINGHAM / 15 pct.
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL BOSTON / 15 pct.
Rheumatologists diagnose and treat diseases of the joints, muscles and connective tissue. Conditions like arthritis and lupus erythematosus can affect other organs in the body, so hospital rheumatology departments cooperate closely with other departments--orthopedics, for example, when decaying joints and bones suggest surgery.
EXPERT'S VIEW
ERNEST BRAHN, assistant professor of rheumatology, UCLA Medical Center: Rheumatic diseases are usually chronic, involving years of treatment. That should orient people toward a hospital that offers a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. For example, a person may not need physical therapy when he is first diagnosed and begins treatment but may well need it down the road. In addition, you certainly want a hospital that is involved with conducting research and clinical trials of new drugs. Modern radiological equipment is essential, and the availability of diagnostic arthroscopy--which lets doctors look directly into diseased tissue--also indicates care on the cutting edge. People with rare rheumatic conditions need to be seen by subspecialists at a larger teaching hospital.
RESOURCES
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, (301) 495-4484. Basic information and lists of clinical trials. Arthritis Foundation, (800) 283-7800. Referral to 71 local chapters, which in turn refer to rheumatologists, clinics, special programs, vocational training, counseling and support groups in your area.
UROLOGY
MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER, MINN. / 43 pct.
JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE / 38 pct.
UCLA MEDICAL CENTER LOS ANGELES / 25 pct.
CLEVELAND CLINIC / 24 pct.
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL BOSTON / 21 pct.
DUKE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER DURHAM, N.C. / 20 pct.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS (M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER) HOUSTON / 16 pct.
MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER NEW YORK / 13 pct.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL STANFORD, CALIF. / 10 pct.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON MEDICAL CENTER SEATTLE / 9 pct.
Most urology departments focus largely on the prostate, a walnut-size gland in men beneath the bladder that can become cancerous or may enlarge and block urine flow. Urologists also deal with other disorders of the male urinary tract and reproductive system and with problems of the female urinary tract.
EXPERT'S VIEW
PATRICK WALSH, urologist in chief, Johns Hopkins Hospital: Many urological problems, such as cancer of the prostate, bladder and kidney, and urinary incontinence, don't rely on high technology but on ability and compassion. The doctor has to share the patient's concerns--not just whether he is going to die, but if you keep him from dying, what will be the status of his urinary tract, his sexual function, his self-esteem? With a problem that calls for surgery, you want not only someone with a great reputation as a surgeon but someone who shows compassion. You may have the world's best surgeon, but if he is not caring I wouldn't want him for my doctor.
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