Understanding the number of hospitals in the U.S., and specifically those that are near you, is crucial for several reasons when it comes to healthcare management and insurance decisions. This knowledge directly impacts your ability to access healthcare services promptly and efficiently. It also plays a significant role in choosing a health insurance plan that offers adequate network coverage, ensuring that you have options for treatment and emergency services within a reasonable distance. The availability of hospitals within an insurance network can affect your out-of-pocket costs and the convenience of obtaining medical care, especially for specialized treatments or in emergencies. Knowing these statistics helps you make an informed decision that aligns with your healthcare needs and logistical preferences.

How many hospitals are there in the U.S. as of 2024?

How many hospitals in the US? According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), in total, there are about 6,120 hospitals in the United States. Knowing the number and location of hospitals within your vicinity is essential as it influences your access to healthcare services and emergency support, and informs your choice of health insurance plans based on hospital network coverage.

Types of hospitals in the United States

Hospitals in the United States can be very specialized. Some hospitals focus on treating women, while other hospitals may focus on treating children. There are also oncology-focused hospitals that treat individuals with cancer. The type of care provided and approach taken can vary from hospital to hospital, which is why it is important to understand their differences. That way, you can find the right hospital to meet your needs.

Some of the most common types of hospitals include:

Community hospitals

Most hospitals in the United States are classified as community hospitals. Some provide general care, while others might focus on specialty care. Some community hospitals are also classified as teaching hospitals, where they train future doctors.

Federal government hospitals

There are a few hundred hospitals in the United States that are operated by the federal government. They often specialize in providing care for active military personnel or specific patient populations.

Non-federal psychiatric care hospitals

Non-federal psychiatric hospitals are privately operated facilities that focus on treating individuals with mental health disorders, distinct from federal government-run institutions. These hospitals provide specialized psychiatric care including therapy, medication management, and other mental health services, catering to patients with conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and more serious mental health issues. The term “non-federal” underscores their private ownership and operation, indicating that they do not fall under direct federal administration like VA hospitals or state psychiatric hospitals.

Non-federal long-term care hospitals

Non-federal long-term care hospitals specialize in treating individuals with severe, chronic illnesses that no longer require acute care but still necessitate extended medical and rehabilitative services. These facilities are designed to provide care for extended periods, often accommodating patients who need ongoing support for conditions such as severe stroke, chronic respiratory disorders, complex wound care, and neuromuscular disorders. For example, a patient recovering from a major stroke might need long-term care to manage rehabilitation, speech therapy, and other necessary treatments to improve their functional abilities over time. These hospitals play a critical role in the continuum of care by offering a bridge between the hospital and home or a more permanent care facility, ensuring that patients receive the comprehensive care they need for their complex health conditions.

United States hospital statistics

Total number of hospitals in the U.S. by type

So, how many hospitals are in the United States? When taking a look at the number of US hospitals, the breakdown is as follows according to the AHA:

• Total number of U.S. hospitals: 6,120
• Number of U.S. community hospitals: 3,510, with 3,319 urban community hospitals and 1,810 rural community hospitals
• Number of federal government hospitals: 207
• Number of non-federal psychiatric hospitals: 659
• Other hospitals: 125

Number of staffed beds

A “staffed bed” in a hospital is one that is not only licensed and physically present but also has the necessary medical staff available to care for patients. This includes beds that are currently occupied by patients as well as those that are ready and available for new patients. A few other important statistics include:

• Number of staffed beds: 916,752
• Staffed beds in community hospitals: 784,112

Which states have the most hospitals?

These statistics are looking at non-federal, short-term, acute care hospitals. According to the American Hospital Directory, some states have more hospitals than others. States that have the greatest number of hospitals include:

• Texas: 372
• California: 336
• Florida: 220
• New York: 181
• Florida: 223
• Pennsylvania: 177

The states that have the least number of hospitals include:

• Vermont: 7
• Washington D.C.: 7
• Delaware: 8

Largely, these numbers are in line with the populations of each state. The states with the most community hospitals in the U.S. tend to be some of the larger, more populated states. However, Vermont actually has more hospitals per capita than California does.

Tips for choosing a hospital that suits your needs

As you take a look at the public hospitals in the U.S., you might be wondering how to choose a hospital that suits your needs. A few of the most important tips to follow include:

• Talk to your doctor: Start by talking to your doctor to figure out the type of care you need. You might want to talk to your doctors about the hospital they work with and ask which hospital they think offers the best care.
• Consider your insurance coverage: You always need to look at your insurance coverage before you decide which hospital is best for your needs. What insurance plan do you have, what insurance providers do the hospitals work with, and what does your individual financial situation look like?
• Compare hospitals: You should take a look at the results of patient surveys and quality measures to see which hospitals provide the best care.
• Discuss your options further: You may want to discuss your options with your doctor and family members to see which hospital works best for your situation.

Always take the time to find the right hospital for your needs. That way, you get the care you deserve.

FAQs: How many hospitals are there in the U.S.?

What do marketplace health insurances cover?

If you get insurance on the marketplace, it can cover a variety of health needs. Every plan is different, but many marketplace health insurance plans cover routine doctor’s visits, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and some forms of specialty care.

What is hospital insurance?

Hospital insurance is insurance that provides medical coverage for people who are hospitalized. If you have to spend an extended amount of time in the hospital, your medical bills can add up quickly. Many health insurance plans provide coverage for hospital stays, which can help you avoid unexpected expenses.

Find the right health insurance with eHealth

When you are shopping for an insurance plan, it’s important to know which hospitals, specialists, and networks are in your area as this allows you to make a more informed decision when shopping for coverage.

You should always double check that your preferred doctors or providers are covered under a particular plan. Depending on your coverage, it may cost you substantially more to go to a doctor that is outside of your provider network.

Instead of calling the doctor’s office and asking if they take your insurance, make sure to confirm that your doctor is within your network with a licensed agent or the insurance carrier. It‘s always a good idea to shop online with a licensed health insurance marketplace like eHealth.com to make sure that you are getting a plan that covers the providers that are not only near you, but the doctors that you prefer.