Does Atlanta have good hospitals?

[oneven]

The healthcare system in America is very different from what I’m used to and I understand that hospitals vary a lot of in terms of quality and level service, as well as in price. Does Atlanta have many hospitals that offer a very good level of care but aren’t extremely expensive?

[syna]

I just moved here myself from Los Angeles. But I do know that my father comes here from Michigan to get eye care at Emory University hospital system. The biggest hurdle to quality health care no matter where you live in the USA is having insurance. And sometimes even WITH insurance you may have to pay hefty co-pays and high prices for medications. The good thing is Atlanta is one of the biggest cities in the Southeast so you would have a good chance at finding a quality doctor. More rural areas are not as good. Hope this helps!

[Dave_Coustan]

In terms of quality, Atlanta has world class hospitals - some of the best in the country, including the Emory system, connected with the university, Piedmont hospitals, and several more major, top quality healthcare groups.

As far as cost goes, the healthcare system in America can be confusing and is currently in flux. Buying services outside of an employee-sponsored group plan can be expensive no matter where you are. The cost of medical care is less a function of the facilities you go to and more a function of the health services plan you get. The healthcare.gov blog is probably the best place to look around for how you can participate in marketplaces for health care depending on immigration status.

[George_Peckham-Roone]

I would say that Atlanta has several large hospitals, Emory University Hospital in particular, has a reputation for being highly rated and they are a research intensive hospital as they are tied into the university. I would not classify any healthcare experience as cheap in America regardless of hospital as the American system of private insurance and partial government coverage has created false market. Price is not really discussed prior to treatment as it all depends on your particular insurance provider and what they cover. Some Americans have some form of insurance which will often cover a portion of cost though you'll often have to pay a portion out of pocket even still. If staying in America I would recommend looking at purchasing health insurance locally or if you are from a country with government covered healthcare if they cover your health expenses during your stay.

[Tangelia]

Hi Paola

While healthcare in America is a vast and confusing behemoth, you are still able to get good care from some local hospitals. I can not speak to cost because cost varies from hospital to hospital and are decided by hospital administrative boards and private insurance companies, I can recommend some good hospitals. The most recognized hospital in Atlanta is Grady Health. Grady hospital serves a large number of low-income patients and will be able to serve you if you have concerns over expensive. It is largely networked with smaller locations throughout the city, so if you need to find a clinic close to you, you can. You can disover more about Grady at gradyhealth.org.

[Melani_Lauren]

Atlanta has lots of really great hospitals but you should choose based on your symptoms. For example Grady Hospital has one of the best trauma units in the country. Northside hospital has one of the best care for maternity. Emory and Piedmont are award winning hospitals. You must get health insurance, it is the only way to get great care that is affordable.

[Dee_Theas]

Emory is the best along with Crawford Long in the downtown area. Northside hospital is a superior cancer and surgical center. I have had bad experiences with care at Piedmont and horrible geriatric care at Kennestone Hospital in Kennesaw , Ga. My father was there for over 6 months and it was one nightmare after another. Piedmont was careless and seemed very hand over your money and move on attitude. I am a cancer survivor(who had less than a 40% chance of survival) . Northside is world class and very caring. If you are in the NW side of Atlanta, Cartersville Hospital is one of the best cardiac care hospitals.

[Don_C]

Sadly, Atlanta has a bad reputation for good health care on a national level. Avoid Grady except for trauma care. Emory and Wellstar is a crap shoot. Piedmont is a very good hospital, but more and more insurers are pulling away from Piedmont because of cost considerations. Northside does well for some kinds of medicine. The city is very over-populated. I speak from living in the city. The greater 22 county metro area may have better options, but health care in Atlanta is in decline.

In a city as large as ours, healthcare should not be this bad. It is not good.

[Roland_King]

thanks for sharing all this information. been planning to go to Atlanta in a few weeks and was wondering how's about their hospitals and health care. thanks!