Which American city has the best medical care? (physically, community, state)

[TootsieWootsie]

I have tried and tried to pull this up, but seems as if I cannot find the city with the highest ratio of medical people to per capita ratio. However, I do know that Iowa City, Ia., and Rochester, Mn., seem to have the most physicians per capita than almost any other city I have found.
Anyone know where to find this information and can provide a link?

(Maybe that's the reason that Ames, Iowa, has the oldest residents alive and Minnesota appears to be the healthiest State?)

[texdav]

Well the best medcial care really depends on more than number of doctors. For insatnce MDAnderson in houston was recognised as #2 behind Stanford medical for cancer treatment until last year when they surpassed Stanford. The Medical complex in Houston has been recognised for years as being top notch with all their research hospitals and all. They have been leaders in heart surgery for decades;with many new break throughs over the years.

[TootsieWootsie]

Yes, I know as I lived in Houston 22 years. It's just that darn humidity and pollen there that keeps me from coming back. One of the "gifts" Houston gave me was allergies..ha! I know, I know...everyone has them in Houston.
I was hoping to find some city with GREAT medical care, relatively low cost of living, which leaves San Francisco out, and lots of seniors over 65...and a lack of humidity.
Worse comes to worse, I guess I could drag myself back to Houston. At least, I'd get great Mexican food at the local taquerias.

[livecontent]

All major cities have excellent medical care in country. If they have major hospitals then they have physicians around who practice. Counting Doctor/Population ratio will not get you an answer as there are so many factors.

The availability of insurance options and of course the hospitals are paramount. Without a major hospital, you cannot get the best of care for all issues. Yes, you can say that a community hospital, small hospital is there, but it may not offer all the available specialty care and most importantly, Level 1 Trauma care. No small town and low population center can afford the equipment, the hospitals to provide extensive care. In addition, high paid specialist need a population to maintain their income and so they gravitate toward a population center. Economical insurance plans, like HMO, PPO follow the physicians because they need more people to effect the rates.

It does not matter if the city is decaying. I willing to bet that Detroit and Buffalo have better medical care availability than Las Cruces, NM where many people find desirous. Main reason is Detroit and Buffalo have the population to afford the car and they have Major medical schools, clinics and hospitals.

You can make any choice in a place to live. However, your best best to assure extensive quality medical care is where there are more people and more services. I am not saying they are the best places for all amenities; I am just saying for medical care that is the best bet.

If you really want to be assured of the best care at the most crucial trauma emergency moment--you can live right across the street from the few Level 1 Trauma hospitals that exist; but I think that will reduce your quality of life unless you are a hypochondriac. But you can choose to be within a reasonable distance, because in emergency medicine, time is of the essence.

Livecontent

[knoxgarden]

You need to look for areas with doctors that are used to treating people over 50. The needs and remedies are very different from what families with kids and the 30 and 40 somethings need.
One of many things that attracted me to Knoxville, TN, was the great medical care and a teaching hospital at University of Tennessee as well as a network of Senior Health Centers run by a large hospital.
Look into smaller towns with big universities and teaching hospitals. You'll find the living less expensive but the medical care is excellent.

[TootsieWootsie]

Good thoughts to mull over.

[returningtonepa???]

not NEPA!

[flycessna]

I think it depends on what type of care?? Somewhere there is a list of which hopitals are best for certain conditions...

For me personally and having been involved in emergency services I think its important, when retired or elderly, to live near a good emergency response network.. A place where there is a local police, fire, and rescue (think city, or urban, and/or suburban...but not rural!!) you are more at risk of having a sudden emergency and time is of the essence at this point..

When it comes to medical care...well if I get really sick, I will travell to where the best care is given for what I have..(think boston, NY, ect ect.) otherwise I think you can and should be selective in choosing a primary care physician..there will always be choices.... just remember to be proactive!! good luck!

[TootsieWootsie]

US News & World Report has a listing of best hospitals each year in every State, FYI.
Yes, I agree with you that it is silly for seniors to choose rural living, but they still do it all the time. I just don't get the decision myself.

[Tesaje]

Originally Posted by TootsieWootsie

US News & World Report has a listing of best hospitals each year in every State, FYI.
Yes, I agree with you that it is silly for seniors to choose rural living, but they still do it all the time. I just don't get the decision myself.

- Being physically active is known to be healthy - there are lots of old, old farmers still working actively in their 80s and 90s, so there's that aspect.
- Doctors have a rather poor record of treating chronic ailments, but are much better for emergency/trauma care - so it isn't really all that clear that seeing doctors is necessarily a good thing for longevity. Depending, of course on your health and ailment profile.
- then, many people would rather have the peace and beauty of a rural setting and are happier than if they lived in denser environs even if it means they won't get as quick medical care.

That said, I personally intend to trade my bucolic rural environs for a more urban one so that as I get old and older, there will be more services and my property will be easier to keep up with.

As always, it is personal preference thing for why.