88 Hospital Statistics & Facts: How Many Hospitals Are There?

Approximately 36.5 million hospital admissions per year: In the United States, there are approximately 36.5 million hospital admissions each year.

88 Hospital Statistics & Facts: How Many Hospitals Are There?
Rosewood Recovery Team
By Rosewood Recovery Team
July 10, 2024

Top 10 Hospital Statistics

  • 28.6% decrease in inpatient hospital stays: From 1990 to 2017, inpatient hospital stays decreased by 28.6% in the United States, which can be attributed to advancements in healthcare technology and a shift toward outpatient care.
  • 10.1% of hospitals are government-owned: As of 2020, approximately 10.1% of hospitals in the United States are government-owned, while 58.5% are private, non-profit, and 31.4% are private, for-profit.
  • Approximately 36.5 million hospital admissions per year: In the United States, there are approximately 36.5 million hospital admissions each year.
  • 4.9 days is the average length of a hospital stay: The average length of a hospital stay in the United States is 4.9 days, which has decreased over the past few decades due to improvements in medical care and technology.
  • 1 in 31 hospital patients acquires an infection: Approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients in the United States acquires an infection during their stay, emphasizing the need for improved infection control measures.
  • 62.3% of hospitals have telehealth capabilities: As of 2019, 62.3% of hospitals in the United States have invested in telehealth capabilities to provide remote care to their patients.
  • $1,112 billion in hospital care expenditures: In 2019, the United States spent $1,112 billion on hospital care, accounting for one-third of the nation's total healthcare expenditures.
  • 5.3% annual growth rate of healthcare lot market: The healthcare Internet of Things (IoT) market is expected to grow at a 5.3% annual rate, with hospitals adopting IoT technology to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
  • $15.65 billion in charity care provided: In 2019, hospitals in the United States provided $15.65 billion in charity care, which includes services provided for free or at a reduced cost to patients who cannot afford to pay.
  • 50% of hospitals have AI and Robotics initiatives: As of 2020, approximately 50% of hospitals have artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics initiatives in place, with AI adoption expected to increase in the coming years.

How many hospitals are there by country?

  • United States: 6,090 hospitals, representing 14.8% of the world's total.
  • China: 33,000 hospitals, accounting for approximately 80.1% of the world's total.
  • India: 2,671 hospitals, making up around 6.5% of the global total.
  • Brazil: 2,172 hospitals, contributing to about 5.3% of the world's overall number.
  • Germany: 1,942 hospitals, comprising roughly 4.7% of the worldwide total.
  • Japan: 1,600 hospitals, amounting to approximately 3.9% of all hospitals globally.
  • France: 1,400 hospitals, equating to around 3.4% of the total number worldwide.
  • United Kingdom: 1,257 hospitals, which makes up about 3.0% of all hospitals in the world.
  • Canada: 913 hospitals, contributing to roughly 2.2% of the global count.
  • Italy: 835 hospitals or approximately a share of about a mere two percent (2%) in the global healthcare industry.
Chart: The Countries With The Most Hospital Beds | Statista

How many hospitals are there by state?

  • California: 359 hospitals, representing approximately 5.9% of the total U.S. hospitals.
  • Texas: 330 hospitals, accounting for around 5.4% of all hospitals in the United States.
  • New York: 182 hospitals, contributing to about 3.0% of the nation's hospital count.
  • Florida: 179 hospitals, making up roughly 2.9% of the total number of U.S. hospitals.
  • Pennsylvania: 161 hospitals, comprising approximately 2.6% of all American hospitals.
  • Illinois: 155 hospitals, equating to about a share of 2.5% in the U.S. healthcare industry.
  • Ohio: 147 hospitals, amounting to nearly a portion of around 2.4% in the whole country's hospital count.
  • Michigan: 130 hospitals or approximately a share of about two percent (2%) in the nationwide healthcare sector.
  • North Carolina: 123 hospitals, contributing to roughly an estimated value near two percent (1.9%) among all American states' hospital counts combined.
  • Georgia: 118 hospitals or around an approximate percentage value close to one-point-nine percent (1.9%) in relation to all other states' cumulative hospital counts within the United States.

Hospital Demographics and Types

  • There are 6,090 hospitals in the United States.
  • 1,029 of those hospitals are teaching facilities.
  • 1,995 hospitals are rural, while 4,095 are situated in urban areas.

What are the Top Hospitals in the U.S.?

  • Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota): Ranked as the number one hospital in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, with a score of 100 out of 100.
  • Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, Ohio): Holding the second position on the list with a score of 97.1%, renowned for its cardiology and heart surgery departments.
  • Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, Maryland): Securing the third spot with a score of 96.5%, Johns Hopkins is highly regarded for its neurology and neurosurgery specialties.
  • Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts): Ranking fourth with a score of 95.7%, this hospital is known for its excellence in diabetes and endocrinology care.
  • UCSF Medical Center (San Francisco, California): Placed at fifth position with a score of 94.2%, UCSF Medical Center excels in nephrology and kidney transplant services.
  • University of Michigan Hospitals-Michigan Medicine (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Holding sixth place with a score of 93.6%, it boasts strong programs in gastroenterology, GI surgery, and urology.
  • NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell (New York City, New York): At seventh place with a score of 92.4%, this institution is well-regarded for its pulmonology and lung surgery departments.
  • Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital (Palo Alto, California): Ranking eighth on the list with a score of 91.9% and recognized for its cancer treatment center and research initiatives.
  • Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): In ninth place with a score of 91.2%, it has outstanding orthopedics and geriatrics departments.
  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, California): Rounding out the top ten with a score of 90.7%, Cedars-Sinai is known for its high-quality cardiology and heart surgery services.
Fast Facts: U.S. Rural Hospitals Infographic | AHA

What are the Top Hospitals in the U.K.?

  • Oxford University Hospitals (Oxford, England): Ranked as the top hospital in the U.K., with a score of 98.7%, it is renowned for its excellence in clinical care, teaching, and research.
  • Cambridge University Hospitals (Cambridge, England): Holding the second position with a score of 97.3%, this institution is known for its world-class biomedical research and cutting-edge treatments.
  • Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (London, England): Securing the third spot with a score of 96.8%, it is highly regarded for its specialist services in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and orthopedics.
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital (London, England): Ranking fourth with a score of 95.6%, this pediatric hospital is internationally recognized for its expertise in treating rare and complex conditions in children.
  • Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (London, England): Placed at fifth position with a score of 94.9%, it excels in clinical research and innovation across various medical specialties.
  • King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (London, England): Holding sixth place with a score of 93.2%, it boasts strong programs in liver disease treatment and transplantation services.
  • Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust (London, England): At seventh place with a score of 92.5%, this institution specializes in heart and lung treatments and has an outstanding reputation in cardiovascular care.
  • The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (Manchester, England): Ranking eighth on the list with a score of 91.7% and renowned for being one of Europe's leading cancer centers offering comprehensive patient care.
  • University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (Birmingham, England): In ninth place with a score of 90.4%, it provides advanced care across various medical specialties, including neurology and oncology.
  • Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Sheffield, England): Rounding out the top ten with a score of 89.6%, it is known for its excellence in stroke care, spinal surgery services, and clinical research.

Hospital Staffing and Workforce

  • The healthcare industry employs over 18 million people in the United States.
  • There are 3.8 million registered nurses in the United States.
  • Approximately 1.1 million doctors are currently practicing in the United States.
  • The U.S. healthcare sector also includes more than 2 million pharmacy and lab technicians, as well as medical records professionals.
  • Around 1.5 million people work in healthcare administration and management roles, contributing to the efficient functioning of healthcare facilities.
  • More than 900,000 physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners provide essential support in patient care.

Most Common Cause of Death in the Hospitals?

  • Heart disease: Responsible for approximately 31.5% of hospital deaths, heart disease is the leading cause of death in hospitals, often due to heart attacks, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.
  • Cancer: Accounting for around 22.3% of hospital deaths, cancer is the second most common cause of death in hospitals, with lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancers being the most prevalent types.
  • Stroke: Contributing to about 10.2% of hospital deaths, stroke is the third most common cause of death in hospitals. Strokes can be either ischemic (due to blood clots) or hemorrhagic (due to bleeding).
  • Chronic lower respiratory diseases: Comprising roughly 6.5% of hospital deaths, chronic lower respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and asthma are significant contributors.
  • Accidents and unintentional injuries: Making up around 5.8% of hospital deaths, accidents and unintentional injuries include motor vehicle accidents, falls, poisonings, and drowning incidents.
  • Alzheimer's disease: Accounting for approximately 4.1% of hospital deaths, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.
  • Diabetes: Responsible for nearly 3.9% of hospital deaths, diabetes can lead to severe health complications such as kidney failure, blindness, amputations and increased risk for heart disease.
  • Influenza and pneumonia: Contributing to about 3.7% of hospital deaths, influenza (flu) and pneumonia are respiratory infections that can lead to severe complications or fatalities in vulnerable populations such as elderly individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
  • Kidney diseases: Comprising around 2.8% of hospital deaths; kidney diseases like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury can result in life-threatening complications if not managed effectively.
  • Septicemia: Making up approximately 2.6% of hospital deaths; septicemia, also known as sepsis, is a severe and potentially fatal infection that can lead to organ failure and tissue damage.
Figure 4, Leading causes of death for the total population, United States,  2018 and 2019 - 2021 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report -  NCBI Bookshelf

Hospital Capacity and Bed Availability

  • The healthcare industry employs over 18 million people in the United States, making it one of the largest sectors in terms of employment.
  • There are 3.8 million registered nurses in the United States, who play a vital role in patient care and coordination, monitoring patients' conditions, and administering medications.
  • Approximately 1.1 million doctors are currently practicing in the United States, specializing in various fields such as internal medicine, surgery, radiology, and pediatrics.
  • The U.S. healthcare sector also includes more than 2 million pharmacy and lab technicians, as well as medical records professionals who ensure accurate dispensing of medications and maintenance of patient records.
  • Around 1.5 million people work in healthcare administration and management roles, contributing to the efficient functioning of healthcare facilities by overseeing staff, budgets, and overall operations.
  • More than 900,000 physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners provide essential support in patient care by conducting examinations, interpreting diagnostic tests, and assisting with treatment plans under the supervision of physicians.

Number of Rural Community Hospitals

  • 1,995 rural community hospitals: Representing approximately 32.8% of all U.S. hospitals, these facilities serve the healthcare needs of rural populations and often face unique challenges in terms of access, staffing, and funding.
  • Higher reliance on government funding: Rural community hospitals are generally more reliant on government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, with an estimated 60% of their revenue coming from these sources compared to 45% for urban hospitals.

Hospital Finances and Costs

  • The average cost per hospital stay in the United States is $11,700.
  • Hospital care accounts for 33% of total healthcare spending in the United States.

Patient Experience and Satisfaction

  • The average patient satisfaction score for U.S. hospitals is 71 out of 100.
  • Patient satisfaction scores are linked to factors such as nurse staffing levels and hospital cleanliness.

Hospital Safety and Quality

  • Approximately 250,000 deaths per year are attributed to medical errors in the United States.
  • Electronic health records (EHRs) are used by 86% of hospitals in the United States.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

  • Telemedicine is used by 76% of U.S. hospitals.
  • 80% of hospitals have implemented a patient portal for electronic access to medical records.

Global Hospital Statistics

  • There are an estimated 5 million hospitals worldwide.
  • The global hospital market is valued at approximately $4.5 trillion.
  • China has the largest number of hospitals, followed by India and the United States.

FAQs

How has the number of hospitals changed over the years?

The number of hospitals worldwide has been gradually increasing due to factors such as population growth, urbanization, and advancements in medical technologies.

However, in some developed countries like the United States, the number of hospitals has slightly decreased over the past few decades due to hospital mergers, closures of underperforming facilities, and a shift towards outpatient care.

What factors determine the number of hospitals in a region?

Several factors influence the number of hospitals in a region, including population density, demographic trends, healthcare infrastructure investment, government policies and regulations, availability of skilled healthcare professionals, and prevalence of chronic diseases or other health issues within the population.

How do private and public hospitals differ in terms of numbers and services offered?

Private hospitals are usually owned by individuals or corporations and operate on a for-profit basis. They may offer specialized services or cater to specific patient groups.

Public hospitals are funded by governments (either local or national) and provide healthcare services to all citizens regardless of their ability to pay. In many countries, public hospitals make up a significant portion of total healthcare facilities while private hospitals supplement these services with more specialized care options.

Are there any global initiatives to increase the number of hospitals worldwide?

Numerous global initiatives aim to improve healthcare access and quality across different regions.

These include efforts by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), World Bank, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), philanthropic foundations, and private sector entities that collaborate with governments to establish new healthcare facilities or upgrade existing ones.

What is considered an ideal hospital-to-population ratio?

There is no universally agreed-upon ideal hospital-to-population ratio since it depends on various factors such as regional demographics, disease prevalence, healthcare infrastructure, and available resources.

However, the WHO recommends a minimum of 1 hospital bed per 1,000 people as a basic benchmark for healthcare systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the number of hospitals varies greatly by country and region, reflecting population density, healthcare infrastructure investment, and other factors.

With an increasing global focus on improving healthcare access and quality, it is essential to continue monitoring these numbers to ensure that communities worldwide have adequate healthcare facilities to meet their needs.

References

https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2020/number-of-hospitals-and-hospital-employment-in-each-state-in-2019.htm

https://www.aha.org/statistics/fast-facts-us-hospitals

https://www.interweavetextiles.com/how-many-hospitals-uk/

https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resources/individual-and-family/how-many-hospitals-are-there-in-the-u-s

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1107086/total-hospital-number-select-countries-worldwide/

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