Becker's 2026 listing highlights cardiovascular treatments and clinical trials that may offer additional options for San Diego patients.
Scripps Health's inclusion on Becker's Healthcare's 2026 list of 100 hospitals and health systems with notable cardiovascular programs highlights advanced treatments and clinical research opportunities that may be relevant to San Diego physicians referring patients for specialized heart care.
Becker's published the list October 15, and Scripps announced its inclusion October 21. The publication selected institutions through nominations and editorial research, recognizing cardiovascular services, technology, and research. Becker's emphasized that the list is not a numerical ranking or formal endorsement.
Advanced Cardiovascular Services
According to Becker's, Scripps cardiologists care for more than 216,000 cardiovascular patients annually. Its Prebys Cardiovascular Institute, which opened at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla in 2015, houses seven cardiac catheterization laboratories, six advanced imaging, mapping and ablation laboratories, and two hybrid surgical suites.
The program provides cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology and electrophysiology services, including catheter-based treatment of structural heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms.
Becker's highlighted Scripps physicians' regional first use of newly approved transcatheter devices for severe aortic regurgitation and mitral valve replacement. Such technologies may provide treatment alternatives for appropriately selected patients, although their use depends on clinical indications and individual evaluation.
Research and Referral Opportunities
Becker's reported that Scripps cardiologists were participating in 51 active clinical trials, with 23 additional studies planned. Scripps has described research involving heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation,n and structural heart disorders.
For community physicians, these programs may offer opportunities to obtain specialist evaluations for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions or explore clinical trial eligibility when established therapies are insufficient or unsuitable.
However, an active trial is not necessarily open to new participants. Physicians must confirm current recruitment status, patient eligibility, insurance requirements, ts and referral procedures with the program.
The recognition also provides context for San Diego's broader cardiovascular resources. Becker's 2026 list includes UC San Diego Health and Rady Children's Health.
For independent physicians and IPA members, the practical consideration is matching patients with appropriate specialist expertise, available treatments, and research opportunities while maintaining continuity of care with the referring practice.