Comparing 4 maternity hospitals in San Jose, CA using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Kaiser Foundation Hospital-San Jose
(408) 972-7000
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
(408) 885-5000
Regional Medical Center Of San Jose
(408) 259-5000
Good Samaritan Hospital
(408) 559-2011
What Is a Birthing-Friendly Hospital?
The CMS Birthing-Friendly designation recognizes hospitals that have implemented best practices for maternity care, including reducing C-section rates for low-risk births and promoting evidence-based care during labor and delivery.
In San Jose, 3 of 4 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, Kaiser Foundation Hospital-San Jose.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 4 hospitals in San Jose. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Foundation Hospital-San Jose | 4/5 | 1/6 above avg | Yes |
| Santa Clara Valley Medical Center | 3/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
| Regional Medical Center Of San Jose | 3/5 | 1/7 above avg | No |
| Good Samaritan Hospital | 2/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in San Jose
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in San Jose:
- What is the hospital’s C-section rate for low-risk births?
- Does the hospital have a NICU, and what level of neonatal care is available?
- What are the hospital’s policies on birth plans, doulas, and support persons?
- Is the hospital designated as CMS Birthing-Friendly?
- What pain management options are available (epidurals, nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy)?
- What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in labor and delivery?
- Does the hospital offer lactation support and skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hospitals are in San Jose, CA?
There are 4 CMS-certified hospitals in San Jose, CA. Of these, 3 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in San Jose for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in San Jose is Kaiser Foundation Hospital-San Jose with a CMS rating of 4/5. It also holds the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What does Birthing-Friendly mean?
The Birthing-Friendly designation is awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to hospitals that meet quality benchmarks for maternity care, including lower C-section rates and better birth outcomes.
