When talking about hospitals in Long Beach, the first name that comes to mind is MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center.

Those who have lived in Long Beach for a long time often just call it "Memorial Hospital."

It is the primary hospital that comes to mind when someone is sick or in an emergency.

The hospital is located at 2801 Atlantic Ave, making it quite accessible in the heart of Long Beach. It is a large general hospital with over 400 beds and operates a 24-hour emergency room. It serves as a regional hub with well-established specialties in cardiology, neurology, cancer treatment, orthopedics, and gastroenterology.

One of the biggest advantages of this hospital is that the Miller Children's & Women's Hospital is located on the same campus. Parents raising children have likely heard of this name.

It offers pediatric specialty care, as well as obstetrics, high-risk pregnancy services, and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), making it one of the well-regarded hospitals in Southern California.

From conversations with local Korean parents, many have chosen this hospital for childbirth. Especially for those at risk of preterm labor or with high-risk pregnancies, hospitals with NICUs are preferred, and MemorialCare is often mentioned as a trusted choice.

Adult care is also of high quality. The heart center and cancer center, along with various specialty clinics, are well-operated, making it a popular choice for surgeries or hospitalizations. Residents from surrounding cities like Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Carson also frequently visit this hospital.

Another aspect that Korean individuals are curious about is the Korean interpretation service.

Those who are uncomfortable with English can request medical interpretation services in advance. It is not unusual to ask for an interpreter when receiving important medical explanations or surgical details in American hospitals, so there is no need to feel burdened.

The hospital accepts most major insurance plans. It is often contracted with major insurance companies like Medicare, Medi-Cal, Blue Shield, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna. However, since the network may vary by insurance product, it is best to check before making an appointment.

I have a tip to share. In the U.S., it is really important to establish a primary care physician (PCP) before seeking hospital care when you are sick. There are several primary care clinics within the MemorialCare network, making it convenient for regular health check-ups or managing chronic conditions like blood pressure and diabetes. If needed, your PCP can refer you to specialists, making the process much smoother.

Living in the U.S., it can often feel unfamiliar and worrisome to visit a hospital. However, Long Beach is a city that is well-equipped with medical infrastructure. With MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital at its core, most medical needs from emergencies to childbirth, pediatric care, and specialized treatments can be addressed.

So, if you are planning to move to Long Beach, while the location and school district are important, be sure to also check where the nearest hospital is. There is nothing more reassuring than having a reliable hospital nearby when you need it.