UI Health Reviews, Violations, and Ratings

This series uses ratings from U.S. News and World Report and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to provide an overview of how hospitals—including other academic medical centers —in Illinois and the Chicago area are performing in order to foster healthy communities. Patient satisfaction, patient safety, and health equity ratings are included along with any violations cited.

If you suspect medical negligence, our medical malpractice lawyers are here to help. This article focuses on UI Health.

What You Should Know About UI Health

UI Health Overview

UI Health (also known as the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System) is a 438-bed tertiary care and academic medical center located in Chicago’s West Side within the Illinois Medical District. The facility offers a range of services in both comprehensive care and specialized surgical procedures.

UI Health’s contact information is:

UI Health
1740 West Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60612
866-600-2273

U.S. News & World Report Rankings for UI Health

UI Health (or University of Illinois Hospital) is rated high performing in 2 adult specialties (Ophthalmology and Neurology & Neurosurgery) and 5 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical, surgical, and teaching hospital. UI Health has a 2 out of 5 star rating in patient satisfaction.

• National Ranking: Unranked
• Illinois Ranking: Unranked
• Chicago Ranking: Unranked

IDPH Report Card for Hospitals

In Illinois, the Department of Public Health rates hospitals on safety, quality, and patient satisfaction through the Hospital Report Card. According to the IDPH, 64% of patients would recommend UI Health, 2% below the state average.

Illinois Designations for UI Health

• Comprehensive Stroke Center
• Pediatric Critical Care Center
• Perinatal III

CDC Infection Data for UI Health

According to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance system, some recent infections reported at UI Health include:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood stream infections: 10 infections reported in 2023
• Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs): 25 infections reported in 2023
• Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs): 2 infections in Adult Neurosurgical ICU, 4 infections in Adult Medical/Surgical ICU, and 3 infections in Level III Neonatal ICU reported in 2023

Medical Malpractice Recoveries Against UI Health

A key measure of a hospital’s reputation among patients and staff is the number of medical malpractice claims filed against it. Records show several notable settlements and verdicts. In 2012 alone, it paid over $83.7 million in 33 medical malpractice cases. Notable recoveries include:

• $32 million for delayed diagnosis in an 8-year-old girl, resulting in a quadruple amputation. The little girl was suffering from bacterial sepsis upon arrival at the hospital, but antibiotics were not administered until the next day. The delay in treatment proved critical, as the infection quickly spread, leading to the amputation of her limbs.
• $17.7 million for a 47-year-old patient who suffered a brain stem herniation when hospital staff failed to monitor his intracranial pressure during surgery. He is now quadriplegic, cannot speak, and uses a feeding tube to stay alive.
• $10 million of a $30 million settlement for a baby’s brain damage. During routine surgery, the baby’s pulmonary artery was severed, leading to a catastrophic drop in his brain oxygen levels and severe brain damage.
• $7.5 million in delayed diagnosis in patient’s lung cancer, leading to his death.
• $7.25 million in delayed diagnosis in child’s sickle cell crisis, leading to hypoxia and brain damage.

How to Find Out If Your UI Health Doctor Has Been Disciplined

Check the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation’s database to verify your doctor’s license and any disciplinary actions.

How to Search IDFPR License Info

Search for information by:

• Going to the IDFPR license search
• Select “Medical Board” under the License Type dropdown menu
• Enter your doctor’s first and last name
• Press “Detail” button next to your doctor’s name to see details

Examples of Disciplinary Actions You May Find

Disciplinary actions against medical providers, reprimand, probation, suspension, temporary suspension, revocation, refusal to renew, relinquishment, surrender, permanent inactive status, or fines.

More Resources to Research Your Doctor

The American Board of Medical Specialties’ tool on their website makes it quick and easy.