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Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana and affectionately known as the “Circle City,” is not only a hub of culture, sports, and business—it’s also a major center for healthcare excellence in the Midwest. The city is home to a variety of top-tier hospitals, renowned medical research centers, and academic institutions dedicated to advancing medicine. With a blend of public, private, faith-based, and academic hospitals, Indianapolis provides comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality care to residents of all ages.
This article explores the major hospitals in Indianapolis, highlighting their specializations, services, educational partnerships, and community impact. Whether you’re a patient seeking care, a medical student pursuing training, or someone researching healthcare systems, this guide to Indianapolis hospitals will give you a thorough look into the city’s healthcare landscape.
The Healthcare Landscape of Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the most populous city in Indiana and serves as a healthcare beacon for the Midwest. The city’s healthcare infrastructure includes:
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Major academic medical centers
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Community hospitals
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Specialty clinics and outpatient centers
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Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)
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Mental health and addiction treatment facilities
The city is also home to the Indiana University School of Medicine, the largest medical school in the United States, which serves as a cornerstone for medical education, clinical care, and biomedical research in the state. This strong academic influence contributes to cutting-edge treatments, ongoing clinical trials, and a steady flow of future physicians and specialists trained right in Indianapolis.
1. Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital
Location: 1701 N Senate Blvd, Indianapolis, IN
Type: Academic, Nonprofit Hospital
Affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine
IU Health Methodist Hospital is one of the largest and most respected hospitals in Indiana. Part of the IU Health system, it serves as a Level I Trauma Center and a regional referral center for complex cases. Known for high-acuity care, it’s the preferred destination for patients needing critical care, neurological surgery, or cardiovascular treatment.
Key Services:
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Level I Trauma and Emergency Services
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Neurosurgery and Neurology
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Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Organ Transplant Program
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Advanced Critical Care Units
Why It Stands Out:
Methodist is a flagship teaching hospital that delivers sophisticated, research-based care. Its trauma program and intensive care services are among the best in the Midwest, and it plays a vital role in training residents and fellows through the IU School of Medicine.
2. IU Health University Hospital
Location: 550 University Blvd, Indianapolis, IN
Type: Academic Medical Center
Affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine
University Hospital is another core component of the IU Health system and serves as a primary teaching hospital for specialized services, including cancer, transplant, and digestive health. It is known for its patient-focused approach and leadership in advanced medicine.
Key Services:
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Organ Transplantation (Liver, Kidney, Pancreas)
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Hematology and Oncology (in partnership with IU Simon Cancer Center)
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Gastroenterology and Digestive Disease Care
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Immunotherapy and Precision Medicine
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Clinical Trials and Medical Research
Why It Stands Out:
University Hospital is deeply embedded in innovation and research. Its transplant program is nationally ranked, and it is a core site for early-phase cancer research. It also leads the way in offering novel therapies, such as CAR-T cell therapy for leukemia and lymphoma.
3. Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health
Location: 705 Riley Hospital Dr, Indianapolis, IN
Type: Pediatric Specialty Hospital
Affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine
Riley Hospital is one of the top children’s hospitals in the United States and the only comprehensive pediatric medical center in Indiana. With more than 300 pediatric specialists and nationally ranked programs in multiple specialties, it provides comprehensive care for children with common to highly complex medical needs.
Key Services:
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Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care (Level IV NICU)
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Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Pediatric Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant
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Pediatric Neurosurgery
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Genetic and Rare Disease Programs
Why It Stands Out:
Riley is ranked in 10 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. It serves as a beacon of hope for children from across the country and is an epicenter for pediatric research, innovation, and family-centered care.
4. Eskenazi Health
Location: 720 Eskenazi Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Type: Public, Safety-Net Hospital
Affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine
Formerly known as Wishard Hospital, Eskenazi Health is Indianapolis’s public hospital and a critical part of the city’s safety-net system. It serves a diverse patient population with a mission focused on health equity, preventive care, and medical education.
Key Services:
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Level I Trauma Center (shared with Methodist)
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Mental Health and Psychiatric Services
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Primary and Urgent Care
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Burn Center
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Community Health Clinics
Why It Stands Out:
Eskenazi Health is known for its commitment to social determinants of health, preventive care, and serving vulnerable populations. The hospital also houses a rooftop garden and healing environment designed to promote wellness for both patients and staff.
5. Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – Indianapolis
Location: 2001 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN
Type: Faith-Based, Nonprofit Hospital
Affiliation: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ascension St. Vincent is part of one of the largest Catholic health systems in the U.S. The Indianapolis location is a high-volume tertiary care center offering a full range of medical and surgical services, including nationally ranked heart and orthopedic programs.
Key Services:
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Cardiovascular Care and Heart Surgery
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Cancer Care and Oncology Research
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Orthopedic Surgery and Joint Replacement
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Maternity and Neonatal Care
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Spine and Neurosurgery
Why It Stands Out:
Ascension St. Vincent is a Top 50 cardiovascular hospital nationally. Its Heart Center is widely respected, and its compassionate care model integrates spiritual support with clinical excellence. It is also actively involved in community outreach and charity care.
6. Community Hospital North
Location: 7150 Clearvista Dr, Indianapolis, IN
Type: Community-Based, Nonprofit Hospital
Affiliation: Community Health Network
Community Hospital North is part of the Community Health Network, a locally owned healthcare system serving central Indiana. It provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services and is known for its focus on family medicine, women’s health, and behavioral care.
Key Services:
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Obstetrics and Neonatal Intensive Care
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Behavioral Health and Addiction Recovery
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Outpatient Surgery
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Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
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Cancer Care and Infusion Services
Why It Stands Out:
Community Health Network emphasizes holistic and integrated care. Community North’s behavioral health pavilion is one of the largest mental health facilities in the state, offering inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth support.
Healthcare Innovation and Medical Research in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is a city that values medical progress. From IU School of Medicine’s ongoing clinical trials to new biotech startups at the 16 Tech Innovation District, healthcare research and development is thriving.
Key Institutions Driving Research:
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IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Regenstrief Institute for Healthcare Research
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Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute
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Roche Diagnostics North American HQ (based in Indy)
These institutions are working on breakthrough therapies in:
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Cancer genomics
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Alzheimer’s treatment
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Digital health and patient data
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Precision medicine
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Global health equity
Medical Education and Residency Training
Indianapolis is a regional leader in medical education. With the largest medical school campus in the country, Indiana University School of Medicine provides training in all specialties, with over 1,400 residents and fellows annually. Other contributors include:
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Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
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University of Indianapolis (nursing and physical therapy)
Residency and fellowship opportunities across Indianapolis span:
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General Surgery
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Internal Medicine
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Pediatrics
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Emergency Medicine
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Neurosurgery
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Psychiatry
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OB-GYN and more
Community Health and Equity
Several healthcare systems in Indianapolis are deeply committed to addressing health disparities, especially in historically underserved neighborhoods. Initiatives include:
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Mobile health units for screenings and vaccinations
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Food pharmacies and nutrition education
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Community mental health centers
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Housing and employment support for high-risk populations
Programs like Eskenazi’s “Healthy Me”, Community Health’s “Reach” program, and Ascension’s neighborhood clinics are helping improve outcomes in marginalized communities.
Access, Insurance, and Affordability
Indianapolis hospitals accept all major insurance plans and offer financial assistance for eligible patients. Programs through Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and Medicaid expansion have increased access to care. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and urgent care clinics are also distributed across the city, making healthcare more reachable for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Indianapolis is more than a bustling capital—it’s a hub of compassionate, innovative, and accessible healthcare. The city’s hospitals, from the academic powerhouses like IU Health and Riley Children’s to faith-based providers like St. Vincent and public champions like Eskenazi, serve as pillars of strength for a growing and diverse population.
With a dedication to clinical excellence, medical education, and community well-being, Indianapolis continues to shape the future of medicine in the Midwest—and beyond. Whether you’re seeking top-tier pediatric care, cutting-edge cancer treatment, or holistic mental health services, Indianapolis offers world-class care right in the heart of the Circle City.
Need help choosing a hospital or finding specialty care in Indianapolis? Visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s website or contact one of the hospital’s patient navigation services to get started.