UCLA Mattel Specialties Changing Pediatric Care Today
- 01. Nationwide-Ranked Pediatric Subspecialties
- 02. Comprehensive Care Across All Major Specialties
- 03. Why Parents Trust These Specific Units
- 04. Specialized Clinical Units Within Mattel
- 05. Clinical Excellence Metrics and Historical Context
- 06. Advanced Technology and Research Integration
- 07. Urology and Nephrology Excellence
- 08. Cancer Care and Bone Marrow Transplantation
- 09. Cardiology and Fetal Heart Program
- 10. Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Epilepsy Center
- 11. Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- 12. GI Surgery and Advanced Endoscopy
- 13. Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders
- 14. Behavioral Health and Mental Health Services
- 15. Scheduling an Appointment
- 16. Regional Impact and Community Service
UCLA Mattel Hospital-Why Parents Trust These Units
UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital delivers world-class pediatric care across ten nationally ranked specialties: behavioral health, cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and urology. Located within Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center at 757 Westwood Plaza in Los Angeles, the hospital serves more than 6,000 inpatients and 100,000 outpatients annually through comprehensive primary and subspecialty care for infants, children, and adolescents up to age 21.
Nationwide-Ranked Pediatric Subspecialties
The hospital's national recognition excellence was reaffirmed in October 2025 when U.S. News & World Report ranked ten subspecialties for the 2025-2026 report. These rankings represent the gold standard in pediatric healthcare delivery, with UCLA Mattel consistently placing in the top 50 nationally across multiple categories since 2018.
| Specialty | Ranking Status | Key Services | Patient Volume (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer (Oncology) | Nationally Ranked | Pediatric hematologic/oncologic care, bone marrow transplant | 1,200+ patients |
| Cardiology & Heart Surgery | Nationally Ranked | Fetal cardiology, congenital heart surgery, cardiac catheterization | 850+ patients |
| Neurology & Neurosurgery | Nationally Ranked | Pediatric epilepsy, brain/spine surgery, neurocritical care | 950+ patients |
| Neonatology | Nationally Ranked | Level IV NICU, high-risk newborn care, ECMO | 1,400+ births |
| Gastroenterology & GI Surgery | Nationally Ranked | Pediatric IBD, liver disease, advanced endoscopy | 780+ patients |
| Nephrology | Nationally Ranked | Dialysis, kidney transplant, complex kidney disease | 420+ patients |
| Orthopedics | Nationally Ranked | Scoliosis, sports medicine, congenital limb differences | 1,100+ patients |
| Diabetes & Endocrinology | Nationally Ranked | Type 1/Type 2 diabetes, growth disorders, thyroid care | 900+ patients |
| Urology | Nationally Ranked | Pediatric reconstructive urology, kidney stones, voiding dysfunction | 650+ patients |
| Behavioral Health | Nationally Ranked | Pediatric psychiatry, psychology, crisis intervention | 800+ patients |
Comprehensive Care Across All Major Specialties
Beyond the ranked specialties, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital provides care in all major subspecialties including pediatric oncology, pediatric neurology, pediatric critical care, pediatric orthopedics, and pediatric cardiology. The hospital's family-centered care model ensures that every child receives personalized treatment addressing both physical and emotional well-being from newborns to young adults.
The Pediatric Critical Care Division operates two intensive care units: the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Pediatric Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (PCTICU), providing state-of-the-art care for critically ill children. A dedicated pediatric transport team activates via phone at (310) 825-0909 for regional referrals.
Why Parents Trust These Specific Units
- Nationally ranked outcomes: Ten subspecialties earned U.S. News & World Report recognition for 2025-2026, demonstrating consistent excellence
- High-volume expertise: Over 100,000 outpatient visits annually mean physicians see complex cases regularly
- Level IV NICU capabilities: The 16-bassinet high-tech Neonatal Intensive Care Unit handles the most complex newborn cases
- Fully integrated care: Located within Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center enables seamless adult-pediatric transitions for complex conditions
- $50 million Mattel gift impact: A November 2021 commitment funded expanded child-centric services and best-in-class facilities
Specialized Clinical Units Within Mattel
The Mattel Children's Unit at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center complements the main facility with a 25-bed Pediatric Unit including 4 beds for acutely ill children, plus the 16-bassinet high-tech NICU. This regional expansion ensures accessible pediatric emergency care for Westside Los Angeles families while maintaining UCLA Health's clinical standards.
The hospital treats patients aged 0-21 throughout California and sometimes treats adults requiring pediatric-care expertise for conditions originating in childhood. This unique capability supports young adults with congenital conditions transitioning from pediatric to adult care.
Clinical Excellence Metrics and Historical Context
Eight specialties originally placed in the top 50 nationally in 2018: nephrology, orthopaedics, neurology/neurosurgery, gastroenterology, cancer, urology, cardiology, and neonatology. By 2025-2026, behavioral health joined the ranked list while diabetes and endocrinology also earned recognition, bringing the total to ten nationally ranked subspecialties.
The Department of Pediatrics facilities were specifically designed to serve the most critically ill children with sophisticated, compassionate care in an environment welcoming and healing to children and families. This intentional design philosophy distinguishes UCLA Mattel from general pediatric facilities.
Advanced Technology and Research Integration
UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital integrates clinical translational research directly into patient care, allowing families access to cutting-edge therapies and clinical trials. The hospital's positioning within UCLA Health's academic medical center enables pediatric patients to benefit from breakthrough discoveries on the same day they emerge from laboratory research.
The child-centric services expansion funded by Mattel's $50 million gift includes enhanced family lodging, child life programs, and pediatric-specific diagnostic imaging. These investments directly address the unique emotional and developmental needs of children undergoing medical treatment.
Urology and Nephrology Excellence
The nationally ranked urology program specializes in pediatric reconstructive urology, complex kidney stone management, and voiding dysfunction treatment. Meanwhile, the nephrology team provides comprehensive dialysis services, kidney transplantation, and management of complex kidney diseases. Together, these two specialties form a comprehensive renal care continuum from medical management to surgical intervention.
Cancer Care and Bone Marrow Transplantation
Pediatric oncology at UCLA Mattel encompasses comprehensive cancer care including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation for hematologic malignancies. The program treats over 1,200 pediatric cancer patients annually, making it one of the busiest pediatric oncology programs on the West Coast.
Cardiology and Fetal Heart Program
The pelvic cardiology program offers fetal cardiology consultations, congenital heart surgery, and advanced cardiac catheterization procedures. Families can receive diagnosis and treatment planning before birth through the fetal cardiology service, enabling preparation for immediate postnatal intervention when necessary.
"UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital cares for the physical and emotional well-being of children of all ages, from newborns to young adults, with sophisticated, compassionate care in an environment that is both welcoming and healing."
Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Epilepsy Center
The nationally ranked neurology and neurosurgery program treats complex conditions including pediatric epilepsy, brain tumors, spinal cord disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. The pediatric epilepsy center offers advanced monitoring, responsive neurostimulation, and dietary therapies for medication-resistant seizures.
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Pediatric orthopedics addresses congenital limb differences, scoliosis, sports injuries, and complex reconstruction. The program treats over 1,100 orthopedic patients annually with specialized surgeons experienced in growth-plate preservation and pediatric-specific surgical techniques.
GI Surgery and Advanced Endoscopy
The gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery team manages p pediatric IBD, liver disease, and performs advanced endoscopic procedures. Services include therapeutic upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, and EUS for diagnosing and treating complex GI conditions.
Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders
The diabetes and endocrinology program provides comprehensive care for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, growth disorders, thyroid conditions, and puberty abnormalities. With 900+ annual patients, the team offers continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump management, and multidisciplinary diabetes education.
Behavioral Health and Mental Health Services
Newly ranked for 2025-2026, the p pediatric behavioral health program offers psychiatry, psychology, and crisis intervention services. The team addresses anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and traumatic stress with evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
Scheduling an Appointment
Families can schedule an appointment today by visiting UCLA Health's website or calling the main pediatric line. The hospital accepts most major insurance plans and provides financial assistance for qualifying families. Newpatient registration requires insurance verification and medical records from referring physicians.
For emergency situations, families should call 911 or proceed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center's pediatric emergency department, which maintains 24/7 pediatric emergency coverage with board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians.
Regional Impact and Community Service
UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital serves throughout California, drawing patients from the entire state for complex pediatric care. The hospital's regional transport network coordinates safe transfer of critically ill children from community hospitals to UCLA's tertiary care facilities.
The institution's mission emphasizes excellence in pediatric care through integration of clinical expertise, research innovation, and family-centered compassion. This triple mandate ensures that every child receives care reflecting the latest medical science delivered with humanity.
What are the most common questions about Ucla Mattel Specialties Changing Pediatric Care Today?
What ages does UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital serve?
The hospital cares for children from newborns to young adults aged 0-21, and sometimes treats adults requiring pediatric-care expertise.
How many patients does UCLA Mattel see annually?
The hospital serves more than 6,000 inpatients and 100,000 outpatients each year through comprehensive primary and subspecialty care.
Which specialties are nationally ranked?
Ten subspecialties are nationally ranked for 2025-2026: behavioral health, cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and urology.
Where is UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital located?
The hospital is located at 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, within Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Does UCLA Mattel have an NICU?
Yes, the hospital includes a 16-bassinet high-tech, high-touch Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Level IV NICU) capable of caring for the most critically ill newborns.
What is the pediatric critical care capability?
The Division of Pediatric Critical Care operates both a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Pediatric Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (PCTICU) with state-of-the-art equipment.
How do I contact the pediatric transport team?
The Pediatric Transport Team Activation phone number is (310) 825-0909; Westside PICU & PCTICU contact is (310) 267-7540.