UCLA Health Century City is a multispecialty medical center in the Century City district of Los Angeles, offering a wide range of outpatient and ambulatory services within the UCLA Health network. The facility focuses on medical and surgical specialties, advanced diagnostics, and coordinated care, serving patients who work and live in the Westside and greater Los Angeles region. This evergreen profile explains what to expect from the center, how it compares with other UCLA Health locations, and how to prepare for a visit.
Overview of UCLA Health Century City
Located in one of Los Angeles’ prominent business and residential districts, UCLA Health Century City functions as an outpatient and specialty care hub rather than a full-service emergency hospital. It emphasizes accessible specialty consultations, imaging, and surgical suites, making it a convenient option for routine and complex non-emergency care. The center is part of UCLA Health, which means it benefits from academic medicine resources, integrated research, and standardized clinical protocols shared across the system.
Types of Services and Specialties
UCLA Health Century City provides a curated set of services designed for outpatient and ambulatory care, including primary care, specialty clinics, same-day surgery, and advanced diagnostics. The following table summarizes key service areas commonly available at the center.
| Service Category | Examples | Verification Source |
|---|---|---|
| Primary and Preventive Care | Family medicine, routine physicals, health screenings | UCLA Health provider directories and onsite service listings |
| Specialty Clinics | Cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, dermatology, gastroenterology | UCLA Health website, physician referral materials |
| Ambulatory Surgery | Same-day surgical procedures, minor orthopedic and urologic surgeries | Surgical scheduling and procedural FAQs |
| Imaging and Diagnostics | MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, nuclear medicine | Radiology department service descriptions |
| Supportive Services | Laboratory, rehabilitation, nutrition, mental health | UCLA Health service lines and clinical resource pages |
Primary and Preventive Care
Primary care at UCLA Health Century City focuses on maintaining health, preventing illness, and managing chronic conditions close to where patients live and work. Services typically include routine checkups, age-appropriate screenings, vaccinations, and basic chronic disease care, with strong coordination to specialty care when needed.
Specialty Clinics
The center hosts a broad array of specialty clinics that allow patients to receive evaluation and treatment in one location. These include cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and other medically focused disciplines. Referrals to these clinics often come from primary care providers or direct appointments, depending on insurance requirements and medical necessity.
Ambulatory Surgery
Ambulatory surgery services at UCLA Health Century City enable many procedures to be completed in a single visit, with recovery monitored onsite when necessary. Common procedures include orthopedic repairs, certain urologic interventions, and minor gynecologic or dermatologic surgeries. The surgical schedule is coordinated with anesthesiology and nursing teams to ensure standardized perioperative care.
Imaging and Diagnostics
Onsite imaging and diagnostics reduce the need for separate visits to external facilities. Services include MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, and nuclear medicine studies when clinically appropriate. Scheduling is often aligned with physician orders, and results are integrated into the shared electronic health record used across UCLA Health.
Supportive and Ancillary Services
Rehabilitation, laboratory testing, nutrition counseling, and mental health services act as force multipliers for primary and specialty care. These modalities are frequently prescribed as part of a broader treatment plan and may be billed separately depending on insurance benefits and medical necessity.
How UCLA Health Century City Fits Into the UCLA Health Network
As part of UCLA Health, Century City benefits from centralized governance, shared electronic health records, and standardized clinical pathways. While it is an outpatient-centric site, patients who require hospitalization or higher-acuity care can be transferred to UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center or other acute facilities within the network. The integration supports continuity, from initial consultation through follow-up and rehabilitation.
Appointments, Access, and Wait Times
Appointments at UCLA Health Century City are typically scheduled through the main UCLA Health system, by phone, or via the online patient portal. Wait times vary by specialty and provider availability, with popular clinics often booking several weeks in advance. New patient appointments usually require a referral depending on your insurance plan, so it is important to confirm coverage and authorization requirements before scheduling.
Scheduling Channels and What to Expect
- Online portal: Use the UCLA Health patient portal or website to check availability and request appointments.
- Phone scheduling: Call the UCLA Health service line for assistance with complex scheduling needs or referrals.
- Provider referral: Many specialties require a referral from a primary care physician or another authorized provider.
- Arrival and check-in: Arrive 15–30 minutes early for check-in, verification of insurance, and completion of any necessary intake forms.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Preparation can streamline your visit and improve the quality of care. Bring current identification, insurance cards, a list of medications with dosages, and any relevant medical records or imaging reports. If you are being seen for a new symptom or procedure, write down questions in advance and note any recent changes in health or medications. For certain studies, you may be asked to fast or adjust medications; staff will provide specific instructions when you schedule.
Patient Experience and Onsite Amenities
Patients often note the convenience of on-campus imaging and lab services, as well as the professional demeanor of clinical staff. The Century City location provides parking and transportation options, although availability can vary during peak hours. Cafeterias and nearby dining options add to the practical accessibility of the center, especially for those traveling from other parts of Los Angeles.
Clinical Quality and Safety Standards
UCLA Health adheres to national benchmarks for patient safety, infection control, and care coordination. The facility follows evidence-based protocols for medication use, surgical safety, and diagnostic accuracy, supported by continuous quality improvement initiatives. While outcomes can vary by condition and individual, the academic affiliation helps ensure that practices align with current guidelines and research advancements.
When to Seek Emergency or Urgent Care Elsewhere
UCLA Health Century City is not an emergency department. For life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden neurological deficits, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Urgent issues that cannot wait for a primary care appointment may be better served at an urgent care center or through a virtual visit, depending on clinical appropriateness.
Summary and Takeaways
UCLA Health Century City is a coordinated outpatient hub within the UCLA Health system, offering accessible specialty care, advanced diagnostics, and same-day surgery in a convenient Westside location. Its integration with the broader UCLA Health network ensures consistent records, standardized protocols, and seamless referrals when higher levels of care are needed. By understanding available services, how to schedule, and what to bring, patients can make efficient use of the center’s clinical resources.