Top 10 Lung Hospitals in the United States (2026 Edition)

Choosing the right lung hospital can be lifesaving if you’re facing COPD, asthma, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, or a rare respiratory disease.

In this 2026 edition, we highlight 10 U.S. centers delivering exceptional pulmonary and thoracic outcomes—combining advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and research-driven care. Our selections synthesize the most recent publicly available data, including national rankings, outcomes databases, and research impact, with links so you can verify details yourself.

How we chose the top lung hospitals (2026)

This list reflects sustained excellence observed across multiple data sources: the latest U.S. News & World Report Pulmonology & Lung Surgery rankings, federal outcomes data via Medicare Care Compare, transplant volumes and survival on the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR), and active trials on ClinicalTrials.gov. We also considered program depth (e.g., ILD, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis), access to minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery, and robust pulmonary rehabilitation.

Rankings can shift year to year; always confirm the latest details through the links below. The hospitals featured here have demonstrated consistent, top-tier performance across metrics and geographies, making them strong options to consider in 2026.

Top 10 Lung Hospitals in the United States (2026)

1) Mayo Clinic — Rochester, MN

Mayo Clinic Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine is renowned for coordinated, team-based care that streamlines complex evaluations in days, not weeks. From rare interstitial lung diseases to advanced lung cancer, patients benefit from integrated pulmonology, thoracic surgery, oncology, and radiology.

National leader in lung cancer diagnostics, including PET-CT and molecular profiling
Multispecialty expertise in sarcoidosis, ILD, and severe asthma
Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation and post-ICU recovery programs

2) Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland, OH

The Cleveland Clinic Respiratory Institute is internationally recognized for complex pulmonary care and innovative airway procedures. Its lung transplant and interventional pulmonology teams are among the country’s most experienced.

High-volume lung transplant program with advanced ECMO support
Leader in minimally invasive bronchoscopy and endobronchial therapies
Specialized care for COPD, bronchiectasis, and occupational lung diseases

3) NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital — Columbia & Cornell (NYC)

NewYork-Presbyterian’s pulmonology and thoracic programs, powered by Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, offer access to cutting-edge trials and comprehensive subspecialty clinics.

Advanced lung cancer care, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies
Cystic fibrosis care center and multidisciplinary asthma clinics
Integrated supportive and palliative services for complex disease

4) Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, CA

Cedars-Sinai Pulmonary & Critical Care pairs clinical excellence with innovation in imaging and minimally invasive therapies, serving as a major referral center for the West Coast.

Specialized clinics for lung nodules and interstitial lung disease
Expertise in pulmonary hypertension and right heart-pulmonary interactions
Strong outcomes in COPD, pneumonia, and complex ICU care

5) Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, MA

As part of Harvard Medical School, Mass General’s Pulmonary & Critical Care Division integrates world-class clinical care with pioneering research in fibrosis, asthma, and sleep-disordered breathing.

Early adopter of AI-enhanced imaging and decision support
Active clinical trials in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and rare ILDs
Robust pulmonary rehab and transitional care pathways

6) UCSF Health — San Francisco, CA

UCSF Pulmonology delivers high-level care for severe asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease, with strong collaboration between pulmonology and thoracic surgery.

Expertise in complex airway disease and lung cancer
NIH-funded research with rapid translation to clinical protocols
Multidisciplinary ILD and pulmonary hypertension programs

7) Mount Sinai Hospital — New York, NY

The Mount Sinai Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine is known for excellence in interstitial lung disease, early lung cancer detection, and advanced bronchoscopy.

Comprehensive lung cancer screening with low-dose CT
State-of-the-art bronchoscopy and navigational platforms
Integrated palliative and supportive care for advanced disease

8) Houston Methodist Hospital — Houston, TX

Situated in the Texas Medical Center, Houston Methodist’s Lung Center provides leading-edge diagnostics and access to innovative clinical trials across pulmonary subspecialties.

Expertise in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and robotics
Mature programs for COPD, sleep disorders, and pulmonary rehab
High marks for patient experience and care coordination

9) Northwestern Memorial Hospital — Chicago, IL

Northwestern Medicine offers nationally recognized lung transplant care and subspecialty clinics for complex pulmonary disorders.

Comprehensive cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension programs
Personalized medicine approaches informed by molecular profiling
Strong outcomes in pneumonia and respiratory failure

10) Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University — St. Louis, MO

A Midwest leader, Washington University Pulmonary & Critical Care and Barnes-Jewish’s Lung Transplant Program deliver advanced care for rare and complex lung diseases.

High-volume lung transplant and interventional pulmonology
Academic depth with access to novel trials
Experience managing rare ILDs and complex airway disorders

How to choose the best lung hospital for your needs

Even among the best lung hospitals, the right fit depends on your diagnosis, goals, and logistics. Use these steps to make an informed choice:

Verify outcomes and volumes: For transplants, review center-specific data on the SRTR. For procedures and mortality/readmission metrics, check Care Compare.
Seek subspecialty expertise: Look for dedicated clinics (ILD, PH, CF, severe asthma) and a strong interventional pulmonology service if you may need advanced bronchoscopy.
Ask about access to trials: Clinical trials can expand options for IPF, pulmonary hypertension, or refractory lung cancer. Search ClinicalTrials.gov and ask the team what’s enrolling now.
Evaluate the care model: Integrated, multidisciplinary clinics can reduce time to diagnosis and treatment. Ask how imaging, pathology, surgery, and oncology coordinate.
Plan for rehab and recovery: Pulmonary rehabilitation improves function and quality of life—confirm availability and insurance coverage close to home.
Consider travel and telehealth: Many centers offer virtual follow-ups; weigh travel burden, wait times, and caregiver needs.

What to bring to your first appointment

Maximize your visit by arriving prepared:

Recent imaging (CT/PET), pulmonary function tests, pathology reports, and medication list
Timeline of symptoms, exacerbations, and prior therapies
Questions about alternatives, expected outcomes, and recovery timelines
Insurance details and referral authorizations, if required

Bottom line

America’s best lung hospitals pair exceptional clinical outcomes with comprehensive services—from early diagnosis and minimally invasive surgery to transplant and rehabilitation. Use the trusted links above to validate current performance and find the program that aligns with your condition, preferences, and access needs. When in doubt, seek a second opinion—top centers welcome it and often collaborate to ensure you receive the right care at the right time.