Los Angeles County General
LA County Medical Center
The Los Angeles County Medical Center (often referred to simply as "LA County") appears in a few episodes of Quincy, M.E. as a secondary or alternate medical facility. Its inclusion in the series was typically used to reflect a change in scene location or to distinguish a case taking place outside of Quincy's usual jurisdiction at the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office.
In the Series
While most of the show’s investigations center around the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office where Dr. Quincy works, LA County Medical Center occasionally appears in episodes where:
- A patient is transferred from another hospital
- A scene requires a public hospital setting distinct from the coroner's lab
- The writers wanted to visually or narratively shift perspective, particularly when exploring broader health-related themes
These moments also helped diversify visual storytelling, as LA County’s exterior and interior locations provided the audience with a fresh angle or a sense of scale in cases involving citywide issues.
Behind the Scenes
Some exterior and hallway shots were believed to have been filmed on location at the real-life Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center, known for its distinctive Art Deco architecture. Its appearance helped ground the show in a recognizable Los Angeles setting, particularly in episodes that dealt with hospital conditions, patient care, or systemic public health concerns.
Trivia
- The LA County Medical Center is prominently located near the Golden State Freeway (I-5). A McDonald’s restaurant, which later became a well-known local landmark, was built nearby after these scenes were filmed, making it a subtle time marker for observant fans familiar with Los Angeles geography.
- These scenes also serve as a reminder of the show's production evolution and its occasional use of real-world LA settings to enhance authenticity.