Best Diabetes Hospitals in the USA for Advanced Diagnosis and Long-Term Care

Choosing a hospital or specialty center for diabetes is different from choosing a facility for a single procedure. Diabetes often requires years of coordinated care involving endocrinologists, diabetes educators, dietitians, pharmacists, primary-care clinicians and, when complications develop, specialists in cardiology, nephrology, ophthalmology, neurology, vascular medicine or podiatry.

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The strongest choice is therefore not necessarily the hospital with the biggest name. A patient with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes may prioritize diabetes technology and intensive insulin management, while someone with type 2 diabetes and kidney or cardiovascular disease may need a large multidisciplinary medical center. Children, pregnant patients and people with unusual forms of diabetes have additional needs.

This guide examines prominent U.S. hospitals and academic diabetes centers that patients may consider researching for advanced diagnosis and long-term care. It is not a numbered medical ranking. Programs, physicians, insurance networks and appointment availability change, so patients should verify current services directly with each institution.

Information reviewed for 2026 publication. Readers should confirm current clinical services, insurance participation and financial information before arranging treatment.

What Makes a Diabetes Hospital or Center Worth Considering?

Most diabetes care does not require hospitalization. In fact, effective long-term management generally happens through outpatient endocrinology and diabetes programs. The value of a major academic medical center becomes more apparent when the diagnosis is uncertain, glucose remains difficult to manage, advanced technology is needed, pregnancy complicates diabetes, or the patient has significant diabetes-related complications.

A useful comparison should therefore focus on the capabilities a patient actually needs rather than a generic hospital reputation.

Multidisciplinary Diabetes Expertise

Diabetes affects far more than blood glucose. Long-standing disease can involve the kidneys, eyes, nerves, cardiovascular system and feet. Access to several specialties within one health system can make coordination easier for medically complex patients.

Depending on individual needs, a diabetes care team may include:

  • Endocrinologists and diabetes specialists
  • Certified diabetes care and education professionals
  • Registered dietitians
  • Nephrologists
  • Cardiologists
  • Ophthalmologists
  • Neurologists
  • Vascular specialists
  • Podiatrists and wound-care teams
  • Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
  • Pediatric endocrinologists
  • Behavioral health professionals

Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities

Not every case fits neatly into type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Academic endocrinology programs can be particularly valuable when clinicians need to investigate atypical diabetes, possible monogenic diabetes, autoimmune disease, recurrent severe hypoglycemia or another endocrine condition affecting glucose regulation.

Diagnosis may involve medical history, laboratory testing and other assessments selected by the treating clinician. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases provides detailed information about the blood tests used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.

Diabetes Technology

Modern diabetes programs increasingly incorporate continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps and automated insulin-delivery technologies when clinically appropriate. Technology alone does not make a center superior; patients also need training, follow-up and help interpreting glucose data.

People considering a specialized center should ask whether its clinicians routinely work with the particular CGM or insulin-delivery system they use or are considering.

Prominent Diabetes Hospitals and Specialty Centers in the USA

The institutions below are presented as prominent programs to research, not as a numerical ranking. Each has a substantial academic, endocrinology or diabetes-care presence. The right choice depends on diagnosis, age, complications, geography, insurance and the expertise required.

Institution Location Areas to Research Official Website
Joslin Diabetes Center Boston, Massachusetts Specialized diabetes care, technology, complications and research Joslin.org
Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota and other campuses Endocrinology, complex diagnosis and multidisciplinary care Mayo Clinic
Cleveland Clinic Cleveland, Ohio Endocrinology and management alongside complex medical conditions Cleveland Clinic
UCSF Health San Francisco, California Adult diabetes, endocrinology and academic specialty care UCSF Health
Stanford Health Care Stanford, California Endocrinology, diabetes technology and multidisciplinary specialty care Stanford Health Care
Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Massachusetts Diabetes, endocrinology and management of complex comorbidities Mass General
University of Michigan Health Ann Arbor, Michigan Diabetes, metabolism, complications and multidisciplinary care University of Michigan Health
Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes Aurora, Colorado Type 1 diabetes, pediatric and adult diabetes care and research Barbara Davis Center

Joslin Diabetes Center — Boston, Massachusetts

Joslin Diabetes Center is one of the best-known institutions in the United States devoted specifically to diabetes. Its concentrated focus can be attractive to people seeking specialty evaluation or long-term management rather than general hospital care alone.

Areas Patients May Want to Research

Joslin provides clinical services across different aspects of diabetes management and maintains a major diabetes research presence. Patients can investigate programs relevant to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes technology and complications through the center’s official website.

A specialized diabetes center may be especially worth considering for people with difficult glucose-management problems, recurrent hypoglycemia, complicated insulin regimens or a need for multidisciplinary diabetes expertise.

Insurance and Cost Questions

Specialty-center access can depend heavily on the patient’s health plan. Before traveling to Boston, verify that both the facility and individual clinician are in-network, whether a referral is required and whether laboratory, imaging or other services will be billed separately.

Mayo Clinic — Rochester, Minnesota

Mayo Clinic is a large academic medical system with endocrinology and diabetes services as part of a much broader range of medical specialties. That structure can be useful when diabetes exists alongside cardiovascular, kidney, neurologic or other complicated medical conditions.

Why Patients May Research Mayo Clinic

Rather than viewing diabetes as an isolated problem, a large multidisciplinary medical center can evaluate interacting health conditions. Patients with an uncertain diagnosis, multiple endocrine disorders or significant complications may value the ability to coordinate consultations across specialties.

Prospective patients should review current diabetes and endocrinology services through the Mayo Clinic website and ask whether the specific service they require is available at the campus where they plan to receive care.

Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland Clinic is another major U.S. academic health system where diabetes and endocrinology care can be integrated with numerous medical and surgical specialties.

This may matter for patients whose diabetes management is complicated by heart disease, kidney disease, obesity or other conditions requiring coordinated medical attention. Patients should not assume that a hospital’s strength in one specialty automatically makes it the right diabetes program for their individual situation.

The Cleveland Clinic website provides current information about its departments, physicians and appointment pathways.

UCSF Health — San Francisco, California

UCSF Health provides academic endocrinology and diabetes care within a major university health system. Academic centers such as UCSF can be useful when patients need specialist evaluation, advanced diabetes management or coordination with other medical departments.

People considering UCSF should research the specific diabetes program relevant to their condition rather than selecting the institution solely on its general reputation. Insurance coverage should also be checked carefully because hospital, physician, laboratory and other components of care may have different billing arrangements.

Stanford Health Care — Stanford, California

Stanford Health Care provides endocrinology and diabetes services within an academic medical environment. Patients interested in diabetes technology, difficult-to-manage diabetes or care involving several specialties may consider investigating the relevant Stanford program.

Technology-intensive care requires more than obtaining a device. Appropriate patient selection, education, settings, glucose-data interpretation and ongoing clinical follow-up are central parts of successful use.

Current specialty services and appointment information are available from Stanford Health Care.

Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts

Massachusetts General Hospital offers diabetes and endocrinology expertise within a major academic medical center. Its broader specialty infrastructure can be relevant for people who have diabetes together with complex cardiovascular, kidney or other medical problems.

For a patient already receiving specialty care within the health system, coordinated access can also reduce the challenge of transferring records between unrelated organizations. Patients considering an out-of-area consultation should ask whether follow-up can be shared with their local endocrinologist or primary-care clinician.

University of Michigan Health — Ann Arbor, Michigan

University of Michigan Health offers diabetes and endocrinology care within an academic health system. The institution is also associated with the Caswell Diabetes Institute, which brings together clinical and research efforts related to diabetes, metabolism and complications.

Patients with complicated disease may want to investigate whether a multidisciplinary program can address both glucose management and related medical conditions. The University of Michigan Health website is the appropriate place to confirm current services and referral requirements.

Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes — Aurora, Colorado

The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has a strong focus on type 1 diabetes and provides specialized clinical and research programs.

It is particularly relevant for families researching pediatric diabetes expertise as well as adults seeking specialized type 1 diabetes care. Because the needs of children and adults differ substantially, families should verify which clinic and specialist team is appropriate before arranging an appointment.

Current information is available through the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

Advanced Diabetes Diagnosis: When a Specialty Center Can Help

For many people, diabetes can be diagnosed and managed effectively through primary care and community endocrinology. Referral to a major specialty center becomes more relevant when the clinical situation is unusual or particularly complicated.

Examples can include uncertainty about the type of diabetes, severe or recurrent hypoglycemia, difficulty reaching individualized treatment goals despite ongoing care, suspected genetic forms of diabetes, pregnancy complicated by diabetes or multiple diabetes-related complications.

Type 1, Type 2 and Other Forms of Diabetes

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes account for much of clinical diabetes care, but they are not the only possibilities. Diabetes can also occur during pregnancy, result from certain diseases or medications, or arise from specific genetic variants.

The correct classification can influence long-term management. A specialist may use clinical history and appropriate laboratory testing to clarify an uncertain case. Testing should be selected and interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional rather than ordered based solely on information found online.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Continuous glucose monitors provide glucose information throughout the day and night and can help eligible patients and clinicians understand trends that isolated finger-stick measurements may not reveal.

The NIDDK’s continuous glucose monitoring information explains how these systems work and who may use them.

Insurance coverage for a CGM depends on the patient’s plan and eligibility criteria. The device, sensors, transmitters or associated supplies may also be subject to different pharmacy or durable-medical-equipment rules.

Insulin Pumps and Automated Insulin Delivery

Some people who require insulin use pump systems, and certain systems combine insulin delivery with CGM data. Suitability depends on the individual patient, treatment goals, ability to use the technology safely and clinician assessment.

Patients researching an advanced diabetes center can ask whether it provides structured pump training, CGM education, data review and support for transitioning between technologies.

Long-Term Diabetes Care Matters More Than a Single Hospital Visit

Diabetes management is continuous. Even an outstanding specialty consultation has limited value if there is no practical follow-up plan after the patient returns home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes diabetes as a chronic condition affecting how the body turns food into energy. Ongoing medical care aims not only to manage glucose but also to identify and reduce the risk of complications.

Coordinated Complication Screening

A strong long-term program should help patients understand which assessments they need and how frequently they should receive them based on individual circumstances. Care can involve blood pressure and cardiovascular risk management, kidney assessment, eye care, foot examinations and other monitoring.

Patients with existing complications may need direct specialist involvement rather than routine screening alone.

Diabetes Education and Nutrition Support

Much of diabetes management happens outside a clinic. Patients make daily decisions involving food, activity, medication, glucose monitoring and responses to changing glucose levels.

Structured diabetes self-management education and support can therefore be a meaningful part of a high-quality program. Before choosing a center, ask whether education and nutrition appointments are integrated into the diabetes clinic and how insurance bills these services.

Diabetes Treatment Costs in the United States

There is no single reliable price for “diabetes treatment.” A routine endocrinology appointment, laboratory testing, CGM supplies, insulin-pump equipment and an emergency hospitalization represent very different types of healthcare spending.

Patient responsibility also depends heavily on insurance. The amount shown on a hospital’s charge list is not necessarily what an insurer negotiates or what the patient ultimately owes.

Treatment / Service Approximate Cost Considerations Main Factors Affecting Price
Endocrinology consultation No universal patient price New vs follow-up visit, clinician, location, insurance network and deductible
Laboratory testing Varies by tests ordered Type and number of tests, laboratory network and insurance
Continuous glucose monitoring Varies by system and coverage Device, supplies, pharmacy/DME benefits and eligibility
Insulin pump therapy Varies substantially Pump system, supplies, benefit category and insurance authorization
Diabetes education Coverage and patient cost vary Plan benefits, provider and referral requirements
Emergency or inpatient care Highly variable Diagnosis, severity, length of stay, procedures, physicians and network status

Hospital Price Transparency

CMS requires U.S. hospitals to make specified pricing information publicly available under federal hospital price-transparency requirements. The rules are intended to give consumers access to information including hospital pricing data, but interpreting those files can be difficult.

The CMS Hospital Price Transparency resource explains the federal requirements.

For planned hospital services, patients should use a hospital’s consumer price tool when applicable and contact the billing or financial-services department for an individualized estimate.

Why the Final Bill Can Differ From an Estimate

An estimate is based on what is expected before care begins. Actual treatment can require different laboratory tests, imaging, medications, consultations or procedures.

Another source of confusion is separate billing. A facility charge and a physician’s professional services may not appear on the same bill. Laboratory, radiology and other professional services can also be billed separately.

Before scheduled care, ask which organizations are expected to bill you and whether each is participating in your insurance network.

Health Insurance and Diabetes Hospital Care

Insurance should be investigated before choosing a distant specialty center. A hospital can provide excellent care but still be financially impractical if it is outside the patient’s plan network.

Insurance Term What It Means for Patients
In-network A provider has a contractual relationship with the health plan; plan rules generally provide more favorable coverage than for out-of-network care.
Out-of-network A provider does not participate in the plan’s network. Coverage may be reduced or unavailable depending on the plan and circumstances.
Deductible The amount a patient generally pays for covered services before the plan begins paying according to its rules.
Copayment A fixed amount the plan may require for a covered service.
Coinsurance A percentage of the allowed cost that a patient may owe for a covered service.
Out-of-pocket maximum A plan-defined annual limit on certain patient spending for covered in-network benefits; plan rules determine what counts toward it.
Prior authorization Approval that the health plan may require before certain services, medications or equipment are covered.

PPO and HMO Plans

A PPO may provide more flexibility for accessing providers outside the primary network, although out-of-network care can involve substantially different cost sharing. An HMO typically uses a more structured provider network and may require referrals for certain specialty services.

These are broad descriptions rather than guarantees. The actual plan document controls benefits, exclusions, referral requirements and cost sharing.

Medicare

Medicare provides coverage for many diabetes-related services, supplies and preventive benefits when applicable eligibility and coverage requirements are satisfied. Specific rules differ according to the service and the beneficiary’s coverage.

Patients can check current information through the official Medicare diabetes services and supplies resource rather than relying on a hospital blog or an outdated third-party summary.

Medicaid and Marketplace Plans

Medicaid coverage and provider participation vary by state and program. Marketplace plans also have their own provider networks, formularies and authorization requirements.

People with Marketplace coverage can use HealthCare.gov for federal Marketplace information, while Medicaid beneficiaries should consult their state Medicaid program and managed-care plan when applicable.

Five Checks to Make Before Scheduling

  1. Ask the insurer whether the hospital is in-network for your exact plan.
  2. Verify the individual endocrinologist or other physician separately.
  3. Ask whether laboratory, imaging and facility services will also be in-network.
  4. Confirm whether a referral or prior authorization is required.
  5. Request an estimate of your expected out-of-pocket responsibility.

Do not rely only on a hospital website’s statement that it “accepts” an insurer. Acceptance of an insurance company is not necessarily the same as participation in every plan or network offered by that company.

How to Compare Diabetes Centers Beyond Reputation

A famous institution may be appropriate for a rare or complicated problem but unnecessary for stable diabetes that can be managed close to home. Travel can also make regular follow-up harder.

Before selecting a program, evaluate the clinical match first.

Question Why It Matters
Does the center routinely treat my type of diabetes? Expertise should match the actual diagnosis.
Can it manage my specific complications? Kidney, eye, heart, nerve and foot problems may require other specialists.
Does it support my CGM or pump technology? Technology experience can improve continuity of care.
Can my local doctor participate in follow-up? Long-distance specialty care often works best with local coordination.
Are the facility and physicians in-network? Network differences can materially affect patient costs.
Can I receive an estimate before care? An estimate helps patients anticipate financial responsibility.

Check the Individual Specialist

Hospital reputation should not replace evaluation of the clinician who will actually manage the patient’s condition. Patients can review the physician’s specialty, board certification where relevant, clinical interests and experience with the specific condition.

For an unusual form of diabetes, for example, experience with that condition may matter more than the overall reputation of the health system.

Consider Distance and Continuity

Diabetes commonly requires repeated appointments rather than a one-time intervention. A center several states away may make sense for a second opinion or highly specialized assessment, but routine follow-up could be more practical locally.

Ask a specialty center whether it can coordinate care with the patient’s local endocrinologist or primary-care team and which follow-up visits must be completed in person.

Diabetes Care for Children and Adolescents

Pediatric diabetes should be managed with the needs of children and families in mind. Pediatric endocrinology programs can provide age-appropriate diabetes education, insulin-management support, technology training and coordination with schools and caregivers.

Families should specifically research pediatric programs rather than assuming an adult diabetes center treats children. Large children’s hospitals and dedicated pediatric diabetes programs may have teams designed around the developmental and psychosocial needs of younger patients.

Transition planning also matters as teenagers move toward adult diabetes care. Families researching a program can ask how it manages the transition from pediatric to adult endocrinology.

Diabetes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy involving pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, as well as gestational diabetes, can require closer monitoring and coordination between diabetes specialists and obstetric professionals.

Patients with higher-risk pregnancies may benefit from centers where endocrinology and maternal-fetal medicine can coordinate care. The appropriate level of specialty care depends on individual medical and pregnancy factors.

Anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss diabetes management and medications directly with qualified healthcare professionals rather than making treatment changes based on general online information.

International Patients Seeking Diabetes Care in the USA

Traveling to the United States for diabetes care can be expensive and may not be necessary for routine management. International patients usually have the strongest reason to investigate U.S. academic centers when they need a highly specialized consultation, advanced diagnostic evaluation or expertise that is difficult to access locally.

Before arranging travel, contact the institution’s international or patient-services office where available. Ask what medical records must be submitted, whether they need English translation and whether the center will review records before offering an appointment.

International patients should also clarify payment requirements. Domestic U.S. insurance assumptions may not apply to overseas patients, and hospitals may request deposits or other financial arrangements.

Useful documents can include physician summaries, laboratory reports, medication lists, glucose or CGM records, imaging reports and previous treatment information. The hospital should provide its own requirements.

When Emergency Diabetes Care Is Needed

A planned consultation at a leading diabetes center should never replace emergency treatment. Serious acute diabetes complications can require immediate medical attention.

The CDC advises patients to understand diabetes-related emergencies and sick-day management. Symptoms suggesting a medical emergency should be evaluated promptly through appropriate emergency services rather than waiting for a future specialty appointment.

Patients should follow an individualized emergency and sick-day plan provided by their healthcare team, particularly if they use insulin or have previously experienced serious glucose-related complications.

Choosing the Right Diabetes Hospital for Your Needs

The best diabetes hospital for one patient may be an unnecessary or inconvenient choice for another. Start with the medical problem: determine whether you need routine endocrinology, advanced diagnostic evaluation, diabetes technology expertise, pediatric care, pregnancy-related management or coordinated treatment of serious complications.

Then compare the individual clinician and program rather than hospital reputation alone. Look at relevant clinical expertise, access to supporting specialties, location, ability to coordinate long-term follow-up and compatibility with your existing care team.

Financial planning belongs in the decision as well. Verify the hospital and physician network separately, check prior-authorization requirements, understand your deductible and coinsurance, and obtain an individualized estimate for planned services whenever possible.

For complex diabetes, an academic or dedicated diabetes center can provide valuable expertise. For stable long-term management, however, accessible and consistent local care may be equally important. A patient’s endocrinologist or primary-care clinician can help determine whether referral to a tertiary diabetes center is medically useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best diabetes hospital in the USA?

There is no single hospital that is objectively best for every person with diabetes. Joslin Diabetes Center and major academic systems such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, UCSF Health, Stanford Health Care, Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Michigan Health are among the prominent institutions patients may research. The appropriate choice depends on the type of diabetes, complications, age, required technology or specialty expertise, insurance network and ability to receive ongoing follow-up care.

Should I travel to a major hospital for type 2 diabetes?

Not necessarily. Many people with type 2 diabetes can receive effective care through primary-care clinicians and local endocrinologists. A large academic diabetes center may become more useful when the diagnosis is uncertain, management remains particularly difficult, significant complications are present or several specialists need to coordinate treatment. Discuss the potential benefit of referral with your existing healthcare professional before committing to expensive travel.

Which hospital is good for type 1 diabetes?

Patients with type 1 diabetes may want to investigate centers with dedicated expertise in intensive insulin management, CGMs, insulin pumps, automated insulin-delivery systems and diabetes education. Joslin Diabetes Center and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes are examples of highly diabetes-focused institutions. Major academic endocrinology programs also manage type 1 diabetes. The best clinical match depends on age, complications, technology needs and insurance.

Can a diabetes hospital determine whether I have type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

Specialist endocrinology programs can evaluate cases in which diabetes classification is uncertain. Clinicians may consider symptoms, medical history, glucose testing and other appropriate laboratory tests. In selected situations they may investigate autoimmune or genetic causes. Testing varies by patient, so a specialist should determine which investigations are medically appropriate rather than relying on a standard online test list.

Does insurance cover treatment at major diabetes centers?

Coverage depends on the patient’s exact health plan, provider network, benefit rules and service being provided. A hospital may participate in some plans from an insurance company but not others. Confirm the hospital and individual physician separately with the insurer. Also ask about referrals, prior authorization, laboratory networks, diabetes technology coverage and expected cost sharing before receiving non-emergency care.

Does Medicare cover diabetes treatment and supplies?

Medicare covers various diabetes-related services and supplies for eligible beneficiaries when applicable coverage requirements are met. The rules differ depending on the service, equipment or supply. Rather than assuming a CGM, pump, test or education service is covered, patients should check their specific Medicare coverage and current eligibility requirements through Medicare.gov and their providers.

How much does diabetes treatment cost in the United States?

There is no meaningful single price because diabetes care can range from routine outpatient appointments to laboratory testing, medications, CGMs, pumps and treatment for serious complications. Insurance status, network participation, deductible, coinsurance and the services received can substantially change a patient’s responsibility. For scheduled hospital services, request an individualized estimate and verify benefits with the insurer.

Can I request a cost estimate before visiting a diabetes hospital?

Yes. For planned services, ask the hospital or medical center’s financial-services department for an estimate based on the expected services and your insurance information. You should also contact the insurer because a hospital estimate does not by itself guarantee coverage. Ask whether professional fees, laboratory work, imaging and other services are included or may generate separate bills.

Are CGMs and insulin pumps available at major diabetes centers?

Many large endocrinology and diabetes programs work with modern diabetes technologies, but the exact devices supported and their availability can change. Clinical suitability also varies by patient. Ask the program whether its team has experience with your specific system and whether it provides device training and follow-up. Insurance coverage for equipment and supplies should be verified separately.

Can international patients visit U.S. diabetes centers?

Some major U.S. academic health systems provide services for international patients, but arrangements differ by institution. International patients should contact the hospital directly before traveling to confirm appointment eligibility, required records, payment arrangements and available support services. For routine diabetes management, patients should also consider how follow-up care and prescription or supply access will work after returning home.

What should I bring to a diabetes specialist appointment?

Requirements vary, but useful information may include an up-to-date medication list, recent laboratory results, previous medical records, glucose logs or downloadable CGM/pump data, relevant imaging or specialist reports, insurance information and a list of current concerns. Ask the clinic before the appointment because some centers prefer to receive records electronically in advance.

Is a famous hospital always better for long-term diabetes management?

No. Clinical expertise matters, but diabetes requires continuity. A nearby endocrinologist who knows the patient’s history and can provide regular follow-up may be more practical than frequent long-distance visits to a nationally known center. For complicated cases, a useful model can be a specialty-center consultation combined with ongoing local care, provided the clinicians can coordinate effectively.

Medical and Informational Disclaimer

This article is for general informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hospital programs, physicians, prices, technology availability and insurance participation can change. Confirm current information directly with the healthcare institution and your insurer, and discuss individual treatment decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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