Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
JOURNAL METRICS·Updated June 2026
NEJM Impact Factor 2025
NEJM Impact Factor 2025 is 84.5 (Q1, General & Internal Medicine, Massachusetts Medical Society). Established in 1812, the New England Journal of Medicine remains the most trusted source of clinical evidence, publishing practice-changing trials and reviews that define standards of care worldwide.
EDITORIAL CONTEXTThe Gold Standard of Medical Evidence
For more than two centuries, the New England Journal of Medicine (ISSN: 0028-4793) has stood at the apex of medical publishing. Published by the Massachusetts Medical Society, NEJM is the oldest continuously published medical journal in the world and arguably the most influential. Its pages have introduced seminal discoveries ranging from the first description of HIV/AIDS to landmark cardiovascular trials that rewrote treatment guidelines.
An Impact Factor of 84.5 places NEJM in the rarefied air of the world’s most-cited publications. This metric, however, only partially captures the journal’s influence. A NEJM publication can shift clinical practice within months, redirect pharmaceutical development pipelines, and determine insurance coverage decisions. Its impact extends far beyond the academy into the lives of millions of patients.
HISTORICAL DATATwo Centuries of Impact
| Year | Impact Factor | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 63.7 | → |
| 2021 | 67.7 | ↑ |
| 2022 | 71.7 | ↑ |
| 2023 | 75.9 | ↑ |
| 2024 | 80.1 | ↑ |
| 2025 | 84.5 | ↑ |
The trajectory from 63.7 to 84.5 in five years is remarkable for a journal already at the summit. The acceleration reflects NEJM’s strategic expansion into global health, health policy, and digital medicine, fields that generate intense citation activity. The journal’s COVID-19 coverage was the most cited medical literature of the pandemic era, further amplifying its metrics.
Key Takeaways
- NEJM’s 2025 Impact Factor of 84.5 places it among the world’s top medical journals.
- A CiteScore of 78.2 and h-index of 890 confirm unmatched citation dominance.
- Founded in 1812, it is the oldest continuously published medical journal globally.
- NEJM publications frequently rewrite clinical practice guidelines within months of publication.
RESEARCH FOCUSWhat NEJM Publishes
NEJM publishes original research articles, review articles, special articles, case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital, and perspectives on health policy and medical ethics. The original research section is heavily weighted toward large-scale randomized clinical trials, multicenter observational studies, and practice-changing investigations. The journal’s editorial process is famously rigorous, with acceptance rates for original research estimated in the single digits.
IF METHODOLOGYWhat 84.5 Represents
The Impact Factor is citations in the reporting year divided by citable items in the two prior years. For NEJM, the 84.5 figure reflects not just citation volume but the journal’s function as a reference standard. Clinical guidelines, review articles, and textbook chapters routinely cite NEJM papers as foundational evidence, creating a self-sustaining citation network that elevates the metric.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
What is the NEJM Impact Factor 2025?
The 2025 Impact Factor is 84.5, ranking it in Q1 for General & Internal Medicine.
Is NEJM better than The Lancet?
Both are elite. NEJM’s IF of 84.5 compares closely with The Lancet’s ~109. NEJM traditionally dominates North American clinical trials, while The Lancet has stronger global health coverage.
What is the acceptance rate?
Extremely selective. Original research acceptance is estimated below 5%, among the lowest in medical publishing.
Does NEJM publish case reports?
Yes, the Case Records of the MGH is a long-running and highly educational feature.
Is NEJM open access?
NEJM operates a hybrid model. Some content is free; most original research requires subscription or offers open-access options for a fee.
