The latest edition expands beyond national benchmarks to address how patients actually navigate care. By introducing regional rankings in four critical areas—Cancer; Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery; Orthopedics; and Rehabilitation—the report aims to bridge the gap between major medical centers and accessible local providers. According to Ben Harder, chief of health analysis at U.S. News, these metrics allow families to evaluate high-quality options near home in consultation with their care teams.

Methodology for this year’s rankings places increased statistical weight on risk-adjusted patient outcomes, specifically survival and complication rates, which were derived from over 800 million patient records. Beyond the general regional list, the report identified 73 hospitals for their commitment to community access, specifically recognizing facilities that provide essential care to underserved populations. Additionally, 20 hospitals across nine states earned a spot on the national Honor Roll, reflecting exceptional breadth and depth of clinical excellence.