A hospital corridor

Hospital quality literally can be a life-or-death issue. According to the health care search firm Healthgrades, if all hospitals performed at its top five-star level, 230,466 lives potentially could have been saved and 183,475 complications potentially could have been avoided.

Healthgrades has announced the recipients of three categories of hospital quality achievements celebrating excellence in specialty care:

  • 2026 Specialty Excellence Awards celebrate hospitals with outstanding clinical performance in 16 specialty care areas. Recipients are among the top 10% of hospitals specializing in these areas. Healthgrades evaluated outcomes at approximately 4,500 hospitals across 31 common procedures and conditions for these awards.
  • 2026 Outpatient Awards recognize outstanding achievements in outpatient care across orthopedic surgery, joint replacement and prostate care. In recent years, the number of orthopedic procedures performed in an outpatient environment has grown exponentially.
  • 2026 Specialty State Rankings measure hospital performance across 18 key specialty areas to identify the highest-ranking hospitals in 31 eligible states. By offering specialty care rankings at the state level, Healthgrades helps consumers find local hospitals that excel in their condition or procedure, taking the guesswork out of finding high-quality care close to home.
Related: 12 states with the highest uninsured rates

Healthgrades evaluated outcomes at approximately 4,500 hospitals across 31 common procedures and conditions for these awards. These grades help consumers identify high-quality hospitals by rating those that consistently deliver better-than-expected outcomes in specialty care. Ratings enable consumers to make informed decisions that can result in better care experiences and outcomes.

“Our specialty awards identify the nation's top-performing hospitals across numerous medical specialties, helping consumers find high-quality care tailored to their specific needs," said Dr. Alana Biggers, a medical advisor at Healthgrades. “Navigating the complex health care system can feel daunting, but taking a proactive stance to understand where to access superior care can enhance your health care journey and overall experience. The ability to make informed decisions about your health is a cornerstone of self-advocacy, and we are proud to help make that information accessible to all patients.”

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