Newsweek and Statista Launch 2027 Hospital Rankings with New Safety Metrics
Newsweek and Statista have released the fourth edition of the America’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2027 ranking, recognizing 800 facilities across the US and DC. The updated methodology now incorporates Leapfrog Hospital Safety data and requires a minimum CMS star rating of three for eligibility. The evaluation weighs hospital quality metrics at 50%, professional reputation at 28.5%, patient experience at 15%, and patient-reported outcome measures at 6.5%.
Key points
- The 2027 ranking includes 800 hospitals, with dedicated lists for each state and the District of Columbia.
- Eligibility criteria were revised to require an overall CMS star rating of three or higher.
- Leapfrog Hospital Safety and Quality Data from the 2026 survey is included for the first time.
- Hospital reputation scores are derived from a survey of medical professionals conducted in June and July 2026.
- Patient experience is measured via the HCAHPS survey, covering communication, cleanliness, and discharge information.
Background
This is the fourth edition of the ranking, which debuted in 2024. Previous iterations focused on similar metrics but lacked the specific integration of Leapfrog safety data and the stricter CMS eligibility threshold introduced this year. The ranking aims to provide geographically relevant options for patients seeking care within their own communities.
How outlets are covering it
Newsweek and Statista emphasize the methodological updates, specifically the inclusion of Leapfrog data and the new CMS star rating requirement, to ensure higher baseline quality. In contrast, local outlets like the Lincoln Parish Journal and Mon Health focus on specific institutional achievements. Willis Knighton Health was highlighted as the highest-ranked hospital in North Louisiana, while Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center noted its fourth consecutive year of recognition in West Virginia. These local reports frame the ranking as a validation of community-specific care rather than a national methodological shift.
Why it matters
The updated methodology provides patients with a more rigorous tool for selecting local hospitals by integrating safety data and stricter eligibility standards. It highlights the growing importance of patient-reported outcomes and professional peer reviews in determining healthcare quality at the state level.
What to watch
Hospitals can view their specific rankings on the Newsweek website. The next survey cycle for hospital reputation is expected to begin in 2027, following the current data collection period of August 2025 to August 2026.
- America’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2027 Newsweek Rankings
- Willis Knighton Health named to Newsweek’s Best In-State Hospitals Lincoln Parish Journal
- These 11 New Jersey hospitals made Newsweek's best-in-state list. Is yours on it? NJ.com
- Tri-State hospitals make best in state hospital list Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW)
- Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center among Newsweek’s America’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2027 Mon Health
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