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Leapfrog Group Releases 2026 Ratings for U.S. Hospitals and ASCs

On July 27, 2026, The Leapfrog Group announced an unprecedented milestone in patient safety and care quality ratings for hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in the U.S. This year's survey included more than 6,000 facilities, significantly surpassing previous participation records and marking a pivotal moment in healthcare transparency.

A New Era in Healthcare Reporting

This remarkable participation comprises over 2,400 hospitals, which collectively represent more than 80% of all inpatient beds across the nation, alongside more than 3,900 ASCs. The substantial increase in participation reflects a growing culture of accountability within the healthcare system, according to Leah Binder, President and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "It took more than two decades to get here, but this record participation confirms that transparency is now the norm in American health care," Binder stated, emphasizing that opacity in reporting has become the exception rather than the rule.

Methodology Behind the Ratings

Leapfrog’s ratings are derived from hospitals' voluntary participation in the 2026 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. Additionally, ASC ratings are compiled from data provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as proprietary information verified through accreditation submissions and the 2026 Leapfrog ASC Survey 2.0. Importantly, these ratings are available to the public free of charge, enhancing the accessibility of critical information regarding patient safety and quality of care.

Regional Leaders Driving Participation

Part of the surge in participation can be attributed to the efforts of Regional Leaders. These business coalitions motivate healthcare facilities within their communities to engage in data-sharing practices that aim to foster transparency. Linda Schwimmer, JD, who serves as the President and CEO of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and chairs The Leapfrog Group's board, expressed the coalition's commitment to improving care. "As Regional Leaders, we bring together employers, purchasers, and community voices to work directly with hospitals and surgery centers, ensuring patients receive the transparent care they deserve," Schwimmer commented.

Launching the ASC Public Reporting Program

Notably, 2026 also marked the official introduction of Leapfrog's ASC Public Reporting Program. This initiative facilitates transparency by allowing ASCs to report data about measures related to patient rights, ethics, health equity, hand hygiene, and informed consent, significantly broadening the information available for patient evaluation. According to Missy Danforth, Senior Vice President of Healthcare Ratings at The Leapfrog Group, this development is crucial for a sector that accounts for a majority of surgeries in the U.S.

"Historically, patients had limited exposure to information about ambulatory surgery centers' safety and quality. By enhancing data availability through the ASC Public Reporting Program, we empower patients to compare their options while urging facilities to prioritize and demonstrate their commitment to high-quality, safe care," Danforth explained.

Continuous Updates and Future Submissions

The results from this initiative will continue to be updated on a monthly basis to reflect the latest data available. Hospitals and ASCs have until November 30, 2026, to submit their survey results for consideration in this year's reporting cycle.

Furthermore, Leapfrog has unveiled the Full Transparency Badge in 2026, honoring those hospitals and ASCs that fully complete and submit all sections of their surveys. This additional measure of accountability aims to recognize organizations fully engaged in public reporting while reinforcing the overall commitment to transparency.

About The Leapfrog Group

Established in 2000 by large employers and other stakeholders, The Leapfrog Group plays a vital role in advancing patient safety and transparent healthcare. By collecting, analyzing, and publicly sharing data on hospital and ASC performance, Leapfrog empowers patients and other entities to make informed healthcare decisions. Its signature initiatives also include the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a biannual public rating system focusing primarily on hospital safety, highlighting Leapfrog's role as an essential player in the healthcare landscape.

For further details on the ratings or to explore the Leapfrog Hospital Survey results, visit their official website. Follow The Leapfrog Group on social media platforms like X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for ongoing updates.