#United States #Denver #Hospitals #Healthgrades #Outstanding Patient Experience

Healthgrades Names America's Top Hospitals for Patient Experience 2026

In a significant announcement, Healthgrades, the leading platform for finding healthcare providers in the United States, revealed the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™. This prestigious recognition highlights hospitals that excel not only in the quality of care they provide but also in ensuring a positive experience for patients.

This year, 373 hospitals from 46 states have been honored, marking them as the top 15% nationwide for patient experience. The criteria for this award are rigorous, relying heavily on data derived from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient survey, which assesses key metrics such as room cleanliness, communication with doctors and nurses, and understanding care instructions at discharge.

Among these awardees, a notable 80 hospitals have been recognized with both the Outstanding Patient Experience Award and the Patient Safety Excellence Award, signifying their dual commitment to patient-centric care and safety protocols. In an impressive feat, 16 hospitals managed to secure distinctions for Outstanding Patient Experience, Patient Safety Excellence, and America's Best Hospitals for 2026.

Dr. Alana Biggers, an esteemed medical advisor at Healthgrades, emphasized the importance of patient experience in health outcomes, stating, "Better patient experiences are correlated with better health outcomes, which is why patients should always consider patient experience during the care search." This statement reinforces the initiative of Healthgrades to ensure that quality care goes hand-in-hand with positive patient experiences.

The analysis by Healthgrades has brought to light critical aspects of patient experience that significantly influence whether individuals would recommend a particular hospital to their family or friends. These factors include:

• - Doctor communication
• - Nurse communication
• - Clear communication about care upon discharge

The data utilized for this evaluation encompassed 3,020 hospitals that submitted a minimum of 100 patient experience surveys to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), focusing on admissions from January 2024 to December 2024. Importantly, hospitals that ranked in the bottom 20% for overall clinical quality were excluded from this evaluation.

The awards signify more than just institutional achievements; they reflect an ongoing commitment to enhancing the healthcare experience for patients across the nation. By prioritizing patient-centered care, these hospitals not only achieve commendations from Healthgrades but also foster trust and reassurance within their communities.

For those interested in viewing the complete listing of hospitals awarded the Outstanding Patient Experience Award along with their operational methodologies, further details can be found on the Healthgrades website.

About Healthgrades

Healthgrades aims to empower patients by facilitating meaningful connections between them, healthcare professionals, and hospitals. Recognized as the No. 1 platform for locating doctors, Healthgrades aids millions each month in scheduling appointments and preparing for their healthcare journeys with comprehensive treatment-focused content. With over two decades of experience, Healthgrades marketing solutions serve to engage and connect consumers with healthcare providers effectively.

In summary, the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Award not only recognizes the top hospitals but also serves to guide patients in making informed choices about their healthcare, emphasizing the pivotal role of a quality patient experience in health outcomes.