The healthcare landscape in the United States is a complex and ever-evolving system that presents challenges and opportunities for both providers and patients. As we look ahead to 2026, the rapid pace of technological advancements and medical breakthroughs is juxtaposed with issues such as rising operational costs, clinician burnout, and healthcare worker shortages. Patients, on the other hand, are grappling with fragmented care, escalating insurance premiums, and difficulties accessing medical services. Furthermore, there is a growing sense of distrust in medical institutions and public health messaging, leaving consumers unsure of where to turn for reliable healthcare information.
In response to these challenges, Forbes has introduced a groundbreaking initiative: the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list. This comprehensive and unbiased ranking system aims to help patients navigate the complex healthcare landscape by identifying general acute care hospitals across the country that offer high-quality healthcare services. By leveraging data-driven metrics and rigorous evaluation criteria, this list aims to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers while providing hospital leaders with valuable insights into their facility’s performance relative to their peers.
To develop the Forbes Top Hospitals list, Forbes collaborated with healthcare data and analytics firm Inovalon, as well as a team of experts including physicians, statisticians, and patient advocates. The methodology for selecting hospitals was based on validated healthcare quality measures extracted from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Provider Data Catalog (PDC). These measures, which assess key aspects of care such as patient outcomes, hospital best practices, value, and patient experience, have undergone a rigorous national review process to ensure their reliability and statistical soundness.
One key aspect of the methodology was the emphasis on patient outcomes, such as readmission rates, infection rates, and mortality rates, which were given greater weight to reflect their significant impact on healthcare quality. Additionally, the methodology accounted for the socioeconomics of each hospital’s patient population by adjusting outcome measures for social drivers of health (SDOH) in the surrounding communities. This approach aimed to provide a more equitable comparison of hospital quality despite differences in location and patient demographics.
Out of approximately 5,400 general acute care hospitals listed in the CMS PDC, around 2,500 hospitals met the inclusion criteria and underwent analysis. The result was the identification of 253 hospitals that received a 5-star rating and 509 hospitals that received a 4-star rating on the Forbes Top Hospitals list. These top-performing hospitals earned their place based on their exceptional performance across a range of quality measures.
For more information on the Forbes Top Hospitals ratings and methodology, visit the Forbes website. It’s important to note that these ratings are not intended as medical advice, but rather as a resource to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare providers. Ultimately, the choice for care should be made in consultation with a medical provider.
For any inquiries or feedback regarding the Forbes Top Hospitals list, please contact TopHospitals [at] forbes.com. As with all Forbes lists, there is no fee to be considered or selected for inclusion. The evolution of technology has greatly impacted the way we live our lives today. From the invention of the wheel to the development of the internet, technology has played a crucial role in shaping human civilization. Over the years, we have witnessed countless advancements in various fields, including communication, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment.
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As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it is important for society to adapt and embrace these changes. While technology has brought about many benefits and advancements, it has also raised concerns about privacy, security, and job displacement. It is crucial for policymakers, businesses, and individuals to work together to address these challenges and ensure that technology is used responsibly and ethically.
Overall, the evolution of technology has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with one another. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, technology has the power to shape our future in ways we never thought possible. By embracing these advancements and harnessing their potential, we can create a more connected, efficient, and sustainable world for future generations.
