Forbes has taken into consideration the impact of these social determinants of health by incorporating Inovalon’s data warehouse of SDOH into our methodology. This adjustment helps level the playing field for hospitals that serve communities with higher rates of poverty, limited access to transportation or language barriers, allowing us to more accurately compare hospitals and their performance in delivering high-quality care.
Additionally, unlike other hospital rating systems that may rely heavily on reputation or expert opinion, Forbes Overall Hospital Quality Ratings is driven by objective, measurable data. Our methodology is based on publicly reported quality measures that have undergone rigorous validation processes and are widely accepted within the healthcare community. By focusing on outcomes, best practices, value and patient experience, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of each hospital’s performance that reflects not only the quality of care provided, but also the overall value and experience patients can expect.
Furthermore, Forbes is committed to transparency and accountability in our rating system. Hospitals can access the full methodology and understand exactly how their performance is being evaluated. This transparency allows hospitals to identify areas for improvement and work towards providing better care for their communities.
In conclusion, Forbes’ first-ever hospital ratings, the Forbes Top Hospitals list, represents a significant step towards empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. By providing accurate, reliable and transparent information about hospital quality, Forbes is helping patients navigate the complex healthcare system and find the best possible care for their needs. Our methodology, developed in collaboration with industry experts and healthcare professionals, ensures that our ratings are both credible and objective, setting a new standard for hospital ratings in the United States.
Forbes has recently released its Top Hospitals ratings for 2026, providing a comprehensive overview of hospital quality across the United States. The methodology used by Forbes to determine these ratings is based on 56 healthcare quality measures, which were carefully selected to ensure reliability and statistical soundness. These measures are categorized into four pillars: Outcomes, Best Practices, Value, and Patient Experience.
One key aspect of Forbes’ methodology is the consideration of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in the communities surrounding each hospital. This adjustment helps to provide a more level comparison of hospital quality, taking into account the differences in location and patient population that can impact healthcare outcomes.
In addition to the selection of quality measures, Forbes also grouped hospitals by size to address concerns about bias in hospital rating systems. By grouping hospitals into categories based on size, Forbes aimed to ensure a fair comparison of hospitals with similar characteristics. This approach helps to mitigate any potential bias that may arise from differences in hospital size.
The hospital data used for the Forbes Top Hospitals ratings was collected primarily from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Provider Data Catalog released in April 2025. This dataset includes measure results reported over various periods, with data from 2023 and 2024 measurement periods being the basis for much of the analysis.
It is important to note that Forbes Top Hospitals ratings are not medical advice and should not be the sole factor in choosing a healthcare provider. The ultimate decision for care should be made by the patient or their loved ones in consultation with their medical provider. Forbes Top Hospital designation indicates that a hospital excels across a range of quality measures but does not necessarily mean superior performance in all areas of care.
For patients seeking specialty care, it is recommended to consult other trusted sources, such as primary care physicians, for referrals to specialists. While many general acute care hospitals on the Forbes Top Hospitals list may offer excellent specialty care, specialty hospitals were not included in the assessment based on Forbes’ methodology.
Overall, hospital ratings can vary across different rating systems due to the different approaches to measurement and priorities. It is important for patients to consider a variety of factors when choosing a healthcare provider, including their individual needs and preferences. Forbes Top Hospitals ratings provide valuable insights into hospital quality, but should be used in conjunction with other sources of information to make informed healthcare decisions. Forbes has delved deep into the realm of healthcare performance measurement, utilizing contemporary science to drive their rating system. From data selection to peer grouping, their methodology is founded on empirical analyses to ensure accuracy and credibility.
One key aspect of the Forbes Top Hospitals methodology is the inclusion of measures based on Medicare data from patients aged 65 and over. Out of the 56 measures used, half are derived from the Medicare population, while the other half come from all patients. Research has shown that Medicare data often reflect quality results for the general population as well, making it a reliable source for measuring hospital performance.
It’s important to note that hospitals with sicker patients or more complex cases may perform differently on various measures. To account for this, Forbes has already analyzed 25 outcome-related measures and 14 patient experience-related measures to factor in patient comorbidities and other variables.
For those interested in a detailed description of the Forbes Top Hospitals methodology, the full document can be downloaded from their website. Transparency and verifiability are key principles in their approach to healthcare quality measurement, and they welcome feedback from users to continuously improve their methodology.
It is worth mentioning that hospitals do not pay to be evaluated or featured on the Forbes Top Hospitals list. The selection process is solely based on data and methodology, without any influence from hospitals, advertisers, or financial relationships.
To view the complete list of Forbes Top Hospitals, visit their website. For any inquiries about the list, readers can reach out to TopHospitals@forbes.com.
In conclusion, Forbes’ dedication to using empirical analyses and cutting-edge science in healthcare performance measurement sets them apart in the industry. Their commitment to transparency and accuracy ensures that their ratings are reliable and trustworthy for consumers seeking high-quality healthcare providers. The world of fashion is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging each season. From bold colors and patterns to minimalist designs, there is always something new and exciting to look forward to in the world of fashion.
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