US News & World Report Unveils List of Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access
In a groundbreaking move, US News & World Report has released its first-ever list of the “Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access” during The State of Equity in America meeting in Washington, DC. The list recognizes 53 hospitals across 26 states that have excelled in providing high-caliber care to socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, resulting in exceptional patient outcomes.
Tavia Binger, senior health data analyst at US News, emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “This positive representation of community hospitals’ dedication to equitable access across 26 states is promising. However, this recognition also underscores the need for continued focus on prioritizing health care among vulnerable populations who may face numerous social and economic challenges in receiving care.”
California led the pack with 7 recognized institutions, followed by North Carolina with 4, and several states with 3 recognized hospitals each. Cities like Baltimore, Detroit, St. Louis, Tucson, and Tulsa each had 2 institutions listed.
To qualify for this prestigious recognition, hospitals had to meet specific eligibility criteria, including serving a substantial Medicaid population or a significant number of patients from racial or ethnic minority groups. These hospitals had already been recognized as the 2023-2024 Best Regional Hospitals by US News.
The list showcases hospitals like Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, whose CEO Al Patin expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Equitable access is a cornerstone of our mission. When we say ‘patients first,’ we mean all patients, and we are dedicated to continuing our efforts to remove barriers and provide inclusive, compassionate care to everyone.”
US News also highlighted institutions like Parkland Health in Dallas and Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, which serve a large proportion of patients from disadvantaged communities and minority groups.
Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at US News, emphasized the importance of recognizing hospitals that prioritize equitable access, stating, “Recognizing community hospitals that lead in this respect is a modest but necessary step toward ensuring everyone in the US has access to high-quality medical care.”
The release of this list marks a significant milestone in the healthcare industry, showcasing the dedication of these hospitals to providing equitable access to quality care for all members of their communities.