RUTLAND—U.S. News & World Report has named Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) a “Best Regional Hospital” for 2017-2018. Out of 4,500 hospitals evaluated nationwide, only 545 achieved that status, and Rutland Regional was the only “Best Regional” in the state of Vermont. Additionally, Rutland Regional was the only hospital in the state to achieve “high performing” status in four procedures and conditions, which include: heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hip replacement, and knee replacement.
“This is quite an achievement,” said Tom Huebner, president and CEO of RRMC. “There are a couple of reasons this is particularly satisfying. First, to be recognized best regional hospital among the thirteen stellar institutions in Vermont, means we have hit some high marks. Secondly, the criteria used focus on positive outcomes for patients, so this recognition further underscores our commitment to our patients and their wellbeing.”
Over the past two years, Rutland Regional Medical Center has received 17 national awards and recognitions.
The annual best-hospitals rankings, now in their 28th year, are part of U.S. News’ patient portal, designed to help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care for life-threatening conditions or for common elective procedures.
For the 2017-18 rankings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 25 specialties, procedures and conditions. In the 16 specialty areas, 152 hospitals were ranked in at least one specialty. In rankings by state and metro area, U.S. News recognized hospitals as high performing across multiple areas of care.
“For nearly three decades, we strived to make hospital quality more transparent to healthcare consumers nationwide,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “By providing the most comprehensive data available, we hope to give patients the information they need to find the best care across a range of specialties.”