U.S News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” 2024-2025
MedStar Washington Hospital Center is tied for the #1 hospital in the Washington metro region in the 2024-2025 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals rankings. Additionally, two of MedStar Washington’s clinical programs are nationally ranked. Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery again ranked at #38 in the country. Obstetrics & Gynecology landed in the #45 spot (3-way tie) in the nation. In addition, Cancer, Gastroenterology & GI Surge2024-25ry, Geriatrics, and Urology have been rated high performing. Sixteen other surgical and medical conditions received the highest ratings, too.
2024-25: Once Again Named D.C.’s Most Socially Responsible Hospital by Lown Institute
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has again been named the most socially responsible hospital in Washington, D.C. and is among the best in the nation, according to the Lown Institute, an independent think tank. It is ranked #1 in D.C. and is one of 154 hospitals to earn Honor Roll status with “A” grades in all top categories: Social Responsibility, Equity, Value, and Outcomes — key performance metrics that contribute to the overall rating. Only 5% of hospitals achieved honor roll status.
The Comprehensive Stroke Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. It also received the AHA’s Target: StrokeSM Elite Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll awards for demonstrating our commitment to providing quality care for stroke and diabetes patients.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has earned the coveted 2024 “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation from the Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). Of more than 1,000 healthcare facilities surveyed, MedStar Washington was one of just 384 that received the top score of 100. It also achieved leader status in 2022, 2018, and 2015, and top performer status in 2019 and 2020. HEI is the national benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities’ policies and best practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and associates.
U.S News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” 2023-2024
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has again been recognized as one of the top 50 heart and vascular centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Its Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery program tied for the No. 33 spot nationwide in this year's "Best Hospitals” rankings. It is the only nationally recognized heart and vascular program of its kind in the Washington metropolitan area. MedStar Washington was also ranked as high performing in two adult specialties: Gastroenterology & GI Surgery and Geriatrics. In addition, 15 common adult procedures and conditions received a high-performing designation.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center Named the Most Socially and Racially Responsible Hospital in the District
MedStar Washington Hospital Center is the most socially responsible hospital in Washington, D.C. and is among the top in the nation, according to the Lown Institute. The 2023-24 Lown Institute Hospitals Index evaluated more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide, and MedStar Washington ranked #1 in D.C. and is among 54 U.S. hospitals to earn Honor Roll status with “A” grades in all top categories: Social Responsibility, Health Equity, Value of Care, and Patient Outcomes. It also named MedStar Washington the most racially inclusive hospital in the District.
LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader
MedStar Washington Hospital Center was named "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader" with a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Health Equality Index (HEI) in 2022. The HEI is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and associates.
Nurse Residency Program Earns Prestigious Re-accreditation from CCNE
The highly-regarded Vizient/AACN™ Nurse Residency Program (NRP) at MedStar Washington Hospital Center has once again earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It is the only CCNE-accredited nurse residency program in the nation’s capital. The year-long training program for new nurses includes didactic, simulation, and mentored clinical education to support more than 350 nurses annually, as they move from academic study to clinical practice. The CCNE accreditation is valid for 10 years.
U.S News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” 2022-2023
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has again achieved national ranking for Cardiology & Heart Surgery in the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings. It moved up to No. 28, from No. 30 last year. It is the only nationally recognized heart program of its kind in the Washington metropolitan area. MedStar Washington also earned “high performing” ratings in cancer, gastroenterology & GI surgery, urology, aortic valve surgery, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, diabetes, kidney failure, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, and stroke.
Pathway to Excellence® Redesignation
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has achieved Pathway to Excellence® redesignation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The coveted national designation recognizes hospitals committed to creating a positive nursing practice environment where nurses can flourish and feel empowered. The designation identifies MedStar Washington Hospital Center as a best place for nurses to work and thrive. MedStar Washington remains the only acute care hospital in the nation’s capital with the Pathway designation.
Lown Institute Hospital Index 2021: Top 50 Hospitals for Racial Inclusivity Designation
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has been named the most racially inclusive hospital in Washington, D.C., by the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan healthcare think tank. It is also ranked among the top 50 most racially inclusive hospitals in the country
2021 Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award
The Comprehensive Stroke Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center again has been recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for its exceptional work in stroke care that consistently results in saving lives and preserving quality of life. The Stroke Center earned four Get With The Guidelines® awards: Stroke Gold Plus with Honor Roll Elite, Advanced Therapy, and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.
U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" 2021-2022
U.S. News & World Report has again named MedStar Washington Hospital Center as one of the "Best Hospitals" in America for Cardiology and Heart Surgery. It is the only nationally recognized heart program of its kind in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. MedStar Washington also ranked “high performing” in one adult specialty, Urology, and in 11 procedures and conditions.
2020 Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has awarded the Comprehensive Stroke Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center with its 2020 Get With Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. It also received the Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite, Target: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Awards.
U.S. News 2020-21
U.S. News & World Report has again recognized MedStar Washington Hospital Center as one of the top 50 cardiovascular centers in the country. U.S. News cited two additional MedStar Washington specialties as high-performing: Nephrology and Urology. It also received the highest rating possible in six common inpatient procedures and conditions: aortic valve surgery, congestive heart failure, heart bypass surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), colon cancer surgery and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Perinatal Center Awarded AIUM Ultrasound Practice Accreditation
The Perinatal Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center has received accreditation from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). It earned four accreditations in the areas of first, second, and third trimester obstetric ultrasound, as well as adjunct detailed fetal anatomic ultrasound. This is the first time that the Perinatal Center has earned this prestigious distinction that provides better care for patients with highly complex pregnancies.
Critical Care Units 3G/3H Receive Silver Beacon Award for Excellence (2019-2022)
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) awarded critical care nursing units 3G/3H with a silver-level BEACON Award®. The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that achieve this three-year award meet national criteria consistent with Magnet® Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.
AMSN PRISM Award® 2019-2022
The 5E Medical Oncology/Hematology Unit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center has received the prestigious AMSN PRISM Award® from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses and the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board. 5E is now one of only 42 medical units worldwide to have received the PRISM Award, recognizing exceptional nursing practice, leadership, and outcomes in hospital medical-surgical units.
U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" 2019-2020
U.S. News & World Report has named MedStar Washington Hospital Center as one of the nation's top 50 cardiovascular centers. It is the only hospital in the Washington, D.C., region with a nationally ranked cardiology and heart surgery program. U.S. News also cited Gastroenterology/Gastrointestinal surgery and Urology as "high-performing." In addition, the Hospital Center excelled in five procedures or conditions: aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, colon cancer surgery, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Becker's Hospital Review
Becker's Hospital Review has named MedStar Washington Hospital Center, home to MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, among its 2018 list of the "100 hospitals and health systems with great heart programs." Hospitals on the list are leading the nation in cardiovascular care, providing pioneering and ground-breaking procedures on the forefront of cardiac care.
U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" 2018-2019
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the only hospital in the Washington region with a nationally ranked heart program. The Hospital Center also received a high performing rating in five adult procedures and conditions: Aortic Valve Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Colon Cancer Surgery, Heart Bypass Surgery, and Heart Failure.
HEI 2018 LBGTQ Healthcare Top Performer
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has been designated a “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. A record 626 healthcare facilities nationwide actively participated in the Healthcare Equality Index 2018 survey. Among the HEI participants, 95 earned the Top Performer recognition.
Heart Surgery Program Earns STS Top Rating
MedStar Washington Hospital Center's cardiac surgery program at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute has earned the highest quality rating of three stars from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. It received three-stars in all three ranked categories: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic valve replacement (AVR) and combined AVR + CABG.
MedSTAR Trauma Reverified as Level 1 Trauma Center
MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s dedicated MedSTAR Trauma Unit has been re-verified by the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Trauma as a Level I Trauma Center. It performs in the top 10% of U.S. Trauma Centers in the management of penetrating trauma.
NICHE 'Exemplar Status' Recognition
MedStar Washington Hospital Center is recognized for exceptional care for older adults and has achieved “exemplar” status, the highest level of recognition, in designation from Nurses Improving Care for Health System Elders (NICHE).
U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" 2017-2018
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the only hospital in the Washington region with a nationally ranked heart program. U.S. News also rated the Hospital Center high performing in 6 adult procedures and conditions: Aortic Valve Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Colon Cancer Surgery, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure and Lung Cancer Surgery.
Baby-Friendly Designation
MedStar Washington Hospital Center has received prestigious international recognition as a designated Baby-Friendly hospital, from Baby-Friendly USA, Inc.
2016 Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award and Target: Stroke Honor Roll
For the seventh consecutive year, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has awarded the MedStar Washington Hospital Center Stroke Center with its 2016 Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award.
U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals" 2015-2016
For the third year in a row, MedStar Washington Hospital Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the only hospital in the Washington region with a nationally ranked heart program. The 2015-16 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings identify hospitals that excel in treating patients with the most challenging medical conditions. This marks the 19th year that the Hospital Center has been nationally ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News. This year, less than three percent of the nearly 5,000 hospitals analyzed for the Best Hospitals listing earned national ranking in even one specialty.
2015 DCHA Patient Safety Award
MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Ebola Response Team has been honored with the 2015 Patient Safety Award from the District of Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA). The award recognizes the team’s outstanding efforts in its Ebola-related plans and training to care for potential or confirmed patients with the Ebola virus.
Becker's 100 Great Hospital in America 2015
Becker's Hospital Review has named MedStar Washington Hospital Center to its 2015 list of "100 Great Hospitals in America,” a compilation of the most prominent, forward-thinking and focused health-care facilities in the nation.
Safety Certification in Outpatient Practice Excellence (SCOPE) for Women’s Health
The Washington Women’s Wellness Center and the National Center for Advanced Pelvic Surgery have become the first and only obstetrics and gynecology offices in the District of Columbia to receive the SCOPE certification from the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG). The Safety Certification in Outpatient Practice Excellence (SCOPE) certification for Women's Health is a recognition awarded to medical practices that are leaders in delivering the best possible care to women.
The Joint Commission's Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification
The Stroke Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center has achieved the Comprehensive Stroke Center certification from the Joint Commission. It is the first and only medical institution in the Washington region to receive the designation
2014 Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award and Target: Stroke Honor Roll
For the fifth consecutive year, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has awarded the MedStar Washington Hospital Center Stroke Center with its 2014 Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award.
2014 Washingtonian "Best Doctors"
Washingtonian recently announced its “Top Doctors” for 2014, and 193 physicians from MedStar Washington Hospital Center were named among the region’s best!
Quality Excellence Award from the Delmarva Foundation
MedStar Washington Hospital Center is one of three hospitals in the District to receive the 2013 Excellence Award for Quality Improvement from the Delmarva Foundation. The foundation only bestows this honor on hospitals that excel in patient safety and quality improvement in four clinical areas: heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care. Recipients of this award must achieve or exceed a 90% individual performance rate across 14 measures across all four quarters of 2012 and have aggregate performance rate above 96% for the four quarters as well.
Society of Thoracic Surgeons Highest 3-Star Rating for Heart Surgery Program
For the seventh year in a row, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons has recognized the cardiac surgery program at MedStar Heart Institute with the highest rating: three stars.
This rating once again places MedStar Heart Institute, headquartered at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, among the top surgical heart programs in the country. Only 10 percent of hospitals achieve the coveted three-star rating. Clinicians nationwide widely regard the rating as the gold standard by which to evaluate cardiac surgery programs.
Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation named MedStar Washington Hospital Center among the "Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality" in its annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2013 report.
The HRC Foundation is the educational arm of the country's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) organization.
American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer
MedStar Washington Hospital Center's cancer program received a full, three-year accreditation with commendation from the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer.
The Commission on Cancer (CoC) Accreditation Program encourages hospitals, treatment centers, and other facilities to improve their quality of patient care through various cancer-related programs. These programs focus on prevention, early diagnosis, pretreatment evaluation, staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance for recurrent disease, support services, and end-of-life care.
Accreditation of a cancer center is granted only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in cancer diagnosis and treatment and are able to comply with established CoC standards.
View the Commission on Cancer's website
ACR and ASTRO Radiation Oncology Accreditation
The American College of Radiology (ACR) and The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) awarded MedStar Washington Hospital Center's Radiation Oncology Department with its three-year accreditation. The department is one of only two in Washington to earn this prestigious recognition.
American Society of Clinical Oncology's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative
Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center is one of the first oncology programs in the nation to be recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The QOPI Certification Program is a new initiative developed to certify oncology practices that meet rigorous standards for high-quality cancer care. It recognizes oncology practices that meet or exceed QOPI standards for more than 24 selected measures for cancer care, and additionally, show evidence of meeting 17 specific chemotherapy safety standards.
QOPI is a voluntary, self-assessment and improvement program launched by ASCO in 2006 to help hematology-oncology and medical oncology practices assess the quality of the care they provide to patients.
Teen Parent Program Earns Prestigious DCHA Community Service Award
MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Teen Alliance for Prepared Parenting, or TAPP, has received the 2013 Haynes Rice Community Service Award from the District of Columbia Hospital Association.
The Haynes Rice Community Service Award recognizes individuals or organizations for meritorious service to improve the health status of the communities it serves, by demonstrating leadership to solve problems and overcome barriers to cooperative action.
Founded in 1999, TAPP is a comprehensive youth program that guides teens through their pregnancy and beyond. It has served more than 2,000 teens under the age of 18, and provided them with high-quality clinical and social support to in order to prevent subsequent unintended pregnancies.
The Medical House Call Program Received the Leadership in Aging Award from Seabury Resources for Aging
The Medical House Call program received the Leadership in Aging Award from Seabury Resources for Aging. The award recognizes community and national leaders who have provided leadership in improving the quality of life for older adults in the greater Washington, D.C., area. For more information, please visit www.seaburyresources.org.
The Joint Commission's Disease Certification for Ventricular Assist Devices
Surveyors from The Joint Commission's Disease Certification for Ventricular Assist Devices cited two best practices during the biennial VAD survey, the dressing change module and the emergency medical system (EMS) color-coding response. Full accreditation was given, with no recommendations for improvement from the surveyors.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center Named NAFC Center of Excellence
The National Association for Continence (NAFC) designated the National Center for Advanced Pelvic Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center as a Center of Excellence.
The Hospital Center is the first in the Mid-Atlantic region to receive this designation. It joins the ranks of Cleveland Clinic, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Virginia Mason in Seattle and several other academic hospitals.
This honor will be designated for three years before renewal is necessary.
National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers
2011 NICHE Designation
2013 American Stroke Association's Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award
2009 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Consumers' Checkbook Magazine
MedStar Washington Hospital Center received a 98 percent rating for complex medical care for adults. The Hospital Center is one of four Washington area hospitals that rated most favorably compared to national standards for mortality rates.
Visit www.Checkbook.org for more information.