N.J. Hospital Named Top 20 in Nation by U.S. News

Recognition of Excellence in Healthcare

Hackensack University Medical Center has been acknowledged as one of the top 20 hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, a prestigious annual list that highlights the best care available in the country. Out of nearly 4,500 hospitals evaluated, only 20 made it to the Honor Roll, showcasing their exceptional standards of medical care.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Hackensack University Medical Center, as it is the first hospital in New Jersey to secure a spot on this esteemed list. The hospital is part of the Hackensack Meridian Health network and is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties, demonstrating its broad expertise across various medical fields.

The specialties include:

• Cancer
• Cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
• Ear, nose and throat
• Diabetes and endocrinology
• Gastroenterology and GI surgery
• Geriatrics
• Neurology and neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Pulmonology and lung surgery
• Urology

According to Bob Garrett, President and CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, many hospitals may focus on a single specialty, such as cancer or heart care. However, Hackensack University Medical Center excels across multiple areas, providing comprehensive care to patients.

U.S. News & World Report analyzed data from various sources, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage claims, to assess the hospital’s risk-adjusted outcomes. These outcomes include 30-day survival rates, 30-day readmission rates, and length of stay. On average, Hackensack University Medical Center has 20% fewer deaths within 30 days of discharge compared to other facilities, according to Dr. Jose Azar, Executive Vice President and Chief Quality Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health.

Additionally, the hospital has seen an 8% reduction in readmissions year-over-year. Azar noted that this improvement means thousands of patients avoid returning to the hospital due to the high-quality care they receive initially.

Regional Recognition

In addition to the national recognition, U.S. News & World Report also evaluated hospitals regionally. This year, 504 hospitals were listed among the best regional facilities in the U.S. In New Jersey, 96 hospitals were assessed, with 11 meeting “high U.S. News standards” and being recognized as Best Regional Hospitals.

Here are the top 11 hospitals in New Jersey:

1. Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health – Nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties and three children’s specialties, including pediatric and adolescent behavioral health, pediatric diabetes and endocrinology, and pediatric urology. It was also deemed high-performing in all 23 procedures and conditions.
2. Morristown Medical Center Atlantic Health System – Nationally ranked in five adult specialties, including cardiology, heart and vascular surgery; diabetes and endocrinology; gastroenterology and GI surgery; orthopedics; and urology. It also rated high-performing in three adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions.
3. Overlook Medical Center Atlantic Health System – Rated high-performing in five adult specialties, including gastroenterology and GI surgery; geriatrics; neurology and neurosurgery; orthopedics; and urology. It received high-performing marks in 15 procedures and conditions.
4. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – Nationally ranked in two children’s specialties — pediatric orthopedics and pediatric urology. It was also deemed high-performing in three adult specialties and 16 procedures and conditions.
5. Jersey Shore University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health – Nationally ranked in three children’s specialties, including pediatric and adolescent behavioral health; pediatric diabetes and endocrinology; and pediatric urology. It also rated high-performing in three adult specialties and 14 procedures and conditions.
6. Valley Hospital – Rated high-performing in one adult specialty (urology) and 12 procedures and conditions, including colon and lung cancer surgeries; four cardiology, heart and vascular surgery procedures and conditions; kidney failure; and hip and knee replacements.
7. Cooper University Health Care - Camden – Rated high-performing in 14 procedures and conditions, including gynecological, colon and prostate cancer surgeries; leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; six cardiology, heart and vascular surgery procedures and conditions; stroke; and pneumonia.
8. Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center – Rated high-performing in 11 procedures and conditions, including colon cancer surgery; leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma; four cardiology, heart and vascular surgery procedures and conditions; hip fracture; and pneumonia.
9. AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City Campus – Rated high-performing in 11 procedures and conditions, including heart arrhythmia, heart failure, and pacemaker implantation; diabetes; back surgery; and stroke.
10. (Tied) Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center – Earned high performing ratings in nine procedures and conditions, including colon cancer surgery; heart failure; diabetes; kidney failure; stroke; and hip and knee replacements.
11. (Tied) Englewood Hospital – Rated as high-performing across nine procedures and conditions, including colon and lung cancer surgeries; four cardiology, heart and vascular surgery procedures and conditions; and maternity care for uncomplicated pregnancies.