Two weeks ago, U.S. News and World Report released its annual list of the country’s best hospitals. The hospitals are ranked by specialty. Our home care Worcester clients may be particularly interested to hear that two Boston, MA hospitals made it onto the Honor Roll by earning high scores in at least six specialties. Massachusetts General Hospital ranked in 2^nd place and Brigham and Women’s Hospital came in 9^th.

Though ranked 2^nd nationally, Massachusetts General Hospital is considered #1 in Massachusetts. The facility, which ranked in 16 adult and 6 pediatric specialties, is also a teaching hospital. Specialties include cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, geriatrics, and rehabilitation. A survey indicated 89 percent of patients would “definitely” recommend the hospital to family and friends.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital ranked #2 for the state. Out of the 12 nationally ranked adult specialties, some areas of note are gastroenterology and GI surgery, gynecology, neurology, rheumatology, and pulmonology. Similar to Massachusetts General, 87 percent would recommend the hospital. For the full details of Massachusetts General Hospital follow this link. Read more about Brigham and Women’s here.

So what is the big deal about the rankings? Most people go to whatever hospital or medical center is closest to their home. Nearly all hospitals claim to be the best, but how do you know which really are? While it is certainly helpful to take into account national rankings, the answer really depends on you. It is not necessary to travel hours form routine procedures, but it may be worth it for difficult to treat conditions. The more experience the doctors there have with your condition, the better. If you are really concerned about your hospital’s ability to provide you quality care, U.S. News and World Report offers these suggestions: Check the hospital volume flow of patients with similar conditions to yours, evaluate the surgeons (surgeon skill can be a larger factor in predicting complications or hospital stay), and seek facilities with an intensivist.  Having enough nurses on staff is also important, along with a low rate of readmission.

Hopefully our home care clients are able to avoid a hospital stay through in-home services and the watchful eye of CNAs, but if so it is nice to know there are many great local hospitals. For Worcester patients seeking home care following hospitalization, call 508-459-2424 today!