Knapp Medical Center: A Beacon of Excellence in the Rio Grande Valley
WESLACO, February 2026 – Knapp Medical Center, a key member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, has made waves by being named one of the few hospitals to achieve the prestigious 5-Star rating in the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list. As a critical healthcare provider with 227 beds, it stands as the only acute care hospital serving the Mid-Valley area.
Outstanding Recognition and Awards
Knapp Medical Center gained recognition as one of only three hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley to receive this coveted accolade for superior patient outcomes. Among approximately 2,500 hospitals assessed nationwide, only 253 achieved the esteemed 5-star status. This award reaffirms Knapp’s dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare to the community.
Additionally, Knapp Medical Center is the sole hospital in Hidalgo County to be awarded both a 5-star score from Forbes and an “A” grade for patient safety by the Leapfrog Group for Fall 2025. This remarkable combination also includes Knapp’s sister facility, Harlingen Medical Center, a fellow member of Prime Healthcare that shares the accolades of the Forbes list and Leapfrog’s safety grade.
Commitment to Quality Care
Rene J. Lopez, MD, FACHE, RRT, and CEO of Knapp Medical Center, emphasized that this recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment shown by the hospital’s dedicated staff. “Our physicians and employees are committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and compassionate care to every patient,” Lopez stated. This achievement illustrates the center’s relentless pursuit of excellence in healthcare delivery.
Pablo Loredo III, RN, the Chief Nursing Officer for Knapp Medical Center, remarked that this recognition is a significant indicator of the exceptional care provided, helping residents make informed decisions about their healthcare options.
A Model of Exceptional Care
Dr. Sunny Bhatia, President and Corporate Chief Medical Officer of Prime Healthcare, noted that the Forbes recognition reflects the organization’s strong commitment to a physician-led approach in delivering exceptional clinical care. “These distinctions highlight the expertise, compassion, and dedication of our caregivers who elevate standards across every community we serve,” Bhatia stated.
Evaluating Top Hospitals
The Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list marks a pioneering effort to evaluate hospitals based on quality measures that prioritize patient outcomes. The methodology includes a star rating system ranging from one to five stars, with significant emphasis placed on clinical outcomes such as mortality rates, infection rates, and readmission statistics.
Forbes employed 56 publicly-reported hospital quality measures to inform their rankings, categorized into four groups:
- Outcomes (25 measures, weighted at 55%)
- Best Practices (10 measures, weighted at 20%)
- Value (7 measures, weighted at 15%)
- Patient Experience (14 measures, weighted at 10%)
This structured approach provides a comprehensive view of a hospital’s performance and helps patients navigate their healthcare decisions more effectively.
Impact on Community Healthcare Choices
Knapp Medical Center’s recognition not only reinforces its position as a leading healthcare provider but also serves as a critical resource for those seeking quality medical care in the Rio Grande Valley. By maintaining high standards of patient safety and care, the hospital continues to enhance community trust and reliance on its services.
Additional Accolades
In addition to its Forbes achievement, Knapp Medical Center has garnered multiple awards for its commitment to patient care, including 5-star ratings from Healthgrades for treatment of hip fractures, diabetic emergencies, and heart attacks for 2026. This level of acknowledgement positions Knapp as a leading institution for quality healthcare.
Explore Further
For detailed information regarding the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 awards, as well as to view the full list of hospitals honored with the 5-Star recognition, visit Forbes’ Top Hospitals.
To learn more about the award-winning services offered in the Rio Grande Valley, check out Knapp Medical Center.
Conclusion
Knapp Medical Center’s recent accolades and unwavering commitment to patient care set a standard for excellence in the Rio Grande Valley. Through innovative practices and a focus on quality outcomes, the hospital continues to prove itself as a top choice for healthcare needs in the region.
