Rio Grande Valley Hospitals Earn Five-Star Ratings from Forbes
Forbes Magazine has unveiled its inaugural “Top Hospitals” list, and four esteemed hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley—Knapp Medical Center, Harlingen Medical Center, Rio Grande Regional Hospital, and South Texas Health System Edinburg—have achieved a prestigious five-star rating for outstanding patient outcomes. This recognition serves to illuminate the essential role these medical institutions play in delivering high-quality care to their communities.
Elite Ratings for Exceptional Care
The comprehensive evaluation conducted by Forbes utilized rigorous metrics to assess hospitals across the United States. The publication aimed to identify facilities that consistently provide superior medical services and patient outcomes. Collaborating with Inovalon, a recognized healthcare data analytics firm, Forbes harnessed the expertise of an advisory panel composed of clinicians, scientists, health policy researchers, and patient advocates.
One critical aspect of this rating system focused on clinical outcomes, including metrics such as mortality, survival rates, infection rates, and readmission statistics. The findings aimed to assist patients in locating the highest-quality acute care hospitals nationwide.
Breakdown of Hospital Ratings
A total of approximately 2,600 hospitals met Forbes’ criteria, resulting in 259 hospitals receiving an overall five-star rating. In addition, 520 earned a four-star rating, while 519 secured a three-star rating. This competitive evaluation underscores the commitment to excellence demonstrated by these medical facilities.
Recognized Institutions
The following hospitals have received the distinguished “Forbes Top Hospitals 2026” award:
- Knapp Medical Center, Weslaco
- Harlingen Medical Center, Harlingen
- Rio Grande Regional Hospital, McAllen
- South Texas Health System Edinburg, Edinburg
A Testament to Commitment
Rene J. Lopez, the CEO of Knapp Medical Center, emphasized that this recognition reflects the dedication of the entire healthcare team. He stated, "This outstanding ranking demonstrates our commitment to providing patients with safe, high-quality, compassionate, and personalized care." Furthermore, Knapp Medical Center has also been honored with an “A” grade for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group for fall 2025.
Continuous Excellence at Harlingen Medical Center
Similarly, Harlingen Medical Center boasts an impressive record with nine consecutive “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group for patient safety from fall 2021 to fall 2025. CEO Todd Mann noted his pride in the award, stating, "This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care to our patients and communities."
South Texas Health System: A Commitment to Quality
Lance Ames, the CEO of South Texas Health System Edinburg, echoed the sentiments of his counterparts, emphasizing that the acknowledgment is a testament to the institution’s quality care. The hospital has earned a Best Regional Hospital designation by U.S. News & World Report for four consecutive years, demonstrating consistent excellence in care.
Conclusion
With an impressive achievement of five-star ratings from Forbes Magazine, the hospitals in the Rio Grande Valley are setting a benchmark for quality healthcare and patient outcomes. These institutions provide crucial services to their communities, ensuring that patients receive the best treatment possible. For individuals seeking top-tier healthcare, these facilities offer not only a commitment to clinical excellence but also a compassionate approach to patient care.
For more information about healthcare ratings, you can check the Forbes Top Hospitals list or visit the official websites of the Leapfrog Group for insights on patient safety and quality care.
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