What are the best hospitals around Kansas City? These 4 earned national recognition
This week, U.S. News and World Report recognized the four best hospitals in the Kansas City region for 2024.
In 2024, 466 hospitals across the nation were recognized as best regional hospitals. These included general and surgical facilities, but excluded children’s hospitals and cancer centers.
In Missouri, 11 facilities were recognized as best regional hospitals, with Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis topping the list. The University of Kansas Hospital was named the top regional hospital in the Sunflower State, beating out Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.
U.S. News and World Report scores hospitals based on their performance in a variety of medical specialties and common procedures.
Drawing from federal data, among other sources, U.S. News and World Report evaluated the number of patients treated, medical complications, survival rates and other metrics. Then, the hospitals were ranked based on the number of specialties in which they excelled.
Here are the top hospitals in Kansas City region for 2024, according to U.S. News and World Report.
University of Kansas Hospital
This is the 15th year in a row that the Kansas City, Kansas, hospital was named No. 1 in the metro area, according to a press release from the hospital.
KU Med is among the top 50 in the nation for six adult specialties:
- Cancer
- Cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
- Ear, nose and throat
- Geriatrics
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Pulmonology and lung surgery
In addition, KU Med was in the top 10% in the nation for 21 additional categories, including back surgery and pneumonia.
St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City
Located near the Country Club Plaza, the hospital was ranked in the top 10% in the nation in 13 categories, including:
- Cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
- Gastroenterology and GI surgery
- Neurology and neurosurgery
The hospital is currently under scrutiny for claims of improper sterilization. In April, an attorney filed a class action lawsuit against the hospital related to allegations first brought forward by a whistleblower in 2023.
St. Luke’s East Hospital
The Lee’s Summit hospital was in the top 10% in the nation for care of nine conditions, including heart attacks, strokes and knee replacements.
North Kansas City Hospital
Located north of the river, North Kansas City Hospital placed in the top 10% of the nation for eight categories, like hip and knee replacements.
How do I choose a hospital?
In addition to U.S. News and World Report rankings, there are other ways to evaluate hospitals when choosing where to have a procedure or surgery.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services publishes ratings based on state health inspections and patient complaints. Issued by a healthcare watchdog nonprofit, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade rates hospitals on patient safety and avoiding complications.
Have more questions about health care in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published July 18, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
