Here are the 5 best hospitals around Kansas City in 2025 national ranking
U.S. News and World Report recognized the best hospitals in the Kansas City region for 2025.
In 2025, 504 hospitals across the nation were recognized as best regional hospitals, out of approximately 2,000 eligible facilities. Only general hospitals were included in the ranking released Tuesday, July 29 — children’s hospitals, cancer centers were evaluated separately. The publication does not rank VA and military hospitals.
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 patient experience, survival rates, staffing and other metrics. Then, the hospitals were ranked based on the number of specialties in which they excelled.
For more specific information on a hospital’s performance, search the facility’s name on the Medicare website’s care to compare. In addition, the nonprofit Leapfrog Group gives grades on preventing medical errors.
Here are the top hospitals in the Kansas City region for 2025, according to U.S. News and World Report.
University of Kansas Hospital
This is the 16th 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 in the top 50 in the nation for seven adult specialties:
- Cancer
- Cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
- Ear, nose and throat
- Gastroenterology and GI surgery
- Geriatrics
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Pulmonology and lung surgery
In addition, KU Med was in the top 1% in the nation for more than 20 additional categories, including heart attacks and lung cancer surgery.
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 18 categories including:
- Cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
- Gastroenterology and GI surgery
- Neurology and neurosurgery
North Kansas City Hospital
Located north of the river, North Kansas City Hospital placed in the top 10% of the nation for 15 procedures and conditions, like pacemaker implantation and kidney failure and diabetes.
St. Luke’s East Hospital
The Lee’s Summit hospital was in the top 10% in the nation for care of 12 procedures and conditions, including strokes, prostate cancer surgeries and knee replacements.
Advent Health Shawnee Mission
The Merriam hospital was considered high performing in 12 procedures and conditions, like colon cancer surgery and maternity care in uncomplicated pregnancies.
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 30, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
