
There are several factors that set top hospitals apart from the rest. U.S. News ranks the best hospitals in the U.S. based on 15 specialties and 22 procedures and conditions. The ranking criteria include the number of hospitals, staffed beds, and net patient revenue. The top hospitals are also evaluated based on their physician strategies, with a focus on profitable service lines and effective deployment of advanced practice providers. Additionally, top hospitals may excel in specific areas, such as pulmonology, neurology, or obstetrics, and their performance can vary depending on the condition being treated. The highest-ranked hospital in the world, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, is top-ranked in multiple specialties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals in the network | 220 hospitals in HCA Healthcare, the largest health system in the US |
| Number of staffed beds | 40,000+ beds in HCA Healthcare, the largest by bed size |
| Net patient revenue | Over $55 billion for HCA Healthcare, the largest health system by net patient revenue |
| Number of advanced technologies | At least 4 out of 8 advanced technologies, such as a PET/CT scanner |
| Number of specialties | 13+ specialties, like Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the world's best hospital |
| Physician strategies | Vigilant about evaluating their physician strategies and profitable service lines |
| Nurse-to-patient ratio | Varies, but it is a common measure for ranking hospitals |
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What You'll Learn
- Top hospitals are vigilant about evaluating their physician strategies
- They focus on profitable service lines and are effective at deploying advanced practice providers
- They assess the work that needs to be done and hire the best-suited physicians
- They consider the number of providers to bring in after an exit
- They have better nurse-to-patient ratios

Top hospitals are vigilant about evaluating their physician strategies
For instance, a retiring physician may have specific credentials, but the hospital might find that a physician with different credentials and expertise would better suit the hospital's evolving needs. Top hospitals also consider the number of providers to bring on board, as a one-to-one replacement is not always optimal due to differences in training, scope of practice, and structure between physicians of different generations.
Additionally, top hospitals strategically deploy advanced practice providers (APPs) to maximize their impact on patient care and financial performance. They navigate the challenges of scope and licensure for APPs, ensuring that these providers are utilized effectively and in accordance with regulatory requirements. By doing so, they can enhance the efficiency and profitability of their physician strategies.
Furthermore, top hospitals recognize the importance of data-driven decision-making. They analyze data from sources such as the National Hospital Flash Report to assess average provider productivity, financial investments, and revenue generation. This enables them to identify areas of improvement and make informed decisions about their physician strategies, ensuring that they remain financially robust and well-positioned to deliver high-quality care.
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They focus on profitable service lines and are effective at deploying advanced practice providers
Top hospitals are vigilant about evaluating their physician strategies. Research by Kaufman Hall, presented in the second-quarter Physician Flash Report, found that top hospitals are careful about reviewing their employed physician portfolios with a focus on profitable service lines. They are also more effective at deploying advanced practice providers.
The report surveyed over 200,000 employed physicians and advanced practice providers across more than 100 specialties. It was found that the median net patient revenue per full-time employed provider increased by 4% year-over-year to $389,040 for the second quarter.
Top hospitals do not treat their physicians and advanced practice providers as interchangeable parts. Instead of immediately recruiting a like-for-like replacement when someone retires or relocates, they assess the work that the provider was doing and determine who would be best suited to take on that work in the future.
Changes in training, scope of practice, and structure between physicians of different generations, as well as APPs, can result in different expectations regarding shift length, call structure, and clinic duration. Therefore, the question of how many providers to bring in after an exit is important and should be carefully considered.
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They assess the work that needs to be done and hire the best-suited physicians
Top hospitals are vigilant about evaluating their physician strategies. They carefully review their employed physician portfolios, focusing on profitable service lines and deploying advanced practice providers effectively. This involves assessing the work that needs to be done and hiring the best-suited physicians.
Dr. Nicholas Nussbaum, MD, director of medical affairs and community services at Adams Medical Group, emphasizes the importance of assessing the work to be done rather than simply recruiting a like-for-like replacement when a physician retires or relocates. He points out that changes in training, scope of practice, and structure between physicians of different generations can lead to different expectations and requirements. Therefore, hospitals should evaluate the credentials and expertise needed for the specific work before hiring.
Top hospitals also consider the number of providers to bring on board, as the right number is often not a one-for-one replacement. They may assess the workload, shift length, call structure, and clinic duration to determine the appropriate number of physicians required. By strategically managing their physician portfolios, these hospitals can maintain strong financial performance.
Additionally, top hospitals may focus on profitable service lines when reviewing their physician strategies. They may prioritize employing physicians with expertise in areas that generate higher revenues or have a significant impact on the hospital's financial performance. This strategic approach ensures that the hospital's resources are allocated efficiently and aligned with their financial goals.
In summary, top hospitals assess the work that needs to be done and hire the best-suited physicians by evaluating the specific credentials and expertise required for each role. They consider the number of providers needed, taking into account workload expectations and structural factors. Additionally, they strategically manage their physician portfolios to align with profitable service lines and maintain strong financial performance.
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They consider the number of providers to bring in after an exit
Top hospitals are vigilant about evaluating their physician strategies. They carefully review their employed physician portfolios, focusing on profitable service lines and deploying advanced practice providers effectively. This involves considering the number of providers to bring in after an exit.
Dr. Nicholas Nussbaum, MD, director of medical affairs and community services at Adams Medical Group, emphasizes that organizations often overlook the question of how many providers to hire after an employee exit. Instead, they focus on finding a like-for-like replacement in terms of credentials. However, this approach fails to consider the specific work and responsibilities associated with the position.
Changes in training, scope of practice, and structure between physicians, even of different generations, can lead to different expectations. For example, variations in shift length, call structure, and clinic duration should be considered when determining the number of providers needed.
Top hospitals, therefore, carefully assess the work and credentials required for a position before deciding on the number of providers to bring in. They recognize that a one-to-one replacement may not always be the right choice and that advanced practice providers can play a crucial role in maintaining profitable service lines.
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They have better nurse-to-patient ratios
One of the key differentiators between top-performing hospitals and their peers is their nurse-to-patient ratio. This ratio is a common measure used to evaluate hospitals across various specialties.
Maintaining a favourable nurse-to-patient ratio is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that nurses are not overburdened with an excessive number of patients, allowing them to provide more attentive and personalised care to each patient. This, in turn, can lead to improved patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. Secondly, efficient nurse staffing can contribute to a more efficient hospital overall. With adequate nursing staff, patients can be monitored and treated promptly, reducing the risk of complications and expediting recovery times.
Top hospitals recognise the importance of this dynamic and actively work to maintain a balanced nurse-to-patient ratio. They achieve this through careful strategic evaluation, taking into account factors such as the number of available nurses, their qualifications and specialisations, and the specific needs of the patient population they serve.
For example, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, currently ranked as the number one hospital in the world, undoubtedly owes some of its success to its nurse-to-patient ratios. By ensuring that each nurse has a manageable number of patients, they create an environment conducive to providing the highest quality of care. This likely involves regular assessment of their staffing needs and proactive recruitment strategies to ensure they have a sufficient number of nurses with the right qualifications.
Additionally, top hospitals may also foster a collaborative culture between physicians and nurses, maximising the efficiency of their medical staff. This could involve cross-training nurses to handle a diverse range of tasks and empowering them to make decisions within their scope of practice, further optimising patient care. Ultimately, prioritising favourable nurse-to-patient ratios is a critical component of delivering exceptional healthcare services.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mayo Clinic in Rochester is considered the No.1 hospital in the world and is top-ranked in 13 specialties nationally. It has been recognized as an Honor Roll member by U.S. News & World Report.
Hospitals are ranked by organizations like U.S. News & World Report based on their performance in specialties such as cancer, neurology, rheumatology, and more. They are also judged on their ability to treat complex cases and rare conditions.
Common specialties include gastroenterology, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, cardiology, and pulmonology.
The Hospital for Special Surgery and New York-Presbyterian University Hospital are top-ranked for Pulmonology and Lung Surgery. Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other hospital.
Top hospitals are vigilant about evaluating their physician strategies and carefully reviewing their employed physician portfolios. They focus on profitable service lines and are effective at deploying advanced practice providers.











































