Healthgrades data shows 227,229 lives could be saved if all hospitals matched top-tier performance

Healthgrades analysis indicates that if every hospital in the United States achieved the performance level of its highest-rated facilities, 227,229 lives could have been saved between 2023 and 2025.

The figure comes from a three-year study of Medicare patients. The organization calculated that an additional 158,138 complications could have been avoided during that period if all providers had matched the outcomes of five-star rated institutions.

Stony Brook University Hospital, part of the Stony Brook Medicine system, has been named a 2027 Leader by Healthgrades. The hospital earned the distinction for clinical quality in stroke, pulmonary, and joint replacement care. The evaluation included data from Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital.

For the 2027 cycle, Stony Brook University Hospital placed on three national lists. It was recognized as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care for the 12th consecutive year, covering the period from 2016 to 2027. The facility also appeared on the list of top hospitals for Joint Replacement for the second year in a row. Additionally, it was named among the best hospitals for Pulmonary Care in 2027.

Nationally, the hospital ranked in the top 5% of facilities for pulmonary care, cranial neurosurgery, stroke treatment, and joint replacement. It placed in the top 10% for cardiology, coronary intervention, neurosciences, outpatient prostate care, and emergency medicine. Within New York State, the institution ranked second for cranial neurosurgery and third for both neurosciences and stroke care.

The hospital received five-star ratings and Excellence Awards in several specialties. In cardiology, it earned awards for cardiac and coronary intervention performance. It received five-star ratings for coronary intervention, heart attack treatment, and heart failure treatment. The heart failure rating marks the 14th consecutive year the facility has held that distinction.

In orthopedics, the hospital received a Joint Replacement Excellence Award for 2026 and 2027. It earned five-star ratings for total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and hip fracture treatment. In neurosciences, the facility received excellence awards for neurosciences, cranial neurosurgery, and stroke care. It has held the five-star rating for stroke treatment for 13 consecutive years, starting in 2015.

Pulmonary care, gastrointestinal, critical care, outpatient, and emergency medicine departments also received specific recognitions. The hospital earned a Pulmonary Care Excellence Award and a five-star rating for pneumonia treatment. It received five-star ratings for pancreatitis, sepsis, and respiratory failure. The facility also earned excellence awards for outpatient prostate care and emergency medicine.

William A. Wertheim, M.D., executive vice president of Stony Brook Medicine, said the recognitions reflect a continued focus on clinical excellence and innovation. Carol A. Gomes, chief executive officer of Stony Brook University Hospital, stated that the distinctions are a testament to the expertise and teamwork of the hospital's physicians, nurses, and staff.

Alana Biggers, M.D., medical advisor at Healthgrades, noted that finding a hospital that excels in a specific procedure can transform a patient's health trajectory. The organization evaluated more than 30 common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide using risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates.