Northwestern Medicine-Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the top hospital in Illinois, according to the new 2026-2027 Best Hospitals ranking released Tuesday by U.S. News and World Report.
The annual report, now in its 37th year, is intended to help patients compare hospitals when they need anything from a common procedure, such as a knee replacement, to specialized treatment for a serious or complex illness.
This year, U.S. News also introduced regional specialty rankings for cancer; cardiology, heart and vascular surgery; orthopedics; and rehabilitation, giving patients another way to identify highly rated care closer to home.
Northwestern Medicine-Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the top hospital in the Chicago area as well as Illinois, was recognized as nationally ranked in cancer care. The hospital receives a No. 8 ranking nationally for its cancer care and a No. 1 ranking in the state.
Here are other Illinois hospitals that made the rankings:
The 2026-2027 rankings put greater emphasis on risk-adjusted patient outcomes. U.S. News also reduced or eliminated the weight given to several measures involving hospital size, staffing, technology and reputation. The changes were especially significant in cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, where patient outcomes now determine most of a hospital's score.
This year, U.S. News also introduced regional specialty rankings for cancer; cardiology, heart and vascular surgery; orthopedics; and rehabilitation, giving patients another way to identify highly rated care closer to home.
The full rankings for Illinois can be found here.
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