VCU Medical Center is the top hospital in Virginia 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.
VCU Medical Center, the top hospital in the Richmond metro area, was recognized as Nationally Ranked in Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (29th) and Orthopedics (44th), and High Performing in Cancer, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, and Neurology & Neurosurgery.
In addition, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, the top hospital in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area, was recognized as High Performing in Cancer, Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery, and Rehabilitation.
Here are other Virginia hospitals that made the rankings:
Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church — Ranked second in Virginia; High Performing in Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery, Neurology & Neurosurgery, and Rehabilitation; Nationally Ranked in Obstetrics & Gynecology (41st)
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk — Ranked third in Virginia (tie)
VHC Health (Virginia Hospital Center), Arlington — Ranked third in Virginia (tie); High Performing in Neurology & Neurosurgery
Inova Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria — Ranked fifth in Virginia (tie); High Performing in Cancer, Geriatrics, and Neurology & Neurosurgery
University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville — Ranked Fifth in Virginia (tie); High Performing in Cancer, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, and Orthopedics
Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals, Richmond — Ranked seventh in Virginia (tie)
Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg — Ranked seventh in Virginia (tie)
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke — Ranked ninth in Virginia (tie)
Inova Loudoun Hospital, Leesburg — Ranked ninth in Virginia (tie)
Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital, Richmond — Ranked 11th in Virginia (tie)
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Chesapeake — Ranked 11th in Virginia (tie)
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, Fairfax — Ranked 11th in Virginia (tie), High Performing in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
Winchester Medical Center, Winchester — Ranked 11th in Virginia (tie)
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, Virginia Beach — Ranked 15th in Virginia (tie)
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Virginia Beach — Ranked 15th in Virginia (tie)
Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, Mechanicsville — Ranked 17th in Virginia
Henrico Doctors' Hospitals, Richmond — Ranked 18th in Virginia (tie)
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, Charlottesville — Ranked 18th in Virginia (tie)
Sentara CarePlex Hospital, Hampton — Ranked 18th in Virginia (tie)
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Williamsburg — Ranked 18th in Virginia (tie)
Reston Hospital Center, Reston — Ranked 22nd in Virginia
Centra Lynchburg General Hospital, Lynchburg — Ranked 22nd in Virginia.
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.