SGMC Health is pleased to announce its inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report 2024-2025 Best Hospitals list for high performance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure, and pneumonia. 

According to the report, less than 35 percent of hospitals receive recognition for high performance in any specialty, procedure, or condition. SGMC Health received high marks in five categories and is the only hospital in the region to be top performing in more than one category.  

SGMC Health Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Pankaj Agrawal, MD, shared, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team members who are committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. Our journey to become a high reliability organization is showing great strides, and this recognition reflects our commitment to continuously improving patient experience and outcomes.” 

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care, and patient experience. 

“For 35 years, U.S News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “The ‘High Performing’ designation acknowledges hospitals that consistently deliver high-quality care for specific medical procedures and conditions. This recognition highlights their expertise and commitment to patient well-being.” 

This recognition is not something you can apply for; it is solely calculated by methodology established by U.S. News to rank the nation’s best hospitals. 

SGMC Health is the most comprehensive medical system in South Georgia. Supported by a workforce of more than 3,100 who care for 400,000 patients annually across 15 counties, SGMC operates 4 hospitals (Main, Smith Northview, Berrien, and Lanier), and a network of primary care and specialty locations. Service lines with regional prominence include heart and vascular, stroke, trauma, cancer, orthopedics, surgery, and women and infants. SGMC Health’s system yields an annual economic impact of $1 billion and results in 10,000 jobs throughout the communities it serves. SGMC Health is dedicated to the continued development of its workforce, programs, services, and facilities to fulfill its mission of improving the lives of all it serves. For more information, visit sgmc.org.