Reading Hospital has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades for 2026, marking the fifth consecutive year the hospital has received this recognition. Healthgrades is a widely used platform for Americans seeking information about doctors and hospitals. The award places Reading Hospital in the top 1% of hospitals nationwide and is based on patient outcomes.
Healthgrades evaluated risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals to determine its list. The methodology relies on data from Medicare patients during the years 2022 through 2024.
“This recognition is a major milestone for the entire team at Reading Hospital,” said Dr. Charles F. Barbera, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “Coupled with recent investments in new technologies at McGlinn Cancer Institute and Miller Regional Heart Center, it reinforces our status as a trusted, top-tier healthcare provider, not only in our area, but also nationwide.”
Reading Hospital earned five-star ratings in several categories, including COPD, heart failure, cranial neurosurgery, treatment of stroke, outpatient total knee replacement, total hip replacement, treatment of sepsis, and upper gastrointestinal surgery. The hospital was also recognized for outstanding outcomes in outpatient joint replacement and orthopedic surgery.
Pottstown Hospital also received high marks from Healthgrades. It achieved five-star ratings in treatment of heart attack, outpatient total knee replacement, and treatment of sepsis.
“We are proud that Pottstown Hospital has again earned recognition in multiple areas for our clinical excellence,” said Dr. Richard McLaughlin, CEO at Pottstown Hospital. “While the exceptional ratings demonstrate our commitment to teamwork and collaboration, they also highlight how our staff continually provides exceptional care and outcomes for our patients.”
Michael Stern, Tower Health president and CEO, commented on the significance of these awards: “Our team members put their all into caring for patients with compassion during every interaction,” he said. “At Tower Health, we continue to draw on the strengths and expertise across the organization to advance our mission and exceed the expectations of our patients and community.”
According to Healthgrades’ analysis, there is a significant difference in patient outcomes between top-performing hospitals like those listed among America’s 50 Best Hospitals and other facilities across the country. If all hospitals performed similarly to those on this list during the study period from 2022-2024, an estimated 209,081 lives could have been saved among Medicare patients.
“This year’s America’s Best Hospitals list gives patients a clearer picture of where high-quality care is delivered most consistently,” said Alana Biggers, MD, MPH, medical advisor at Healthgrades. “Patients can feel confident in their decision to seek care at Reading Hospital, an organization that is setting the standard for clinical excellence nationwide.”
The full methodology behind these awards can be found on Healthgrades’ website.