UK HealthCare Remains No. 1 in Kentucky and Improves Specialty Rankings
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 16, 2024) – The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital at UK HealthCare has achieved the prestigious distinction of being named the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky for the ninth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. The institution was highlighted in the Bluegrass Region as part of the 2024-25 Best Hospitals rankings and ratings.
Advancing Specialty Rankings
UK HealthCare has demonstrated marked improvement in specialty care, advancing its place in three key areas:
- Cancer care – ranked #36
- Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) – ranked #37
- OB/GYN – ranked #21
Additionally, six specialties received a “High Performing” designation, double the number from last year. These specialties include Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, and Urology.
Leadership Speaks
“Being a leader in health care is more than a designation; it is a constant drive to better the lives of our patients,” said Dr. Robert S. DiPaola, co-executive vice president for health affairs. His sentiments were echoed by Eric N. Monday, Ph.D., who emphasized, “Our mission is to serve the people of the Commonwealth through the quality of the care we provide and by working to increase access to health care across the state. We’re working to not only meet the needs of our local community but also to elevate the standard of health care throughout the entire state.”
Equitable Access Recognition
Remarkably, UK Chandler Hospital has been recognized for Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access by U.S. News & World Report. This new category acknowledges hospitals that successfully care for patients in historically underserved communities. UK HealthCare was one of just 98 medical centers nationwide—and the only hospital in Kentucky—to receive this commendation.
“At UK HealthCare, we believe that you cannot have quality without equity,” said Tukea Talbert, D.N.P., who oversees health equity efforts. “We diligently examine our data and metrics to help us identify and quantify disparities that are unique to our underserved populations.”
Specialty Departments Shine
This year’s ranking marks the eighth consecutive year of Top 50 rankings for the UK Markey Cancer Center, which improved its position from #44 to #36. Markey, which received a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation last fall, remains the only NCI-designated center in Kentucky. “Together, these recognitions firmly establish Markey among the nation’s top cancer centers,” said B. Mark Evers, M.D., director of the UK Markey Cancer Center.
The UK Women’s Health OB-GYN program also made substantial strides, moving from #40 to #21 in the rankings. The department offers an extensive range of services that include high-risk obstetrics, gynecologic oncology, and minimally invasive gynecology, often utilizing telehealth programs to serve patients across Kentucky. “Receiving this national recognition for our program’s excellence in women’s health care is an honor,” said Emily DeFranco, D.O., chair of UK HealthCare OB/GYN.
The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, better known as Ear, Nose & Throat, also made notable progress, climbing from #49 (tied) to #37 in the rankings. “Our motto in our department is ‘Expect excellence’—in patient care, in research, in educating the next generation of physicians.” said Matthew Bush, M.D., chair of the UK Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
High Performing Procedures and Conditions
UK HealthCare also received 14 “High Performing” designations for common adult procedures and conditions, setting a new record. These include:
- Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion)
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Gynecological Cancer Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Heart Bypass
- Heart Failure
- Hip Replacement
- Kidney Failure
- Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Pneumonia
- Prostate Cancer Surgery
- Stroke
Additional recognition was given to UK King’s Daughters, UK St. Claire, and Kentucky Children’s Hospital, acknowledging excellence in various adult and pediatric procedures and conditions.
Commitment to Quality and Safety
“These rankings and recognitions are proof that our efforts to improve quality and patient safety here at UK HealthCare are succeeding,” said Jennifer Rose, who oversees UK HealthCare’s Office of Performance Services. “While we celebrate these successes, we are more motivated than ever to build on this foundation, and we will continuously seek innovative ways to improve and deliver the highest standard of care for our patients.”
Evaluation and Methodology
U.S. News & World Report evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care, and patient experience were considered. This year’s methodology included new data on care provided to patients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly doubling the number of patients included in the analysis.
With their eyes set firmly on continued improvement, UK HealthCare remains committed to excellence, equity, and the well-being of their patients across Kentucky.
