Seven Northwell Hospitals Earn CMS 5-Star Ratings

Key Takeaways

• Seven Northwell hospitals achieved the top five‑star CMS rating
• Only 12% of US hospitals earn five stars, highlighting rarity
• Four‑star ratings were earned by five additional Northwell facilities
• Improved star scores reflect gains in mortality, safety, and readmission metrics
• Northwell’s accolades bolster its reputation as the Northeast’s largest nonprofit health system

Pulse Analysis

The CMS Star Quality Rating System, now in its 2026 cycle, translates complex clinical data into a simple one‑to‑five star scale for consumers. Ratings are derived from outcomes such as mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timeliness, using Care Compare data from 2021‑2025. With only about 12% of over 3,200 reporting hospitals achieving five stars, the metric serves as a powerful differentiator for health systems seeking to demonstrate excellence in quality and safety.

Northwell Health’s recent achievement of seven five‑star hospitals, alongside five four‑star facilities, underscores its strategic focus on quality improvement across a broad network. The system’s Magnet‑designated hospitals, renowned for specialized programs in cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology, leveraged strong performance in mortality and safety metrics to climb the star rankings. This accomplishment dovetails with Northwell’s broader accolades—including U.S. News top‑rankings, Leapfrog safety grades, and recognition as a TIME 100 Most Influential Company—reinforcing its brand as the leading nonprofit health system in the Northeast.

The ripple effect of these ratings extends beyond patient perception. High star scores can influence payer contracts, referral patterns, and recruitment of top clinical talent. As more health systems prioritize transparent quality reporting, Northwell’s success may spur further investment in data analytics, care coordination, and patient‑centered initiatives. Ultimately, the CMS star ratings provide a benchmark that drives continuous improvement, positioning hospitals that excel to capture market share in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape.