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Virginia Hospitals Soar: 29 State-Based Facilities Rank Among America's Top 200

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Virginia’s Hospital System Rises Again: 29 State‑Based Facilities Rank Among the Nation’s Best, Forbes Reports

Forbes’ annual “America’s Best Hospitals” ranking has again put Virginia in the spotlight. In its most recent release, 29 hospitals located in the Commonwealth secured spots in the top 200 nationwide, a leap of four positions from last year’s tally of 25. The announcement—originally reported by Patch on April 10, 2025—underscores the region’s continued commitment to high‑quality care, cutting‑edge technology, and patient‑centric services.


The Numbers That Matter

  • 29 Virginia hospitals placed on the Forbes list for the first time this year.
  • Two of those hospitals broke into the top 20, a first for the state.
  • Five ranked within the top 40, and ten appeared in the top 100.
  • The remaining 17 hospitals occupy positions between 101 and 200, reflecting a broad spread of excellence across the Commonwealth.

These numbers are not merely symbolic; they translate into tangible benefits for patients, insurers, and the state economy. Hospitals that land on the Forbes list often see increased patient referrals, enhanced ability to recruit top talent, and more favorable reimbursement rates from insurance carriers that value proven outcomes.


Who Made the Cut?

While the full Forbes list (which can be accessed on their website) lists all 200 hospitals, a few Virginia institutions deserve particular attention:

RankHospitalCityNotable Features
12Inova Fairfax HospitalFairfaxTop‑tier cardiac care, renowned oncology program
15Virginia Hospital CenterRichmondComprehensive trauma center, leading in stroke treatment
18VCU Medical CenterRichmondRenowned for cancer research, pediatric care
21Bon Secours St. Mary's HospitalArlingtonHigh‑quality maternity services, advanced imaging
24St. Joseph’s HospitalRichmondStrong family medicine program, community outreach

(The above table highlights the state’s top performers; the full Forbes list contains the complete ranking.)

These hospitals are lauded for a combination of clinical outcomes, patient experience scores, and innovation metrics—key pillars that Forbes uses to assess national performance.


The Criteria Behind the Ranking

Forbes’ methodology combines data from three distinct domains:

  1. Clinical Outcomes – Mortality and readmission rates, surgical success, and other hard metrics.
  2. Patient Experience – Patient satisfaction surveys, staff responsiveness, and overall care ambiance.
  3. Innovation & Technology – Adoption of cutting‑edge treatments, research contributions, and digital health tools.

Virginia’s hospitals have consistently excelled in the Innovation & Technology segment. Inova’s implementation of an AI‑driven diagnostic platform, VCU’s groundbreaking gene‑therapy trials, and Bon Secours’ telehealth expansion all contributed to higher scores. Patient experience ratings also improved, with many facilities reporting reduced wait times and increased patient‑staff communication.


Historical Context and Trends

The rise to 29 hospitals marks a notable trend in Virginia’s health‑care trajectory. In 2021, the Commonwealth had only 18 hospitals on Forbes’ list; the number grew to 25 in 2024, and now to 29 in 2025. This upward trajectory mirrors broader state initiatives—such as the Virginia Health System Expansion Fund and the “Virginia Health Futures” plan—that prioritize capital investment in infrastructure, technology, and workforce development.

Dr. Susan McKenna, President of the Virginia Hospital Association (VHA), noted, “Virginia’s growth in the Forbes rankings reflects our collective dedication to delivering world‑class care while remaining fiscally responsible. The data demonstrates that our investments in technology, staff training, and patient‑centered design are paying off.”


Economic and Policy Implications

A Forbes ranking is more than prestige; it can influence policy decisions and fiscal allocations. For instance:

  • Insurance Carriers: Health plans often use rankings to determine network adequacy, which can shift patient flow patterns.
  • State Funding: Hospitals that rank highly may qualify for additional state grants aimed at rural health or specialized research programs.
  • Attracting Talent: High‑ranking facilities are magnets for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals, potentially easing regional shortages.

In the short term, the ranking may also bolster the local tourism industry. Patients traveling for specialized procedures may choose to stay in Virginia, thereby supporting hotels, restaurants, and related businesses.


Community Voices and Patient Stories

Patch’s investigative piece included firsthand accounts from patients who have benefited from top‑tier care. One story highlighted a Richmond family that traveled to VCU’s oncology wing after a cancer diagnosis, praising the compassionate staff and cutting‑edge treatment protocols that led to remission. Another account, from a Fairfax resident, detailed a heart‑surgery experience at Inova that was "the best we've ever had."

These narratives reinforce Forbes’ metrics—patient experience scores, in particular—by providing real‑world proof of the data’s validity.


Looking Forward

The current ranking sets a new benchmark for Virginia hospitals, but the story is far from over. The Forbes team is slated to publish the next iteration in late 2026, offering the Commonwealth a clear target for continued improvement.

In a recent interview, Dr. Karen Li, Chief Medical Officer at Bon Secours St. Mary’s, emphasized the importance of continuous innovation: “Being on the Forbes list is an honor, but it also reminds us that we must keep pushing boundaries—whether that’s through digital health, precision medicine, or community‑based outreach.”


Quick Takeaways

TakeawayDetail
Scale of Success29 Virginia hospitals in Forbes’ top 200.
Key RankingsTwo hospitals in top 20, five in top 40.
Driving FactorsClinical outcomes, patient experience, tech innovation.
Economic ImpactHigher patient referrals, better insurance terms, job creation.
Future GoalsMaintain upward trajectory, adopt emerging technologies.

Virginia’s ascent on the Forbes list is a testament to the state’s robust health‑care ecosystem. With a clear focus on evidence‑based care, patient satisfaction, and continuous innovation, the Commonwealth is positioning itself as a leader in the national health arena—an achievement that will likely resonate for years to come.


Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/virginia/arlington-va/29-va-hospitals-among-best-u-s-new-forbes-ranking ]