U.S. News & World Report released its 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings, naming The University of Kansas Hospital the Best Hospital in Kansas City for the 17th consecutive year. U.S. News also ranked the hospital No. 1 in Kansas for the 15th consecutive year, two distinctions no other hospital has achieved.

This year, U.S. News introduced state and metropolitan specialty rankings to help patients identify high-quality care close to home. The University of Kansas Hospital earned the No. 1 ranking in Kansas and No. 1 ranking in Kansas City in all four specialties evaluated: Cancer; Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery; Orthopedics; and Rehabilitation.

The University of Kansas Hospital also earned national recognition, with five specialties ranking among the nation’s top 50 and six additional specialties earning High Performing ratings.

U.S. News based this year’s rankings on data from nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide. Only 178 hospitals earned national recognition in one or more specialties. The rankings measure performance across a range of indicators, including patient outcomes, patient experience, nursing care, advanced technologies and program reputation.

The 2026-27 national rankings for The University of Kansas Hospital are:

• Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (#23). It is the 18th time this program has been recognized in the top 50 in the nation.
• Geriatrics (#30). This is the 16th time geriatrics has made the list as one of the top 50 in the nation.
• Neurology & Neurosurgery (#26). This specialty was listed for the 15th consecutive year as one of the top 50 in the nation.
• Obstetrics & Gynecology (#40). This is the first time this specialty has ranked nationally since 2016.
• Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (#33). This specialty was ranked in the nation’s top 50 for the 17th year in a row.

The hospital is also listed as “high performing” in Cancer; Diabetes & Endocrinology; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Orthopedics; Rehabilitation; and Urology.

“Being named the No. 1 hospital in Kansas City for the 17th consecutive year and the No. 1 hospital in Kansas for the 15th consecutive year is an extraordinary honor,” says Tammy Peterman, president, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer of The University of Kansas Health System. “While we are proud of this recognition, what matters most is earning and keeping the trust of the people who choose us for their care. We’re especially pleased that U.S. News’ new state and metropolitan rankings recognized our specialty programs as No. 1 in Kansas and Kansas City in each of the four specialties evaluated. This recognition reflects the remarkable patient care and service our team provides every day.”

“Our continued recognition as the Best Hospital in Kansas City and the Best Hospital in Kansas is a direct result of the dedication, expertise and commitment of every member of our team,” says Bob Page, chief executive officer of The University of Kansas Health System. “Every day, they deliver outstanding care and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Their commitment to clinical excellence, the highest quality care and the best possible outcomes for patients is what makes achievements like this possible.”