New Rankings: These Are The Best Hospitals In North Carolina
These Are the Best Hospitals in North Carolina, According to New Rankings
The latest 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings are out, and Duke University Hospital in Durham continues to lead the way—not just in North Carolina, but nationwide. The hospital was recognized for excellence in 11 adult specialties and nine pediatric specialties, solidifying its reputation as one of the top medical centers in the country.
While Duke earned national recognition, many other hospitals across North Carolina also received strong marks for quality of care.
Top-Performing Hospitals for Safety
Several hospitals stood out for their commitment to patient safety:
- FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital
- Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Both received top “A” grades from Leapfrog, a reflection of strong performance in preventing infections, reducing medical errors, and maintaining high safety standards.
Areas of Concern
On the other hand, the Leapfrog report raised red flags for some hospitals in major metro areas like Charlotte and the Triangle. Lower safety grades were often tied to higher rates of:
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Surgical complications
- Inadequate safety protocols
These issues highlight the need for continuous improvement, especially in high-volume hospitals where patient safety can sometimes be challenged by staffing shortages and systemic pressures.
What This Means for Patients
Patients looking for high-quality, safe care should consider both medical excellence and safety records when choosing a hospital. Rankings like U.S. News & World Report and Leapfrog offer important tools for making informed healthcare decisions.
To view the full list of North Carolina hospital rankings and safety grades, visit:
