UI Health Care named Iowa's No. 1 hospital for 37th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report
University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center has been named No. 1 in Iowa by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026-27 adult 'Best Hospitals' rankings, marking the 37th consecutive year the academic health system has earned the state's highest distinction.
Using combined data from its university and North Liberty campuses, UI Health Care remains the only health system in Iowa to receive nationally ranked adult specialties, with ophthalmology ranked No. 6 nationally and obstetrics and gynecology ranked No. 39.
In addition, U.S. News & World Report recognized UI Health Care as No. 1 in Iowa for cancer and orthopedic care through its new regional specialty rankings and named the organization a Best Regional Hospital for Community Access in Eastern Iowa.
"These recognitions reflect the extraordinary dedication and expertise of our physicians, nurses, researchers, and staff, who work together every day to provide exceptional care for patients across Iowa and beyond," says Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine.
"Being named Iowa's top hospital for 37 consecutive years underscores our commitment to delivering innovative, compassionate care while advancing medicine through education and research."
The rankings also recognized UI Health Care Medical Center as High Performing in three adult specialties, which places a program among the top 10% of hospitals evaluated nationwide. They include:
In addition, UI Health Care earned High Performing ratings in 12 procedures and conditions—the highest recognition possible in this category:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
- Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion) — awarded to medical center downtown
- Colon cancer surgery
- Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
- Gynecological cancer surgery
- Heart arrhythmia
- Heart attack
- Heart bypass surgery
- Hip replacement — awarded to both UI Health Care Medical Center and UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown
- Leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma
- Lung cancer surgery
- Prostate cancer surgery
Methodology changes
This year, the U.S. News & World Report 'Best Hospitals' rankings introduced several methodology changes, including new regional specialty rankings and updated evaluation criteria. In addition, ENT was reclassified from a ranked specialty to the procedures and conditions category.
For more information regarding methodology, visit Best Hospitals.
About UI Health Care
University of Iowa Health Care is the state’s only comprehensive academic medical system, consisting of three campuses, four hospitals, a nationally ranked medical school, and more than 70 facilities across Iowa. Its clinical enterprise comprises nearly 20,000 staff members, including more than 1,200 staff physicians and dentists, nearly 800 resident and fellow physicians, and over 5,300 nursing staff members. Last year, UI Health Care saw more than 1.3 million clinic visits and more than 34,000 acute inpatient admissions.
