2021 Report to the Nation: A Safe Return to Quality Care

While the pandemic remains top of mind, patients are beginning to schedule elective procedures after delaying care during the early stages of COVID-19. Given the strain this global health crisis has placed on health systems across the country, it has never been more important for patients to access up-to-date information about the quality of their chosen hospital.

In conjunction with the release of Healthgrades 2021 Specialty Excellence Awards and ratings, Healthgrades performed a rigorous analysis of elective care and the importance of quality. Our research revealed dramatic gaps in clinical outcomes between 1-star and 5-star rated hospitals, indicating that hospital quality can mean the difference between a smooth recovery and a life-threatening complication.