Three Independence Health System hospitals earn 'High Performing' ratings from U.S. News & World Report

Westmoreland Hospital named a Best Regional Hospital, ranking No.25 in Pennsylvania and No.5 in the region

Butler, Pa. and Greensburg, Pa., August 7, 2026—Independence Health System’s Butler Memorial, Latrobe, and Westmoreland hospitals have been recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals edition, earning a combined 17 High Performing ratings across adult procedures, conditions and maternity care. Individual hospitals received ratings in specialties that include cancer care, cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics and pulmonology.

A High Performing rating is the highest distinction a hospital can earn in U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

Westmoreland Hospital was also recognized as a Best Regional Hospital, ranking No. 25 (tied) in Pennsylvania and No. 5 in the Pittsburgh region. U.S. News evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions. Only 16% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals designation.

Butler Memorial Hospital earned High Performing ratings in three categories:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
• Hip replacement
• Pacemaker implantation

Latrobe Hospital earned High Performing ratings in four categories:

• Back surgery (spinal fusion)
• Colon cancer surgery
• Heart arrhythmia
• Lung cancer surgery

Westmoreland Hospital earned High Performing ratings in 10 categories:

• Aortic valve surgery
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart arrhythmia
• Heart attack
• Heart bypass surgery
• Hip fracture
• Knee replacement
• Lung cancer surgery
• Maternity care (uncomplicated pregnancy)
• Pacemaker implantation

"Being recognized as high performing in multiple specialties reflects the expertise, compassion and commitment of our physicians, nurses and care teams across Independence Health System," said Ken DeFurio, president and CEO. "Whether patients need advanced heart care, cancer treatment, orthopedic surgery or maternity services, they can feel confident knowing they have access to nationally recognized expert care close to home."

Fewer than half of the thousands of hospitals evaluated earned a 'High Performing' designation in the types of care evaluated by U.S. News.

U.S. News' annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to help patients and their health care providers make informed decisions about where to receive care for complex medical conditions and elective procedures.

“When patients face a major surgery or a chronic medical condition, having access to clear, quality data is vital,” said U.S. News’ Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder. “A ‘High Performing’ rating means that the hospital outperformed a national threshold, giving families a reliable starting point as they consult with their doctors to choose the best place for care.”

To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and patient experience. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from over 800 million records of patient care.

To learn more about the expert care offered at Independence Health System, visit independence.health.

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About Independence Health System

Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region.

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.