WakeMed Named High Performing by U.S. News & World Report
August 4, 2026RALEIGH, N.C. (August 4, 2026) – WakeMed earned “High Performing” ratings—the highest designation a hospital can earn—in 15 categories for U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 list of Best Hospitals: Procedures & Conditions.
For the 2026-2027 rankings and ratings, U.S. News & World Report evaluated nearly 4,300 hospitals across 23 benchmark procedures and conditions. Less than half of the hospitals evaluated earned a "High Performing" designation in the types of care evaluated by U.S. News.
The WakeMed system achieved this recognition for performing significantly better than the national average in these categories, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes.
“Our dedication to providing safe, quality, compassionate care to our patients and community is reflected in everything we do,” said Tom Gough, WakeMed executive vice president and chief operating officer. “WakeMed offers the highest level of care available in Wake County and beyond, including critical, neonatal and maternity, pediatric, neuroscience, cardiology, cancer, and trauma care, among many others. We are very proud to be nationally recognized and ranked among the best for our efforts.”
WakeMed Raleigh Campus and WakeMed North Hospital is designated as “High Performing” in 11 procedures and conditions (the Raleigh Campus evaluation also includes data from WakeMed North Hospital), including:
- Aortic valve surgery
- Back surgery (spinal fusion)
- Colon cancer surgery
- Diabetes
- Ear, nose, and throat surgery
- Heart attack
- Heart bypass surgery
- Maternity care (non-complicated pregnancy)
- Prostate cancer surgery
- Stroke
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
WakeMed Cary Hospital is rated as “High Performing” in eight procedures and conditions, including:
- Colon cancer surgery
- Heart arrhythmia
- Heart failure
- Lung cancer surgery
- Maternity care (non-complicated pregnancy)
- Pacemaker implantation
- Prostate cancer surgery
- Stroke
The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.
Click here for more information and the full methodology.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
About WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 973-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, a mental health & well-being hospital, eight emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, two exceptional Trauma Centers—a Level I Trauma Center in Raleigh and a Level III Trauma Center in Cary, and more than 175 physician and physical therapy practice offices. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 12,800 employees, 1,300 volunteers, and 1,300 affiliated physicians along with a network of 900+ primary care and specialty providers with WakeMed Physician Practices—all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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