LEBANON, N.H. – Dartmouth Health’s Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) has been named a 2026-2027 Best Hospital by U.S. News & World Report.
DHMC ranked regionally as the No. 1 hospital in New Hampshire and was also recognized in northern New Hampshire. Additionally, DHMC was recognized as the best regional hospital for community access, which acknowledges its success in providing high-quality care for patients in communities that are often underserved and those in rural settings.
DHMC was rated as high-performing in 18 categories, up from 15 last year. New areas recognized this year include back surgery (spinal fusion); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); ear, nose, and throat surgery; heart failure; and knee replacement.
In addition to DHMC’s recognition, Dartmouth Health member hospitals also earned national recognition from U.S. News. Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital was recognized as high-performing in hip replacement, Cheshire Medical Center was recognized as high-performing in COPD and colon cancer surgery, and Mount Ascutney Hospital and Health Center earned a silver specialty badge for rehabilitation.
“Being recognized year after year by U.S. News reflects the extraordinary commitment our teams make every day to deliver exceptional care to the patients and communities we serve here in rural New England,” said Dr. Joanne M. Conroy, president and CEO of Dartmouth Health. “Whether at DHMC or one of our community and critical access hospitals, our people are united by a shared commitment to excellence. I could not be prouder of all they do to earn this recognition.”
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.
The U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings serve as a starting point for patients and families, who should consult with their personal physicians when making specific healthcare decisions.
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 more than 800 million records of patient care.
“A hospital named among the U.S. News Best Hospitals has demonstrated its commitment to high-quality care, especially in achieving successful outcomes for patients,” said U.S. News’ managing editor and chief of health analysis, Ben Harder. “A Best Hospitals recognition reflects consistent top-tier medical care to its community.”