For the third consecutive year, Island Health has earned an overall five-star hospital quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)—the highest distinction awarded by the federal agency.

Of the 4,658 hospitals nationwide, 8.2 percent earned a five-star rating by CMS. Island Health is one of only seven hospitals in Washington State and the only hospital north of Seattle to receive this competitive distinction. Island Health is also the smallest hospital in western Washington to receive a five-star rating.

The overall star rating summarizes a hospital’s performance on 46 quality measures reported to Medicare. These critical quality measures fall into five main categories:

• Mortality
• Safety of care
• Readmission
• Patient experience
• Timely and effective care

CMS’s overall star rating, which ranges between one and five, with five being the highest, helps patients make informed decisions about their care regarding safety, quality and patient experience. Healthcare consumers can easily compare hospitals’ quality and performance on the Medicare Care-Compare website.

Island Health CEO Elise Cutter said, “I could not be more proud of our staff for receiving this award for the third consecutive year. I liken it to winning a gold medal in the Olympics! Island Health, a rural public hospital in Anacortes, Washington, is among the top hospitals nationwide in providing exceptional care to patients. There is no need to leave our community for quality care.”