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

Of the 5,446 hospitals nationwide, nine percent (9%) earned a five-star rating by CMS. Island Health is one of eight hospitals in Washington State and the only hospital north of Seattle to receive this competitive distinction.

The five-star rating is one of many recent honors for Island Health, including an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group earlier this year and Outstanding Patient Experience Award in 2022.

The overall star rating summarizes how a hospital performs on 46 quality measures that are reported to Medicare. These key quality measures fall into five main categories:

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

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

CEO Elise Cutter said, “Our purpose is to be the best healthcare partner to those we serve, and a 5-star rating from CMS affirms that Island Health—a small public hospital in Anacortes, Washington—is among the top nationwide in providing exceptional care. It is an honor that belongs to our entire staff.”