NEWS
US News names 7 Alabama hospitals among best in the US
Jennifer LindahlMontgomery Advertiser
Aug. 4, 2026, 9:41 a.m. CT
Seven Alabama hospitals earned recognition as the state’s top regional medical centers for 2026-27 in the latest U.S. News Best Hospital rankings
U.S. News evaluated 116 hospitals across Alabama, recognizing facilities that demonstrated strong performances across specialties, procedures, patient outcomes and experience
One Alabama children’s hospital also earned national recognition
UAB Hospital ranks No. 1 in Alabama
For another year, University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital claimed the top spot in the state, ranking No. 1 in both Alabama and the Birmingham metro area
The hospital received national recognition in two adult specialties and was rated high performing in 18 adult procedures and conditions. Among the areas receiving high marks were:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
- Aortic valve surgery
- Spinal fusion
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment
- Colon cancer surgery
Patient satisfaction also remained strong. Nearly nine in 10 patients reported they were satisfied with their hospital stay, while 91% said they would recommend UAB Hospital to family and friends
UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham earns No. 2 ranking
UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham ranked second in Alabama and second in the Birmingham area
The hospital was recognized as high performing in nine adult procedures and conditions, including:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
- Spinal fusion
- Colon cancer surgery
- Diabetes care
- Hip replacement
According to patient surveys, 86% of patients said they were satisfied with their stay and the same percentage said they would recommend the hospital to others
Alabama’s best regional hospitals for 2026-27
According to U.S. News, Alabama’s Best Regional Hospitals are:
- No. 1: University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital (Birmingham)
- No. 2: UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham (Birmingham)
- Tied for No.3:
- Grandview Medical Center (Birmingham)
- Huntsville Hospital (Huntsville)
- Mobile Infirmary Medical Center (Mobile)
- No. 6: Southeast Health Medical Center (Dothan)
Best children’s hospital in Alabama
Children’s Hospital of Alabama at UAB was recognized as Alabama’s top children’s hospital
The Birmingham hospital ranked No. 1 in the state and at No. 4 in the Southeast region. It also received national rankings in eight pediatric specialties, highlighting its expertise in caring for children with complex medical conditions
How U.S. News ranks hospitals
U.S. News evaluates hospitals using measures that include patient outcomes, safety, patient experience and quality of care
Adult hospitals are assessed across 14 specialties and 24 procedures and conditions, with rankings based largely on publicly available data such as survival rates, readmissions and other performance metrics
Top-performing facilities receive national rankings or are recognized as Best Regional Hospitals.
Jennifer Lindahlis a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email atjlindahl@usatodayco.com
