Buffalo, NY – Mercy Hospital recently announced that it has been rated a “High Performing Hospital” by U.S. News & World Report in heart bypass surgery, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), pacemaker implantation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair—the highest distinction awarded for these procedures.
This recognition places Mercy Hospital among the top-performing hospitals in the nation, reflecting excellence in patient outcomes, surgical expertise, nursing care quality, and adherence to evidence‑based standards.
“This honor is a testament to the extraordinary skill, dedication, and compassion of our entire Mercy Hospital team,” said Derek S. Drake, DNP, MBA, President of Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. “Being named a High Performing Hospital demonstrates that our patients are receiving some of the highest-quality heart and vascular care available in the country. This recognition belongs to every clinician, every support staff member, and every person committed to our mission of healing.”
In its 2025–2026 Best Hospitals report, U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 4,400 hospitals nationwide across 15 specialties and 22 procedures and conditions. Only 10% to 20% of hospitals received a “High Performing” rating in any given category.
The rankings analyze more than 800 million patient records, focusing largely on objective data, including: risk‑adjusted mortality rates; complication rates and patient outcomes; nursing care quality, including nurse‑to‑patient staffing ratios and patient‑reported nurse communication (HCAHPS scores); and Medicare claims data and survival rates.
This year, U.S. News implemented new methodology enhancements, placing up to 75% of the total scoring emphasis on data-driven outcomes and reducing reliance on reputation surveys. It also added arrhythmia and pacemaker implantation to its rated categories for the first time. Mercy Hospital earned a High Performing rating in the newly measured area of pacemaker implantation in its inaugural year.
“Our recognition in four major cardiac and vascular procedures reflects the strength of our comprehensive heart program,” Drake added. “From our surgeons and cardiologists to our nurses, technologists, and every supporting service, this is truly a team achievement.”
To kick off American Heart Month in February, Mercy Hospital held a special awards celebration on February 3 to recognize the physicians, nurses, and hospital staff who achieved this accomplishment.
The rankings are produced by U.S. News with RTI International, a leading research organization based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
