What the U.S. News Best Hospital Ranking Changes Mean—And How Tendo Helps Health Systems Stay Ahead

A decade after launching its Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings, U.S. News & World Report is rolling out major methodology changes — and healthcare leaders are paying attention. These changes, going into effect with the July 29, 2025 release, make one thing clear: patient outcomes and real-world performance matter more than ever.

At Tendo, we believe this shift is long overdue. It reflects what we hear every day from the health systems we partner with: patients and providers alike want care experiences — and the data behind them — to be clearer, more outcomes-driven, and truly actionable. Below, we break down what these changes mean and how Tendo’s platform helps health systems not just adapt, but excel.

1. Outcomes Are the New Standard — Tendo Helps You Measure What Matters

Up to 75% of hospital scores will now be based on patient outcomes. For hospitals, this means more attention on metrics like survival rates, complication prevention, discharge-to-home rates, and time patients spend at home. Tendo’s integrated data solutions help hospitals identify these trends in real time, monitor risk-adjusted outcomes, and surface opportunities for improvement, long before they impact public rankings.

2. Simplified Scoring Demands Clear Data — Tendo Makes It Accessible

The move to a weight-based scoring system is good news for hospitals, making results more transparent and easier to understand. But simplicity on paper still requires sophisticated data handling behind the scenes. Tendo’s analytics tools empower leaders and clinicians to see exactly where they stand, how they compare to benchmarks, and what actions will move the needle.

3. More Outcome Measures Across Service Lines — Tendo Connects the Dots

With U.S. News applying key outcome metrics (survival, discharge to home, and time at home) across all procedures and conditions, hospitals need to break down silos and connect data across departments. Tendo’s platform integrates disparate data sources into a unified view, helping quality teams and clinical leaders spot patterns, prioritize interventions, and align efforts organization-wide.

4. Medicare Advantage Outcomes Included — Tendo Helps Manage Complexity

As in 2024, U.S. News will factor in survival outcomes for Medicare Advantage patients. These populations often present unique challenges. Tendo’s advanced data modeling helps hospitals manage these complexities, track MA outcomes alongside traditional Medicare metrics, and ensure no patient population is overlooked in performance measurement.

5. Consistent ‘High Performing’ Recognition — Tendo Helps You Earn and Maintain It

With a more predictable framework that designates 30% of hospitals in each category as “High Performing,” the door is open for more hospitals to stand out. Tendo’s platform helps health systems identify where they’re close to this threshold and provides actionable insights on how to cross it — and stay there.

6. Specialty Rankings Refined — Tendo Supports Balanced, Holistic Improvement

Adjustments to nurse staffing weight and caps in specialty rankings will prevent outlier data from skewing results, encouraging balanced improvement efforts. Tendo’s insights help ensure organizations can continuously fine-tune performance across specialties, procedures, and conditions, without chasing metrics in isolation.

The Bottom Line: A Data-Driven Future, Built Around Outcomes — And Tendo Helps You Lead It

U.S. News’ new methodology reinforces something we already know: outcomes and patient experience are everything. But understanding the data is only half the battle — acting on it in real time is where hospitals can differentiate themselves.

At Tendo, we help health systems turn complex data into clear, actionable strategies that improve outcomes, elevate patient experiences, and align with evolving benchmarks like these. Whether it’s tracking risk-adjusted outcomes, integrating complex data, or proactively identifying improvement opportunities, Tendo is your partner in building a more connected, patient-centered future.