Freeman Recognized by U.S. News & World Report in 3 Categories And Named Best Regional Hospital in Southwest Missouri

Joplin, Mo. – Once again Freeman Health System has been named the Best Regional Hospital in Southwest Missouri by the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals report and ranks 14th in the state of Missouri. Freeman has also been ranked as high-performing for three procedures and conditions by the Best Hospitals assessment. The 31st annual rankings are designed to assist patients in making informed decisions about where to receive care.

U.S. News and World Report published its annual update of the Best Hospitals rankings and ratings today. The magazine considers feedback from patients, clinicians, researchers and hospital leaders. The data in the upcoming 2020 – 21 edition of Best Hospitals comes from a period predating the COVID-19 pandemic and were not affected by the pandemic’s impact on hospitals.

The 2020 – 2021 rankings compared nearly 5,000 hospitals nationwide across 16 adult medical specialties, 9 adult procedures or conditions and 10 pediatric specialties. Freeman was recognized as high-performing in heart failure care, colon cancer surgery and the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“I’m proud of the Freeman team for earning this recognition and demonstrating our commitment to excellence in patient care,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “This national distinction is a testament to the dedication and passion Freeman caregivers have for our patients.”

Hard numbers stand behind the rankings – death rates, patient safety, procedure volume and other objective data. Also factored in were responses to a national survey in which physicians were asked to name hospitals they consider best in their specialty for the toughest cases.

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About Freeman Health System

Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2019, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2019. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 70 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.