Two Scripps Health hospitals in San Diego County were named to Healthgrades’ “America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 2026,” part of the ratings company’s broader annual awards recognizing top-performing hospitals nationwide.

Healthline reported that the 2026 awards, announced Jan. 27, evaluate clinical performance at more than 4,500 hospitals across more than 30 common procedures and conditions, using a “clinically validated methodology focused on patient outcomes.” 

On Healthline’s state-by-state list of the 50 hospitals, the California facilities included Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, alongside other hospitals across the state.  

In a statement included in Healthline’s coverage, Healthgrades medical advisor Dr. Alana Biggers said the list helps patients make more informed choices. “This year’s America’s Best Hospitals list gives patients a clearer picture of where high-quality care is delivered most consistently.”  

Chief Healthcare Executive reported that Healthgrades estimates 211,370 lives could have been saved if all hospitals performed similarly to the top 250, based on Medicare (MedPAR) data from 2022–2024, and that 46% of Americans live more than 25 miles from a top-250 hospital, while 14 states have none in the top 250.   

The Chief Healthcare Executive article also noted access gaps: nearly half of Americans—46%—live more than 25 miles from one of Healthgrades’ top-250 hospitals, and 14 states have no hospital ranked among the top 250.