Harlingen Medical Center received “High Performing” ratings in five treatment categories in the 2026–27 U.S. News & World Report hospital evaluations, the hospital announced Oct. 29.
The ratings cover treatment of heart rhythm problems, heart failure, hip fractures and kidney failure, as well as pacemaker implantation, according to a statement from the hospital.
The hospital said no other facility in Harlingen received a High Performing designation in those five categories.
A High Performing rating indicates that a hospital performed significantly better than the national average for a specific procedure or condition. It is the highest distinction in U.S. News' Procedures & Conditions evaluations, rather than an overall ranking of the hospital.
The 2026–27 evaluations drew on data from nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide, according to the hospital. Factors considered included risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications, nursing care and other patient outcomes.
Todd Mann, CEO of Harlingen Medical Center, said the recognition reflects the hospital's efforts to improve patient outcomes.
The hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, has also received ratings from other national health care evaluation organizations.
Previous Healthgrades recognition
Healthgrades awarded Harlingen Medical Center five stars for pacemaker procedures for six consecutive years, from 2021 through 2026, according to the hospital's published awards information.
The hospital also received five stars for hip fracture treatment for 19 consecutive years, from 2008 through 2026.
These Healthgrades distinctions are separate from the U.S. News evaluations and use a different rating methodology.
Leapfrog patient safety grades
Harlingen Medical Center has also received 10 consecutive “A” grades from the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade program, covering grading periods from fall 2021 through spring 2026, according to a May 2026 hospital announcement.
The hospital reported that it was the only facility in Cameron County to hold an A grade at the time of that announcement.
The Leapfrog Group is an independent nonprofit that evaluates hospital safety using measures focused on preventing medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections.
Unlike the U.S. News ratings for particular conditions and procedures, Leapfrog's safety grades examine a broader set of patient-safety practices and outcomes.
The three rating programs provide different measures of hospital performance. The new U.S. News designations specifically recognize Harlingen Medical Center's results in the five procedures and conditions identified in its October announcement.
