Inova Fairfax Hospital ranks No. 1 in Va. for fifth year

For the fifth year in a row, Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church has taken the top spot for Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region on U.S. News and World Report‘s annual list of the nation’s best hospitals.

U.S. News and World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals rankings, released Tuesday, evaluated data from more than 4,400 hospitals across 15 adult specialties and 22 procedures and conditions. However, only 13% of hospitals being assessed earned a “best hospitals” designation.

“Earning this recognition for the fifth year in a row reflects the relentless commitment of our physicians, nurses, team members and partners to delivering world-class, patient-centered care every single day,” said Inova Fairfax Hospital President Dr. Steve Narang in a statement “It’s a proud moment for all of us at Inova Fairfax and a reflection of the trust our community places in us.”

Inova Fairfax Hospital also ranked 32nd in the nation for obstetrics and gynecology care, up from 36th place last year.

To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures, including risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and the level of nursing care. The publication states that the Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and measure patient outcomes using data from over 800 million patient care records.

“For more than three decades, U.S. News has been an invaluable guide for patients,” said U.S. News Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder in a statement. “With a ‘Best Hospital’ recognition, Americans, in consultation with their medical providers, can confidently choose a hospital known for providing superior care for their specific illness or condition.”

U.S. News and World Report evaluated 120 hospitals in Virginia. The top hospitals in Virginia are as follows:

1. Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church
2. VCU Medical Center, Richmond
3. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk
4. VHC Health (Virginia Hospital Center), Arlington County
5. (tie) Chippenham and Johnston-Willis Hospitals, Richmond
5. (tie) University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville
5. (tie) Winchester Medical Center, Winchester
8. Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke
9. Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg
10. (tie) Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, Richmond
10. (tie) Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Virginia Beach

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center ranked second in Virginia for the third consecutive year and first in Richmond for the 15th year in a row. The hospital was also ranked 41st for orthopedics. Sheltering Arms Institute, a joint venture between VCU Health and Sheltering Arms, was ranked 27th for rehabilitation.

VCU Medical Center also ranked second in Virginia and 14th in the mid-Atlantic for children’s care, ranking nationally in two children’s specialties. U.S. News and World Report’s evaluation of the VCU hospital included data from Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

“To be recognized time and time again by U.S. News is a great honor and truly a testament to our team members’ undeniable commitment to this community,” Jim Willis, interim president of VCU Medical Center, said in a statement. “From implementing the latest innovations in robotic surgery to improving access to life-saving care, we are dedicated to making sure each person who walks through our halls receives high-quality care.”

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital placed third in the state and No. 1 for the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area.

“We are proud to be recognized for excellence in improving the health of the Hampton Roads community,” said Sentara Health Senior Vice President Dana Weston Graves, who also serves as acute care president for Sentara’s Southeast Market – Norfolk.