U.S. News Celebrates 20 Years of Pediatric Rankings with 2026-2027 Best Children's Hospitals Report — U.S. News & World Report, L.P.

Event summary

U.S. News & World Report released its 20th annual Best Children's Hospitals rankings, evaluating 90 hospitals across 11 specialties.
The 2026-2027 rankings include the third annual evaluation of pediatric and adolescent behavioral health programs.
11 hospitals across 8 states and Washington, D.C., were named to the Honor Roll for high-performing, multi-specialty pediatric care.
The rankings are based on clinical data from 114 children's hospitals and surveys of thousands of pediatric specialists.
Top-ranked hospitals include Boston Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The big picture

U.S. News & World Report's 20th annual Best Children's Hospitals rankings underscore its role as a key influencer in healthcare decision-making. The rankings provide critical insights into hospital performance, helping families and physicians navigate complex pediatric care choices. The inclusion of behavioral health programs reflects a growing focus on mental health in pediatric care, aligning with broader industry trends.

What we're watching

Market Influence: How U.S. News' rankings will continue to shape patient and physician decision-making in pediatric care.
Competitive Dynamics: Whether the top-ranked hospitals can maintain their leadership positions amid increasing competition.
Expansion Strategy: The pace at which U.S. News may expand its rankings to include additional specialties or regions.