Fairview-University Medical Center is among the best in the nation, according to the “U.S. News and World Report” rankings of America’s best hospitals, published last month.
The magazine ranked Fairview-University in the top 50 in six sub-specialties — including cancer, geriatrics, neurology and neurosurgery, and otolaryngology (diseases concerning the nose, ears and throat).
The hospital, erroneously left out of the rankings last year, has slipped in five categories since 1998.
University officials have expressed concerns about the news magazine’s method of rating the hospitals.
“We believe we have an excellent department which has been highly ranked in other years,” said Joan Petersen, a department of otolaryngology administrative assistant.
Otolaryngology was ranked 19th in 1998, compared with 37th this year.
Dr. David Rothenberger, associate director of clinical sciences and research at the Cancer Center, which was ranked 30th, also said he was disappointed by the ranking.
“I’m not happy to be at 30, but it’s a lot better than not being there at all,” he said. “I want to be in the top 20 within three years and ultimately … in the top 10,” he said.
The magazine looked at more than 6,200 hospitals, with 173 making the final cut for the best-hospital list.
The hospitals received scores relating to overall health care, reputation, mortality rates and technology.
“It’s nice to know we’re still in the top 50 hospitals nationwide,” said Frank Cerra, Academic Health Center senior vice president. “I think in some areas we’re underrated. That’s all part of these ratings,” he added.

Patrick Hayes welcomes comments at [email protected].