Published on May 14, 2026

Vanderbilt Health Hospitals Earn Prestigious Five-Star CMS Ratings for 2026

For people in Nashville and across Tennessee, access to top-rated hospitals can provide valuable peace of mind. That’s why recent news from Vanderbilt Health is worth celebrating.

Three Vanderbilt Health hospitals have received the highest possible quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2026, earning the coveted Five-Star Overall Hospital Quality Rating.

Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Which Vanderbilt Hospitals Received Five Stars?

The following hospitals earned CMS Five-Star Quality Ratings for overall quality of care:

  • Vanderbilt University Hospital
  • Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital
  • Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital


This distinction places these hospitals among the top 12% of more than 3,200 hospitals evaluated nationwide.

What Does a CMS Five-Star Hospital Rating Mean?

The CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating helps patients compare hospitals using objective data published on Care Compare.

Hospitals are rated on a scale of one to five stars based on performance in five key areas:

  1. Mortality rates
  2. Patient safety
  3. Hospital readmissions
  4. Patient experience
  5. Timely and effective care


These ratings are designed to improve transparency and help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care.

Why This Matters to Medicare Beneficiaries

As Medicare insurance brokers at The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services, we often remind clients in Tennessee that choosing the right hospital can be just as important as choosing the right Medicare plan.

Whether you have:

  • Original Medicare
  • Medicare Supplement Plan G or Medicare Supplement Plan N
  • A Medicare Advantage plan
  • A standalone Medicare Part D plan


…having access to nationally recognized hospitals like Vanderbilt Health can make a significant difference in your healthcare experience.

A Commitment to Excellence

According to Vanderbilt Health leadership, these Five-Star ratings reflect years of dedication by physicians, nurses, and staff who are committed to delivering exceptional patient care.

Hospital executives emphasized that this achievement is the result of continuous improvements in patient safety, clinical quality, and the overall patient experience.

Trusted Healthcare Close to Home

For Medicare beneficiaries in Middle Tennessee, this recognition confirms that some of the nation’s highest-rated hospitals are right here in our backyard.

From advanced surgeries and cancer care to mental health services and community hospital care, Vanderbilt Health continues to set the standard for excellence.

Need Help Choosing Medicare Coverage?

Your Medicare plan affects how you access hospitals and specialists, as well as your out-of-pocket costs.

At The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services, we help individuals throughout Tennessee and across the country compare:

  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans
  • Medicare Advantage plans
  • Prescription Drug (Part D) plans

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services

The Big 65 was founded by Karl Bruns-Kyler, a nationally recognized Medicare expert dedicated to helping older Americans make confident, informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. Karl and his team work with clients in more than 30 states, providing personalized guidance on Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, Medicare Advantage, and Part D prescription drug coverage.

About the Author

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a licensed independent Medicare insurance broker with over 20 years of experience helping clients make confident, informed healthcare decisions. Based in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Karl works with Medicare recipients across more than 30 states, offering personalized guidance to help them avoid costly mistakes, find the right coverage, and maximize their benefits. Connect on LinkedIn