When I joined the Cone Health board five years ago, the goal of being ranked in the top 10% of all US hospitals seemed ambitious.

These days it just seems normal. Not saying I had much to do with it, just that I've had a front-row seat and it's been really great to watch.

Two recent ratings put our local healthcare system near the top nationally. One comes from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the other from US News & World Report. 

It's wise to approach lists and ratings with caution. Many are nothing more than clickbait. And hospitals may be especially difficult to evaluate. 

But the CMS and US News ratings, while not without their critics, are serious and well-regarded efforts. And scoring high on both of them at the same time is something of a reality check. Cone CEO Terry Akin and his team really are doing great things in our community.

Greensboro likes to talk about its problems, and we've got our share, but there is good news too about our next economy. Healthcare is a big part of that story, and years of planning and effort at our homegrown health system are paying off.

Comments

[Nora Williams]

That is wonderful. I spent a lot of QUALITY time there as a kid/teenager and was always happy with the care and kindness I received.

[Bill Bush]

Cone Hospital staff and Dr. Cloniger saved our son's life. I smile every time I drive by there. Congratulations, especially to the nurses who dealt gracefully with so much. It has been almost 40 years, and I remember. I'm glad to see this recognition come to Cone. We live in a wonderful area.