2 Long Island hospitals named among nation's best

North Shore University Hospital and NYU Langone-Long Island landed on a list of the top hospitals in the country for the second consecutive year. 

Several Long Island institutions were highlighted in the annual hospital rankings released Tuesday by U.S. News & World Report, a publication that specializes in rankings and consumer advice. The outlet named the Manhasset and Mineola hospitals on its "honor roll" of 20 top institutions nationwide. Long Island hospitals made up more than 30% of the roughly 30 best facilities in New York State, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Hospitals — and their marketing teams — are quick to highlight the data behind these designations. U.S. News & World Report compiles its lists by assessing inpatient and outpatient clinical outcomes, factoring in facility staffing and technology, and incorporating patient and physician surveys. Although the designation can be helpful for patients, experts say the research isn't as relevant for the average patient, who is considering their doctor's recommendations, insurance coverage and ability to travel. 

"It's an objective, mostly objective, view of hospitals," said Dr.  Peter Silver, senior vice president and chief quality officer at Northwell Health. "I'm not that surprised by these rankings … but I want our patients and our communities to have that confidence in us also. These surveys are important for that."

Northwell's North Shore University Hospital tied for first place in the New York rankings, along with three other organizations. Five other Northwell facilities made the state list: Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Peconic Bay Medical Center and the Huntington, Plainview and South Shore University hospitals.

NYU Langone Hospital — which had data for its Mineola, Manhattan and Brooklyn hospitals collectively assessed — also made the national honor roll and tied for first place in New York State.

Most of the institutions highlighted on the New York list were the same as last year. Stony Brook University Hospital — which had its data evaluated along with its children's, Southampton and Greenport hospitals — moved from the 13th to 12th best slot. Peconic Bay Medical Center joined the list, while Mount Sinai South Nassau fell off it. 

South Nassau spokesman Joe Calderone noted that U.S. News & World Report recognized the Oceanside hospital as "high performing" in several disciplines.

"The most important ranking is from our patients who rely on Mount Sinai South Nassau for quality health care," he said.

Several experts told Newsday that the rankings can give patients the impression that just a few hospitals are standouts, but aren't as clear about how similarly their counterparts may have performed. That would be more meaningful for the bulk of patients, who are acting based on their doctors' suggestions and insurance network, they said.

Most people weighing the fourth or fifth best hospital in their region are going to go with whatever is closest, said  John McHugh, assistant professor of health policy and management at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. A fraction of patients shop around, he said. 

"Let’s say a patient is coming in from overseas to have a procedure in a U.S. hospital. You want to be able to say that you’re ranked higher," McHugh said. 

A University of Chicago behavioral economist estimated that a change in the U.S. News & World Report ranking altered hospitals’ patient volume by an average of 5%. Snagging some of that shift can help hospitals' bottom lines, experts said. Many organizations showcase their "top" and "best" designations in marketing material, and some pay U.S. News & World Report for the right to include its "badge" logo.  

The publication has modified its methodology in response to critiques. Its formulas no longer give as much weight to physician surveys, a factor seen as somewhat subjective. U.S. News & World Report has also started to look at how equitable institutions are.

Hospitals should be graded on how well they care for the surrounding communities, said Dr.  Vikas Saini, president of the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan health policy group. The institute grades hospitals on clinical outcomes as well as how frequently they avoid unnecessary treatment, provide community benefits and attract patient loads that represent the racial and economic demographics of their communities. 

Just one regional hospital got an "A" on the Lown Institute's most socially responsible hospital list — Northwell's Peconic Bay Medical Center.

"We have great care for select few in select locations, but that's not the same as a great health care system for the country," Saini said.

By Sarina Trangle

sarina.trangle@newsday.comSarinaTrangle

Sarina Trangle covers affordability and cost of living issues and other business topics. She previously worked as an editor and reporter at amNewYork.