From staff reports

LEWISTOWN — Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital and the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona both earned five-star ratings in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ 2026 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings report.

The five-star designation is the highest rating awarded by CMS and reflects hospital performance in areas including patient safety, mortality, readmissions, patient experience and timely and effective care.

According to Geisinger, the Lewistown Hospital was among 20 hospitals in Pennsylvania and 384 nationwide to receive the recognition.

“This five-star CMS rating builds on our strong record of excellence in safety and quality,” said Dr. Sabrina Sumner, chief medical officer at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital.

At the Altoona-based James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Interim Medical Center Director David DiGiacomo said the recognition reflects the staff’s commitment to veteran care.

“Receiving a five-star rating from CMS is a reflection of the dedication our entire team brings to caring for Veterans every day,” DiGiacomo said.

Officials at both facilities cited ongoing efforts to improve patient care, communication and safety as contributing factors in the ratings.

Nationwide, 78% of VA hospitals receiving CMS ratings earned four or five stars in 2026, according to the VA.