Rutherford Regional earns Healthgrades honors for joint replacement, specialty care

Hospital ranks among the top 15% nationally for joint replacement for a third consecutive year, according to its announcement.

Rutherford Regional Health System announced Thursday that it has received national recognition from Healthgrades for joint replacement and earned five-star ratings for care in five categories.

The hospital received a Joint Replacement Excellence Award, placing it among the top 15% of hospitals nationwide for joint replacement for a third consecutive year, covering 2025 through 2027, according to the announcement.

Rutherford Regional also received five-star ratings for knee replacement, hip replacement and treatment of stroke, heart failure and sepsis.

“Delivering high-quality specialty care close to home is at the heart of our mission of making communities healthier,” Sudandra Ratnasamy, chief executive officer of Rutherford Regional Health System, said. “In a rural community like ours, our neighbors shouldn’t have to travel far for exceptional care.”

Ratnasamy said the hospital has invested in advanced technology, including robotic-assisted surgery, recruited orthopedic and other specialty providers, and strengthened clinical processes supporting its heart failure and stroke programs.

“These recognitions reflect the commitment of our dedicated team members, who put patients first every day,” Ratnasamy said.

According to the announcement, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance using risk-adjusted death and complication rates rather than surveys or reputation. Its analysis covers more than 30 common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide.

The 2027 ratings draw on Medicare patient data from 2023 through 2025. The recognitions concern performance in specific procedures and conditions.

“Finding a hospital that excels in a given procedure or treatment can transform a patient’s health trajectory,” Dr. Alana Biggers, a medical adviser at Healthgrades, said.

“We’re proud to recognize Rutherford Regional Health System for its top-tier performance in knee replacement, hip replacement, treatment of stroke, heart failure, and sepsis, and commend its team for delivering exceptional patient outcomes when it matters most,” Biggers said.

Healthgrades estimated that 227,229 deaths and 158,138 complications could have been avoided nationwide over the three-year study period if all hospitals had performed at the level of its five-star facilities. Those figures are statistical estimates based on Medicare patients.

Rutherford Regional, part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, is a 143-bed acute care facility offering inpatient and outpatient services across more than 23 medical specialties, according to the hospital.

More information about the hospital’s services is available at MyRutherfordRegional.com.