Four Idaho hospitals earn 5-star ratings from CMS

Four hospitals throughout Idaho earned the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Overall Hospital Quality Rating, each with the 5-Star rating, the highest a hospital can receive through CMS.

Nationally, only 290 hospitals earned the top rating, which was 91 less than in 2024. In the Gem State, the four hospitals receiving top marks were Boise VA Medical Center, Idaho Falls Community Hospital, St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, and West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell.

A total of 2,891 hospitals in the U.S. received a star rating from one to five. The national average for 2025, according to CMS, was a 3.08 star rating, which is down from the average of 3.13 last year.

“This recognition is a direct reflection of the dedication, expertise and compassion of our colleagues and medical staff,” said Dr. Richard Augustus, chief medical officer at West Valley Medical Center. “We are proud to provide safe, high-quality care close to home for our patients and families, and this award affirms that commitment.”

The ratings are based on a hospital’s performance in five categories: Safety of care, timely and effective care, patient experience, readmission and mortality.

If a hospital receives less than five stars, it does not mean patients receive less-than-ideal care from those hospitals. Those ratings could be attributed to CMS not having complete data for a more informed rating. Six hospitals within Idaho received a rating of four stars, while four had three stars and one had one star. Three hospitals did not have an overall rating available.

The CMS Overall Hospital Quality Rating is an annual report.