Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital earns five-star patient experience rating

Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital has earned a five-star rating for patient experience in the latest data released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The five-star distinction, the highest possible score awarded by CMS, places Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands among just five hospitals in Tennessee and 250 nationwide to achieve the top rating in the federal agency's latest release published by Becker's Hospital Review.

"Patient feedback gives us valuable insight into how our neighbors experience care at our hospital," said Brad Lowery, President of Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital. "We want every patient to feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their stay, and I'm grateful to our care teams for the attention and compassion they bring to each interaction."

CMS calculates patient survey star ratings using the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey, which measures patient experiences across key areas of a recent hospital stay. The survey evaluates several aspects of care, including communication with doctors and nurses, responsiveness to patient needs, discharge information, and the hospital environment. The latest data reflects patient surveys collected from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025.

Serving Sparta and surrounding communities since 1929, Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital is a 60-bed medical-surgical facility accredited by The Joint Commission. Supported by 120 clinicians with privileges at the hospital, it provides 24/7 emergency care, surgical services, advanced heart care, rehabilitation, and a 14-bed behavioral and mental health unit. The hospital is also a member of the Saint Thomas Stroke Network, helping patients and families access a broad range of healthcare services close to home.