U.S. News Neurology & Neurosurgery ranking methodology
U.S. News ranks hospitals for Neurology & Neurosurgery by blending risk-adjusted patient outcomes, hospital structure and resources, and a physician expert-opinion component. In 2025–26 this is one of four specialties where expert opinion is reduced to about 12% (with roughly 3% for public transparency) because strong public performance data is available — so measured outcomes carry the largest share.
What this ranking covers
The specialty combines neurology and neurosurgery and recognizes hospitals that treat complex neurological conditions — stroke, brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, among others.
How it’s scored
Per U.S. News’s 2025–26 methodology, the score draws on:
- Patient outcomes — risk-adjusted results; the largest share of the score.
- Structure / hospital resources directly related to neurological care.
- Expert opinion (reputation) — weighted about 12% here (vs. the default 15%), alongside roughly 3% public transparency.
Related procedures & conditions
Alongside the specialty ranking, U.S. News rates hospitals “High Performing” for Stroke and related conditions — a threshold-based shield awarded independently of the national specialty ranking.
Frequently asked questions
How does U.S. News rank neurology and neurosurgery?
By blending risk-adjusted outcomes, hospital structure/resources, and an expert-opinion component. In 2025–26 it is one of four specialties where expert opinion is weighted ~12% (with ~3% public transparency) rather than the default 15%.
How much does reputation count?
About 12% in 2025–26 — reduced from 15% — with outcomes carrying the largest share, alongside roughly 3% public transparency.
What conditions does it cover?
Stroke, brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, among others. Stroke is also rated separately as a High Performing Procedures & Conditions category.
Track your neurosciences standing — every measure, every year
Shield Tracker helps neurology and neurosurgery programs manage their U.S. News data submission and follow scores, component-level gaps, year-over-year trends, and peer benchmarking — so you know exactly where your ranking stands and where to focus.
Schedule a demoSources
- U.S. News & World Report, “Best Hospitals for Neurology & Neurosurgery” and specialty rankings. health.usnews.com
- U.S. News & World Report, “FAQ: How and Why We Rank and Rate Hospitals.” health.usnews.com
Independence & trademarks. Shield Tracker is an independent software product. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by U.S. News & World Report. “U.S. News & World Report” and “Best Hospitals” are trademarks of U.S. News & World Report L.P., used here descriptively for education and commentary. Methodology facts reflect U.S. News’s published 2025–26 Best Hospitals methodology and are subject to change each year.