Baltimore is the nation's fifth healthiest city, thanks to its fleet of high-quality hospitals and care organizations, according to a new report. Healthgrades, an independent health care ratings organization, released its second annual "National Health Index" Tuesday, ranking the top-25 cities that are "leading the way in American health and health care."
The index is based on data compiled from Healthgrades' own ratings data, consumer responses to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveys and reports from the Association of American Medical Colleges, for 43 major metropolitan areas. Baltimore rose one spot in the rankings from last year. Healthgrades officials said Baltimore's high placement is attributable to its residents having greater than average access to highly rated medical specialists and hospitals, such as Mercy Medical Center, MedStar hospitals, University of Maryland hospitals and Johns Hopkins.
