New Jersey Hospitals Ranked Poorly in Patient Surveys
The state ranked second lowest nationwide for hospital patient experience based on recent federal data.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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Data through September 30, 2025, reveals New Jersey hospitals earned an average patient experience rating of 2.7 out of 5. This performance places the state second to last in the nation, trailing only Delaware.
Why it matters
Patient experience scores reflect how hospitals communicate, manage pain, and handle transitions of care, providing critical insight into the quality of patient-centered services. These rankings help the public evaluate healthcare options while highlighting systemic challenges in regional hospital operations.
Of the 64 hospitals operating in New Jersey, 28 facilities scored below the state average of 2.7 stars. While no institution achieved a perfect 5-star patient rating, Valley Hospital and Deborah Heart and Lung Center tied for the state high at 3.8 stars.
The players
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
This federal agency manages healthcare quality reporting and calculates hospital ratings based on safety, mortality, and patient experience metrics.
Valley Hospital
This medical facility tied for the highest patient experience rating in New Jersey at 3.8 stars.
Deborah Heart and Lung Center
This medical facility tied for the highest patient experience rating in New Jersey at 3.8 stars.
The details
CMS evaluates hospital quality by aggregating data over four consecutive quarters, factoring in safety, readmission, mortality, and timeliness alongside patient surveys. Although seven hospitals in the state earned a five-star overall quality rating from CMS, these high marks did not translate into top-tier patient experience scores.
Timeline
The data collection period for hospital performance ratings ran from Oct 1, 2024, through Sept 30, 2025.
Market Landscape
This performance gap reflects a broader trend where clinical quality rankings, such as those from CMS, often diverge from subjective patient satisfaction reports. The discrepancy between the seven five-star quality facilities and lower patient experience scores illustrates the complex balance hospitals face in maintaining high-tech care and personal service.
Residents can utilize these federal survey results to compare service standards before selecting a hospital for elective procedures or routine care. Families should consider both overall quality ratings and patient experience scores to ensure their selected facility meets their expectations for bedside care and communication.
The takeaway
Patients should look beyond aggregate star ratings to examine specific survey categories that impact their comfort and recovery. Understanding these metrics empowers individuals to make more informed decisions when navigating the healthcare system.
Further reading
For more information on healthcare workforce and service quality, visit the Nursing Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJ.
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