What is the best hospital in Washington, DC?

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital leads DC hospitals with a 3-star CMS rating, 198 priced procedures, and a cost-to-charge ratio of 0.25. Sibley Memorial Hospital (Johns Hopkins) is another strong option with a 0.29 ratio and 115 published prices.

Why don't DC hospitals have 5-star ratings?

No Washington, DC hospital currently holds a 5-star CMS rating. The highest-rated facilities earn 3 stars. However, DC hospitals compensate with lower markups (0.25–0.29 ratios) compared to many US metros. For 4- or 5-star options, consider nearby suburban hospitals in Maryland and Virginia.

Which DC hospitals are most affordable?

Sibley Memorial Hospital has the best cost-to-charge ratio in DC at 0.29 (3.4x markup). MedStar Georgetown sits at 0.25 (4x markup). Both are significantly better than the national average, reflecting DC's regulated healthcare market.

How does MedStar compare to Johns Hopkins in DC?

MedStar dominates DC with multiple facilities including Georgetown (198 priced procedures, 0.25 ratio). Johns Hopkins operates Sibley Memorial (0.29 ratio, 115 procedures). Both are 3-star. Sibley has slightly better pricing; MedStar Georgetown has more transparency data.

How can I compare hospital prices in Washington, DC?

Use Taven's free provider comparison tool to see real negotiated rates from DC hospital transparency filings. Compare prices across MedStar, Johns Hopkins/Sibley, and other facilities for specific procedures.

Best Hospitals in Washington, DC (2026) — Ranked by Quality & Cost

Washington, DC's hospital market is dominated by two major systems — MedStar Health and Johns Hopkins (Sibley Memorial). While no DC hospital reaches 5-star status, the city benefits from some of the lowest markup ratios in the country, with cost-to-charge ratios around 0.25–0.29. Maryland's unique all-payer system and DC's regulatory environment keep hospital pricing more transparent than most metros.

This guide ranks Washington, DC-area hospitals by CMS star ratings, cost-to-charge ratios, and price transparency — helping you find the best combination of quality and value in the nation's capital.

Top 5 Hospitals in Washington, DC

Hospital	CMS Rating	Cost-to-Charge	Priced Procedures
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital	⭐⭐⭐	0.25	198
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center	⭐⭐⭐	N/A	188
Sibley Memorial Hospital	⭐⭐⭐	0.29	115
MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital	⭐⭐⭐	N/A	0
MedStar Washington Hospital Center	⭐⭐⭐	0.25	0

Understanding the Rankings

CMS Star Ratings

No Washington, DC hospital currently earns a 5-star or 4-star CMS rating. The market is dominated by 3-star facilities, led by MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital (part of Johns Hopkins), and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. This reflects a market where quality is consistent but not exceptional by national standards.

Cost-to-Charge Ratio

DC hospitals show remarkably favorable cost-to-charge ratios compared to most US metros. MedStar Georgetown sits at 0.25 (4x markup) and Sibley Memorial at 0.29 (3.4x markup). These are significantly better than the 8–13x markups seen in for-profit markets like Las Vegas or Nashville. DC's regulatory environment and nonprofit hospital dominance contribute to these moderate ratios.

Price Transparency

MedStar Georgetown leads transparency with 198 priced procedures published. MedStar Montgomery follows with 188 procedures, and Sibley Memorial publishes 115. While not as extensive as some markets, this gives patients meaningful price comparison data for common procedures.

Best Value Hospitals in Washington, DC

**Best overall:** MedStar Georgetown University Hospital — 3-star with 0.25 ratio and 198 priced procedures
**Best transparency:** MedStar Georgetown at 198 procedures, followed by MedStar Montgomery at 188
**Best value ratio:** Sibley Memorial Hospital — 0.29 ratio (3.4x markup) with 115 published prices
**Best academic option:** MedStar Georgetown — affiliated with Georgetown University Medical School
**Best for rehab:** MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital — specialized rehabilitation facility

Washington, DC Hospital System Overview

**MedStar Health** — The dominant system in the DC metro, operating MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (3-star), MedStar Washington Hospital Center (the region's largest), MedStar Montgomery, and MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. One of the largest healthcare providers in the mid-Atlantic.
**Johns Hopkins Health System** — Operates Sibley Memorial Hospital (3-star) in northwest DC. Brings Johns Hopkins' academic reputation to the capital. Sibley has the best cost-to-charge ratio among rated DC hospitals at 0.29.
**George Washington University Hospital** — Academic medical center in Foggy Bottom, affiliated with GW School of Medicine. Known for emergency medicine and trauma care (the hospital where President Reagan was treated).
**Howard University Hospital** — The only historically Black teaching hospital in the nation's capital. Now operated by Adventist HealthCare. Critical safety-net hospital for underserved communities.

DC's Healthcare Landscape

Washington, DC's hospital market is shaped by its unique position as the nation's capital. The presence of federal employees with strong insurance plans, combined with DC's regulatory oversight, creates a market with moderate pricing. However, the lack of 5-star hospitals means quality-conscious patients may want to look at nearby suburban facilities in Maryland and Virginia. The DC metro's broader healthcare network extends well beyond city limits.

Tips for Choosing a Hospital in Washington, DC

**MedStar Georgetown leads on value and transparency.** 198 priced procedures and a 0.25 cost-to-charge ratio make it the most data-friendly option in DC.
**Consider suburban hospitals.** Maryland and Virginia suburban hospitals often earn higher CMS ratings than DC-proper facilities.
**Compare prices before scheduled procedures.** Use Taven's comparison tool with real DC-area data.
**DC has strong patient protections.** Including surprise billing protections and financial assistance requirements for nonprofit hospitals.
**Ask about charity care** — DC law requires hospitals to provide financial assistance to qualifying patients.
**Get a Good Faith Estimate** before any planned procedure.
**Review your bill.** Use our free bill review tool to catch errors and overcharges.

How We Rank Hospitals

Our rankings use CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, cost-to-charge ratios from CMS cost reports, and price transparency compliance data. We don't accept advertising from hospitals. Learn more about our methodology.