Charleston VA joins elite group with 5-star rating

The 5-star quality rating, the highest issued by CMS, is based on publicly reported data from more than 4,000 Medicare-certified hospitals and evaluates outcomes in five key areas: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective treatment. The rating includes both private-sector hospitals and facilities operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

“This continued national recognition is not only a reflection of the world-class care our teams deliver, but also proof that when Veterans come to the Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS, they’re receiving some of the best health care in the country,” said Scott Isaacks, Director and CEO of the Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS. “Earning this distinction is the result of consistent performance, accountability, and a mission-first approach to Veteran care.” 

The Charleston VA currently serves more than 100,000 Veterans across coastal South Carolina and Georgia, making it the fastest-growing VA medical center in the 1A complexity category and the sixth fastest-growing VA in the nation. That growth has led to strategic expansion efforts including a new clinic opening next month in Mount Pleasant, a recently announced facility for the Beaufort area, and a groundbreaking earlier this year for a clinic at Joint Base Charleston. 

“Our growth is rooted in trust,” Isaacks said. “Veterans are choosing us because they know they’ll receive high-quality, compassionate care, whether it’s their first visit or their hundredth. We take that responsibility seriously, and recognitions like this from CMS reaffirm that we are doing things the right way.” 

In addition to this year’s CMS 5-star designation, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System was the only VA facility nationwide named to the 2023 Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of Great Community Hospitals. The list recognizes hospitals that demonstrate exceptional clinical quality, patient satisfaction, and a strong connection to the communities they serve. 

The Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS was also named one of Becker’s Top 34 Most Innovative Health Programs in the nation, also the only VA facility to receive this honor. The recognition highlights the system’s investment in forward-leaning technologies, programs, and partnerships that are shaping the future of Veteran health care. 

One such example is the Ralph H. Johnson VA’s 3D Innovation Center, now in its fifth year. The program brings together biomedical engineers, occupational therapists, and surgeons to develop customized assistive devices and surgical models tailored to individual Veterans’ needs. Whether producing patient-specific surgical guides or creating adaptive tools for Veterans with advanced disabilities, the 3D Innovation Center has become a national resource for practical, hands-on solutions that improve care outcomes and quality of life. 

“We’ve built a culture of innovation with a purpose,” said Nicole Beitenman, Innovation Center Director. “Every design we produce is based on direct feedback from Veterans and clinicians. It’s not about building something flashy;  it’s about solving problems in real time for the people we serve.” 

The Charleston VA also operates one of VA’s top-performing research and development programs, including its nationally recognized Brain Health Center focused on advancing care for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and cognitive rehabilitation. 

“Our innovation doesn’t stop with research or technology,” Isaacks said. “It’s about creating real solutions that meet Veterans where they are, and making sure every Veteran who comes to us leaves with care that is not only high-quality, but deeply personal.” 

Hospital ratings and comparisons are publicly available through Medicare.gov’s Care Compare tool at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare. Additional updates and success stories from the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System are available at va.gov/charleston-health-care/stories.