Hospital Quality in Kentucky
Real CMS Hospital Care Compare star ratings for Kentucky, April 2026, across 67 rated hospitals β plus the Gera US Hospital Quality Index.
How good are the hospitals in Kentucky, and how do they compare to the US average?
As of April 2026, 23.9% of the 67 CMS star-rated hospitals in Kentucky hold 4 or 5 stars (mean 2.76 stars), against 41.9% nationally. Its Gera US Hospital Quality Index is 43.8/100 (US 55.1), ranking 45 of 49 states, per CMS Hospital Care Compare.
| Star rating | Hospitals | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 5 stars | 5 | 7.5% |
| 4 stars | 11 | 16.4% |
| 3 stars | 22 | 32.8% |
| 2 stars | 21 | 31.3% |
| 1 star | 8 | 11.9% |
| Total rated | 67 | 100% |
| Measure | Kentucky | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Gera US Hospital Quality Index | 43.8 / 100 | 55.1 / 100 |
| Mean CMS star rating | 2.76 | 3.21 |
| 4 or 5 stars | 23.9% | 41.9% |
| Rated hospitals | 67 | 3,182 |
5-star hospitals in Kentucky
Examples shown are CMS 5-star acute care hospitals in Kentucky; this is not an exhaustive list and not a Gera endorsement.
Compare another state
See any state's real CMS star-rating breakdown, the Gera US Hospital Quality Index, how it compares to the US average, and 5-star hospital examples.
In Kentucky, of 67 CMS star-rated hospitals, 23.9% hold 4 or 5 stars (as of April 2026). It ranks 45 of 49 states on the Gera US Hospital Quality Index.
5-star hospital examples in Kentucky
- St Elizabeth Ft Thomas β Fort Thomas, KY
- Spring View Hospital β Lebanon, KY
Ratings are CMSβs own official star ratings, not Gera ratings. The distribution covers CMS star-rated hospitals only; hospitals without a published overall star rating are excluded. A rating can be several months old β always check the latest detail on CMS Hospital Care Compare before deciding.
Navigating hospital care in Kentucky? A GeraClinic care navigator can help you read CMS star ratings, compare hospitals, and prepare for your appointment β with a clinician available online.
Talk to a GeraClinic care navigatorFrequently asked questions
- How many hospitals in Kentucky are rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS?
- As of April 2026, 23.9% of the 67 CMS star-rated hospitals in Kentucky hold 4 or 5 stars (5 5-star, 11 4-star, 22 3-star, 21 2-star, 8 1-star). The mean rating is 2.76 stars and the Gera US Hospital Quality Index for Kentucky is 43.8 out of 100. Source: CMS Hospital Care Compare.
- How does Kentucky compare to the US average for hospital quality?
- Kentucky scores 43.8 on the Gera US Hospital Quality Index, against the national figure of 55.1. Its mean CMS star rating is 2.76 versus the US mean of 3.21, and 23.9% of its rated hospitals are 4 or 5-star, compared with 41.9% nationally. Kentucky ranks 45 of 49 rated states. All figures are CMSβs own star ratings.
- Where can I check the CMS rating of a specific hospital in Kentucky?
- Every Medicare-registered hospital has its own page on the CMS Hospital Care Compare website showing its overall star rating and its mortality, safety, readmission, patient experience and timely-care results. Search by hospital name or ZIP code at medicare.gov/care-compare, or use the interactive finder on this page to see how Kentucky compares before you choose.
Navigating hospital care in Kentucky?
A GeraClinic care navigator can help you interpret CMS star ratings, compare hospitals, and prepare for your appointment β with a clinician available online.
Contains public sector information published by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and licensed under the U.S. Public Domain (federal government work). Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services β Hospital Care Compare (Hospital General Information) (April 2026, published 28 April 2026).