FLORENCE, Alabama – North Alabama Medical Center (NAMC) has been named among U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition as a high-performing hospital for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treatment. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

U.S. News’ annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

“We are honored to be recognized among the highest performing hospitals for COPD treatment,” said Mike Howard, CEO and Market President of North Alabama Medical Center. “National recognition such as this is made possible by the caliber of the medical staff, nurses, clinical staff and colleagues who lead in delivering best in class care that is always patient-centered.”

U.S. News evaluated more than 4,400 hospitals across 15 adult specialties and 22 procedures and conditions; only one third of them earned an award. To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from over 800 million records of patient care.

“For more than three decades, U.S. News has been an invaluable guide for patients,” said Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder at U.S. News. “Hospitals designated as ‘High Performing’ by U.S. News demonstrate a consistent ability to provide excellent care for particular medical procedures and conditions, showcasing their specialized expertise as well as dedication to exceptional patient outcomes.”