Sanford Bismarck named top hospital by Forbes
January 23, 2026
Contact:
Chelsey Kralicek
Sanford Health Media Relations
701-516-4903 / Chelsey.Kralicek@SanfordHealth.org
Sanford Bismarck is one of only 259 hospitals in the country to receive a 5‑star overall rating
BISMARCK, N.D. — Sanford Bismarck Medical Center was recently recognized as a 5-star facility on the inaugural Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list.
The Forbes Top Hospitals rating system gives insight into the nation’s general acute care hospitals, providing clear, comparable information about where to find exceptional care across the United States. Out of approximately 5,400 eligible hospitals nationwide, only 259 received a 5-star rating, placing Sanford Bismarck among the top-performing hospitals in the country. Sanford Bismarck and Sanford Fargo are the only hospitals in North Dakota to receive 5-star overall ratings.
The Forbes Top Hospitals rating system evaluates clinical patient outcomes, hospital best practices, value-based metrics and patient experience data. Results were statistically adjusted for socioeconomic factors and access to medical services which helps ensure a fair comparison between hospitals serving different communities.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional care for every patient who walks through our doors,” said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president and CEO, Sanford Bismarck. “We are honored to be among the nation’s top hospitals and proud of our clinical teams, whose dedication and expertise make achievements like this possible.”
Sanford Bismarck Medical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission, a four-time Magnet-designated health system, and recognized with top honors including U.S. News & World Report’s Top Heart Center, Newsweek’s Best-in-State Hospital, CMS 4-star rating, and Best Employer.
A full list of the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list can be found here.
The Sanford Health Bismarck Region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 26 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
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