MUSC scores high in annual ratings

The Medical University of South Carolina ranks in the top 50 best hospitals in the nation in six categories, according U.S. News & World Report's annual list.

The hospital's rheumatology department finished 16th, digestive disorders 20th, kidney 35th, ears, nose and throat 35th, gynecology 43rd and respiratory 49th.

The magazine considered 4,861 hospitals. Fewer than 0.4 percent were ranked in even one of 16 specialties.

"The selection of six different specialty areas is a great tribute not only to these particular physicians, but to the growing national reputation of the Medical University," MUSC President Ray Greenberg said in a statement Thursday.

"South Carolinians can be assured that the care that they receive here ranks among the best anywhere."

"America's Best Hospitals" is in the magazine's July 16 issue, which will be on newsstands Tuesday, and is on the Web now at www.usnews.com.

Roper Hospital also will appear in the magazine, the hospital announced Thursday. The American Heart Association will place an advertisement listing hospitals that won awards in stroke treatment from the American Stroke Association.

Roper won the Silver and Bronze Achievement Awards in the association's Get With The Guidelines program.

"With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the Get With the Guidelines Achievement Awards address the important element of time," said Kelly Pabst, a clinical nurse specialist in oncology and leader of Roper Hospital's Stroke Center accreditation.

East Cooper Medical Center also is recognized in the magazine for its heart disease and stroke care.

"Get With The Guidelines gives our professionals the tools and reports they need to effectively treat our heart failure and stroke patients," said East Cooper Regional Medical Center CEO Janie Sinacore-Jaberg.