Lown Institute ranks Denver Health among best in the nation in social responsibility, equity, value and outcomes
July 18, 2023
DENVER — The Lown Institute is recognizing Denver Health as one of the most socially responsible hospitals in America, giving the hospital system A grades in Health Equity, Value of Care and Outcomes on the 2023-24 Lown Institute Hospitals Index. Lown evaluated more than 3,600 hospitals, and Denver Health is among only 54 hospitals nationwide to earn Honor Roll status with A grades in all top categories. These are independent rankings, and hospitals do not apply or pay to be listed.
This is the third year in a row that Denver Health has ranked in the Lown Index Honor Roll.
According to the Index, Denver Health performed high in the following areas:
- Social Responsibility Grade: A
- Top 10 in the Nation for Social Responsibility
- Health Equity Grade: A
- Value of Care Grade: A
- Patient Outcomes Grade: A
- Clinical Outcomes Grade: A
- Community Benefit Grade: A
- Inclusivity Grade: A
- Avoiding Overuse Grade: A
- Cost Efficiency Grade: A
- Racial Inclusivity Grade: A
- Top 5 in Colorado for Social Responsibility
- Top 5 in Colorado for Health Equity
- Top 5 in Colorado for Community Benefit
- No. 1 in Colorado for Inclusivity
- No. 1 in Colorado for Racial Inclusivity
“Inclusion on the Lown Index Honor Roll is a testament to the dedication of the more than 8,100 employees of Denver Health,” said Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne, DrPH. “Our health care professionals are driven by our mission to provide great clinical care and access, educate the next generation of health care professionals and engage in community partnerships and research to improve and strengthen the care we provide and the community in which we live.”
“Few hospitals are able to deliver high-quality, high-value care while prioritizing equity at the same time,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “That’s why it’s so important to hold up the hospitals on our Honor Roll as examples for others to follow.”
The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to include metrics of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes, creating a holistic view of hospitals as total community partners. In the fourth annual and largest set of rankings to date, the 2023-24 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on 50-plus measures, including novel metrics such as community benefit, racial inclusivity and avoidance of overuse. Data sources include Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage claims, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services patient safety data and hospital cost reports, and IRS 990 forms, among others. Full methodology can be found on the Lown Index website.
The Lown Institute is a nonpartisan think tank that generates bold ideas for a radically better system of health.
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About Denver Health
Denver Health is a comprehensive health and hospital system that provides high-quality care for all Denver residents, regardless of their ability to pay. We deliver medical care to one-quarterof Denver’s population, proudly serving as the city’s safety-net hospital and providing preventive, primary and acute care services. For more than 160 years, Denver Health has been deeply rooted in the health and well-being of the community, providing high-quality clinical care, top-notch education and training for health care workers, and furthering critical research to benefit our patients. We are guided by our mission to serve our community with excellence, compassion and stewardship as we work to ensure all people have access to the care and programs they need to be happy, healthy and successful.