June 23, 2026
The Lown Institute has ranked Denver Health No. 1 in the nation for value of care. In Colorado, Denver Health is No. 1 for community benefit and racial inclusivity and in the top five for health equity, inclusivity, avoiding overuse and cost efficiency.
Denver Health earned A’s across all eight metrics in the 2026 Lown Institute Hospitals Index, which evaluates hospitals on:
- Social responsibility
- Value of care
- Health equity
- Community benefit
- Inclusivity
- Racial inclusivity
- Avoiding overuse
- Cost efficiency
A summary of the ranking is in this badge report.
“Being recognized by the Lown Institute as No. 1 for value of care both nationally and in Colorado reflects the purpose that drives our teams every day,” said Heidi Wald, MD, chief quality officer. “These rankings highlight the work happening across Denver Health to deliver high-quality care, advance equity and ensure every patient receives the right care at the right time. Earning top marks in value, community benefit and racial inclusivity reinforces our commitment to the people we serve and the trust they place in us.”
“The Lown Index takes a comprehensive look at who hospitals are — their outcomes, their value, their commitment to community,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “An ‘A’ in social responsibility means a hospital has met high standards across the board."
In the 2026-27 Lown Hospitals Index for value of care, Denver Health ranked first out of 2,699 hospital systems nationwide. The Lown Index examines how equitably care is delivered, how well hospitals invest in their communities and whether patients receive high-value care that avoids unnecessary procedures. More than 50 metrics contribute to a hospital’s overall score. These are independent rankings, and hospitals do not apply or pay to be listed. Full methodology is available on the Lown Index website.
The Lown Institute is an independent think tank advocating for a more just and caring health system. The Lown Hospitals Index is a signature project of the Institute.
