Memorial Hospital has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of Illinois’ top hospitals for physician communication, earning a prestigious five-star rating based on patient experience data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The recognition places Memorial Hospital among just five hospitals in Illinois to receive the highest possible rating for physician communication. The five-star designation reflects patients’ experiences and is based on responses to the nationally standardized Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.
The physician communication star rating combines patient feedback on three key aspects of their care experience: whether physicians explained things in a way patients could understand, listened carefully, and treated patients with courtesy and respect.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of the compassion, professionalism, and dedication our physicians demonstrate every day,” said Dr. Victoria Popela, Chief Medical Officer. “Clear communication builds trust, empowers patients to make informed decisions, and is essential to delivering exceptional care. We are incredibly proud of our providers for consistently putting patients first.”
The rating is based on survey responses from patients who received inpatient care between July 2024 and June 2025. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, only 208 hospitals nationwide earned a five-star physician communication rating this year, down from 394 hospitals in 2023, making this recognition even more meaningful.
Memorial Hospital encourages all patients to complete the HCAHPS survey if they receive one following a hospital stay. Patient feedback plays a vital role in recognizing areas of excellence while also identifying opportunities to enhance the care experience for future patients. Every completed survey helps ensure the hospital continues to provide the highest quality, patient-centered care to the communities it serves.
