Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospitals, which include Ascension St. Joseph, Ascension Elmbrook, and Ascension Franklin have been awarded a 2026 5-Star Quality Rating from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest possible rating a hospital can earn under the federal program. For the April 2026 results, only 385 hospitals nationwide received a 5-star overall rating, representing 12 percent of the hospitals rated.
The CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating evaluates hospitals nationwide across several categories, including mortality, safety of care, readmissions, patient experience and timely, effective care. Hospitals that receive a 5-star rating are recognized for delivering consistently high-quality care and strong patient outcomes across multiple areas of performance.
“We are grateful for this recognition of the exceptional level of care and quality we deliver to our patients,” said Dr. Kevin Casey, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Wisconsin. “A 5-star rating from CMS reflects the dedication of our care teams and associates who consistently deliver compassionate, high-quality care.”
The CMS star ratings are designed to provide patients and families with a simple, transparent way to evaluate hospital quality. More information about the rating system is available at cms.gov.
The rating adds to a string of recent recognitions:
U.S. News & World Report: 2025-26 High Performing Hospitals
- Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s - Milwaukee Campus
- Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee Campus
- Ascension St. Joseph Hospital
- Ascension Franklin Hospital
- Ascension Elmbrook Hospital
- Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital
- Ascension Mercy Hospital
- Ascension All Saints Hospital
- Orthopaedic Hospital Of Wisconsin
- Midwest Orthopedic Specialty Hospital
Newsweek: 2026 America’s Best Maternity Hospitals
- Ascension St. Joseph Hospital
- Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital
Leapfrog: “A” Safety Grade Hospitals Spring 2026
- Ascension St. Joseph Hospital
- Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital
Forbes: 2026 5-Star Top Hospitals
- Ascension St. Joseph Hospital
- Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital
To learn more about Ascension Wisconsin click here.
