BMC among best in nation for outstanding social responsibility and longstanding commitment to serving all patients and communities, including low-income and communities of color
In recognition for its achievements and efforts in health equity and clinical excellence, Boston Medical Center has been awarded top grades by the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan healthcare think tank. BMC ranked #1 in the nation for Racial Inclusivity (serving people of color in its community), #3 in the nation for Inclusivity (serving low-income patients and communities of color), and #1 in Massachusetts for Racial Inclusivity, Inclusivity, and Fair Share Spending (providing more community investment and financial assistance than received in tax exemptions).
BMC has a long history of providing exceptional care to all who come through our doors. As part of our commitment to making a healthier Boston, the hospital has developed innovative programs in areas like economic mobility and food insecurity that have been replicated across the country. The hospital’s outreach extends beyond our walls to the neighborhoods we serve, from curbside postpartum care to community vaccination clinics, while involving patients and community leaders in our effort to understand and solve the nation’s most pressing healthcare disparities through BMC’s Health Equity Accelerator.
Boston Medical Center also received “A” grades from the Lown Institute for Health Equity, Racial Inclusivity, Inclusivity, Community Benefit, Value of Care, Patient Safety, Avoiding Overuse, and Social Responsibility.
“Boston Medical Center is honored to be recognized for our longstanding commitment to health equity and clinical excellence, which is ingrained in the work we do every day,” said Alastair Bell, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Boston Medical Center Health System. “Our health system is reshaping how healthcare is delivered, including deeply engaging the neighborhoods we serve through programs to boost economic mobility and alleviate food and housing insecurity, so all our patients and communities can thrive.”
“With low-income communities and communities of color facing an epidemic of chronic health conditions, it’s essential that hospitals are there to help those most in need,” said Lown Institute President Vikas Saini, MD. “When communities have access to socially responsible healthcare, our nation grows stronger, and hospitals like those at the top of our Index are leading the way.”
In the fourth annual and largest set of rankings to date, the 2023-24 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on more than 50 measures, including novel metrics such as community benefit, racial inclusivity, and avoidance of overuse, for more than 3,600 hospitals nationwide. Data sources include Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage claims, CMS patient safety data and hospital cost reports, and IRS 990 forms, among others. Top grades on the Index represent independent, data-backed recognition of success in these areas, and hospitals do not apply or pay to be listed. Full methodology can be found on the Lown Index website.
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About Boston Medical Center
Boston Medical Center models a new kind of excellence in healthcare, where innovative and equitable care empowers all patients to thrive. We combine world-class clinicians, cutting-edge treatments, and advanced technology with compassionate, quality care, that extends beyond our walls. As an award-winning health equity leader, our diverse clinicians and staff interrogate racial disparities in care and partner with our community to dismantle systemic inequities. And as a national leader in research and the teaching affiliate for Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, we’re driving the future of care.