SARASOTA, Fla. (Aug. 6, 2025) – Sarasota Memorial Hospital received the federal government’s highest quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today, setting a 10-year benchmark for 5-star care in Florida and the nation.
Of more than 4,000 U.S. hospitals evaluated each year, SMH-Sarasota is the only hospital in Florida – and among less than 20 nationwide – to receive a 5-star rating every year since CMS began the overall hospital quality star ratings in 2016.
It is the only hospital in the Tampa Bay region to earn 5 stars this year.
David Verinder, CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, recognized its more than 2,500 physicians and nearly 11,000 staff members for their diligence and dedication this past decade, and throughout the hospital’s 100-year history.
“As SMH marks a century of service, we want to recognize the dedicated physicians, nurses and staff who have been providing outstanding care to our community since 1925,” Verinder said. “The exceptional care they deliver year after year, and through the decades, demonstrates our deep roots and long-term investment in the health and well-being of our community.”
The overall hospital quality star ratings summarize a variety of measures across five areas of quality into a single star rating for each hospital. The five categories focus on mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience, and timely and effective care.
SMH-Venice, which opened in late 2021, received a 4-star rating. It is the second year SMH’s newest hospital has been eligible for review. For more information about the 2025 CMS Star Ratings, visit medicare.gov/care-compare.
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 2 million patient visits a year across its network of care. Sarasota County’s largest employer, the community-owned health system includes two full-service hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, freestanding ERs in North Port and Lakewood Ranch, a rehabilitation hospital, behavioral health hospital, skilled nursing facility and comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and physician practices. Founded in 1925, SMH is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2025 and encouraging community members to visit smh.com/100 throughout the year for centennial events and updates.