WAUSAU, Wis. – Three Aspirus hospitals have been recognized among the nation’s top performers for nurse communication, earning five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and inclusion on Becker’s Healthcare’s 2025 list of hospitals recognized for excellence in nurse communication.
The honored Aspirus facilities are:
• Aspirus Medford Hospital
• Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital
• Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff
Becker’s Healthcare compiled the list using CMS Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) data released May 15, 2025. The recognition highlights hospitals that received the highest possible five-star rating for nurse communication, based on patient responses to survey questions about how clearly nurses explained information, how carefully they listened, and whether they treated patients with courtesy and respect.
A total of 567 hospitals nationwide earned the distinction, including 44 hospitals in Wisconsin. Wisconsin's strong presence on the list underscores the high standard of care delivered by hospitals across the state and reflects a shared commitment to exceptional patient experiences.
“Nurses are often the caregivers that patients interact with most during their hospital stay, and their ability to communicate with compassion, clarity, and respect has a profound impact on the patient experience,” said Jennifer Loesch, Vice President of Patient Care & Chief Nursing Officer, Aspirus Health’s North Division. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our nursing teams who work every day to build trust and provide exceptional care for the patients and families we serve.”
The HCAHPS survey is the nation’s first standardized, publicly reported survey of patients’ perspectives of hospital care. CMS uses survey responses to generate star ratings across multiple categories, helping patients make informed decisions about their health care.
The nurse communication rating is based on patient feedback collected between July 2024 and June 2025. According to Becker’s Healthcare, 38 more hospitals nationwide received five-star ratings in this category compared with the previous year, underscoring a growing emphasis on patient-centered communication across the health care industry.
“Effective communication is fundamental to quality care,” said Jessica Faude, Vice President – Chief Nursing Officer, Aspirus Health’s Northwest Division. “When patients feel heard, informed, and respected, it strengthens their confidence in their care team and contributes to better outcomes. We are proud of our nurses for earning this recognition and for the meaningful connections they create with patients every day.”
The recognition of these three hospitals reflects Aspirus Health’s ongoing focus on patient experience, clinical excellence, and fostering strong relationships between caregivers and patients.