OAKLAND, Calif. — Eight Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Northern California are rated “high performing,” according to U.S. News and World Reports’ 2014-15 Best Hospitals in America rankings.

The annual rankings, considered to provide an objective analysis of the nation’s medical centers, are derived from the evaluation of nearly 5,000 hospitals. Now in its 25th year, the report also analyzes and rates facilities in most states and in major metropolitan regions.

“This recognition of The Permanente Medical Group’s specialty care is directly attributable to the our dedicated physicians, nurses, clinicians and care teams who excel in proactive prevention of illness, early detection of disease, and extraordinary treatment of chronic conditions,” said Robert Pearl, MD, CEO.

KAISER PERMANENTE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S TOP RANKED HOSPITALS

Kaiser Permanente’s San Francisco Medical Center tied with Kaiser Permanente’s Downey Medical Center, in Southern California, for 20th place.

Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center was ranked third in the San Jose metropolitan area.

Hospitals in the U.S. News and World Report survey were ranked according to reputation, mortality, patient safety and other areas, including nurse staffing and technology. For more information and complete rankings, visit U.S. News and World Report.

The Best Hospitals recognition by U.S. News and World Report follows the spring 2014 release of the Hospital Safety Scorecard by the Leapfrog Group, in which nearly all Kaiser Permanente hospitals that were included in the survey received an A rating, the highest rating given, and none lower than B.