UI Health Care leaders announced July 15 that for the 21st year in a row, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics appears on the list of the leading hospitals in the United States.

"The Best Hospitals in America" listing is compiled annually by U.S.News & World Report.

At UI Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center, 10 specialties are ranked overall.

Three of the honored specialties rank among the nation's top 10 in their respective categories:

• Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), 4th
• Ophthalmology and visual sciences (eyes), 6th
• Orthopaedics and rehabilitation, 9th

The other ranked specialties at UI Hospitals and Clinics include:

• Urology, 19th
• Neurology/neurosurgery, 21st
• Cancer, 22nd
• Pulmonology, 22nd
• Diabetes and endocrinology, 26th
• Gynecology, 33rd
• Kidney disorders, 36th

The 2010-11 health care rankings are accessible online, and the issue that includes the rankings will be on sale on newsstands July 27.

Jean Robillard, M.D., vice president for medical affairs with University of Iowa Health Care, said the rankings confirm the faculty and staff at UI Hospitals and Clinics provide patient care that rates among the best in the nation.

"The factor that really sets University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics apart is its strength in so many specialties across the board and how all of those specialists work together for the good of our patients," Robillard said. "That level of collaboration is unusual and provides unparalleled benefits to Iowans and all those we serve."

"I am impressed every day by the skill and compassion of our faculty and staff, and it's gratifying to see their fine work honored on the national level," said Kenneth Kates, associate vice president of UI Health Care and CEO of UI Hospitals and Clinics.

Robillard and Kates cautioned that no one should make decisions about their health care based solely upon such rankings. That decision should be made after considering an array of factors and in consultation with the patient's physician.

Ranking from the magazine

Jean Robillard, M.D., vice president for medical affairs with University of Iowa Health Care

Kenneth Kates, associate vice president of UI Health Care and CEO of UI Hospitals and Clinics