Ballad Health Home Health Care Services earn national recognition for advancing recovery and care at home

Ballad Health Home Health Care Services in Abingdon and Norton, Virginia, have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026-2027 Best Home Health ratings, placing both locations among the highest-performing home health agencies nationwide.

Based on a review of more than 12,000 Medicare-certified home health agencies across the country, U.S. News rated both Ballad Health locations as high performers for patient care, outcomes and patient experience. The recognition underscores Ballad Health's commitment to ensuring patients have access to high-quality care not only while in the hospital or clinical setting, but throughout their recovery journey after discharge.

“This recognition reflects the professionalism and focus of our home health nurses, therapists and support staff in Abingdon and Norton,” said Candice Greenlee, assistant vice president of Ballad Health Home Health and Hospice. “At Ballad Health, we recognize that healing doesn't end when a patient leaves the hospital. Home health services play a vital role in helping patients maintain access to expert care, avoid unnecessary readmissions and achieve the best possible outcomes in the comfort of their own homes.”

The ratings are U.S. News’ first ever in home health care and identified strong results in patient care and patient experience. The inaugural ratings highlight two key groups of providers that patients and their families should consider when navigating their care options, in consultation with their physicians: “high performing” and “as expected.” Ballad Health Home Health Care Services in Abingdon and Norton were both rated “high performing”.

As part of Ballad Health's integrated care network, home health services help patients transition from hospital to home, providing continued support after discharge. By extending care beyond traditional settings, Ballad Health helps patients recover safely, stay connected to their healthcare providers and maintain their independence at home.

According to U.S. News, high-performing home health agencies consistently exceed national benchmarks, beginning care on time for 99% of patients compared to 94% nationally. They also report stronger patient outcomes, with 93% of patients improving in mobility versus 83% nationwide, along with higher rates of progress in daily activities such as getting out of bed, bathing and medication management — critical markers of recovery and independence at home.

“For patients recovering from surgery or managing a chronic condition, the quality of care they receive at home can be the difference between a successful recovery and a costly rehospitalization,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Families often must make crucial post-acute care decisions during stressful times and on very short notice. These new ratings are intended to serve as a helpful starting point, offering a clear view of agencies that have demonstrated a track record of positive patient outcomes and satisfied consumers.”

This recognition follows other recent U.S. News distinctions for Ballad Health, including high-performance ratings in cardiac and pulmonary care and strong results across several medical and surgical specialties, including stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia.

Learn more about Ballad Health Home Health services.