Tag: The Core Institute Specialty Hospital

The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital (CISH) Honored With Five-Star Ratings for Specialty Care from Healthgrades

Annebeth Ahrenholz

Eric Tomlon Eric.tomlon@hopco.com Healthgrades contact: Audrey Becker

The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital (CISH) Honored With Five-Star Ratings for Specialty Care from Healthgrades

  • Healthgrades recognizes CISH for exceptional performance in spinal fusion surgery
  • CISH earns national and statewide accolades for spinal fusion surgery
  • CISH receives top ratings for spinal fusion surgery for 12 years in a row 

[PHOENIX, AZ] – October 30, 2025 – The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital (CISH)announced today it has earned multiple five-star ratings from Healthgrades, the #1 site consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. CISH was rated five stars for 30 critical procedures and conditions, in spinal fusion surgery. These achievements reflect CISH’s commitment to consistently delivering the best care possible and place the organization in the upper echelon of hospitals for specialty care nationwide.

“At The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital, our mission has always been to deliver the highest level of specialty care possible for every patient we serve. Earning a five-star rating from Healthgrades reflects our team’s unwavering dedication to quality, safety, and innovation. From investing in advanced technology to continuously refining our clinical pathways, we’re committed to improving outcomes and helping our patients return to the active lives they love,” said Eric Tomlon, CEO at The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital.

CISH’s achievements are based solely on what matters most: patient outcomes. Each year, Healthgrades evaluates risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates for over 30 common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to identify the top hospitals in key specialty areas, including spinal fusion surgery. Through easy-to-understand, objective measures of hospital performance, Healthgrades empowers patients with the information they need to find a hospital that excels in their procedure or condition.

As performance gaps persist between the nation’s highest- and lowest-achieving facilities, seeking care at a top program has never been more important. Healthgrades’ 2026 analysis revealed that if all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to five-star hospitals during the 2022-2024 study period, on average, 230,466 lives could have been saved and 156,797 complications could have been avoided.*

“Healthgrades’ specialty awards identify the nation’s top-performing hospitals in key service areas, helping consumers find high quality care tailored to their specific needs,” said Alana Biggers, MD, MPH, medical advisor at Healthgrades. “We’re proud to recognize CISH for its consistently superior outcomes in key service areas, including spinal fusion surgery.”

Consumers can visit Healthgrades’ Specialty Excellence Patient Advocate Center to learn more about how Healthgrades identifies the top-performing hospitals for specialty care. 

*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2022 through 2024 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. Click here to view the complete 2026 Specialty Awards and Ratings Methodology.

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About The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital (CISH)   

Our unique approach to patient care allows our physicians and staff to become experts in the most advanced orthopedic surgical procedures to ensure patients receive the best results for their conditions.   

All we do is orthopedics. This singular focus means our physicians are among the best in Arizona, and with nurse-patient ratios lower than most hospitals, our staff can be more attentive and responsive to your needs.  We are continually updating our technology to provide patients with the most advanced surgical techniques to address their orthopedic conditions and improve their quality of life.   

The hospital is owned and managed by Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo), a physician-managed company focused on transforming the patient care experience and improving the practice of medicine. HOPCo uniquely manages orthopedic practices and hospital service lines across the country to enhance the experience for patients and physicians.  Through management of the entire continuum of care, patients receive the right evidence-based care at the right time and in the right place. For more information, visit thecoreinstitutehospital.com.   

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)  
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the global leader of integrated musculoskeletal value-based health outcomes management, digital analytics, practice management, and health system service line management. This includes comprehensive expertise across all MSK specialties, including orthopedics, spine, pain management, rehabilitation, neurosurgery, and neurology. HOPCo’s integrated care, analytics, and facilities development platforms have proven to increase the quality of patient care while reliably reducing the total cost of MSK care across the care continuum for practices, health systems and payors alike. HOPCo’s affiliated payors, practices and health systems successfully participate in highly efficient value-based contracting (bundled payments, population health programs, and other advanced risk-based arrangements) utilizing HOPCo’s proprietary platforms, IT solutions, digital patient-physician engagement tools, integrated analytics, advanced medical economics and standardized care pathways. Visit www.hopco.com to learn more.  

About Healthgrades

Healthgrades is dedicated to empowering meaningful connections between patients, doctors, and hospitals. As the #1 platform for finding a doctor and a leader in healthcare transparency, we help millions of consumers each month find and schedule appointments with their healthcare professional of choice and prepare for their appointments with best-in-class, treatment-focused content.

For over 20 years, our health system, group practice, and life sciences marketing solutions have helped our partners reach and engage consumers on their way to the doctor.

Healthgrades is part of RVO Health, a partnership between Red Ventures and Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group. RVO Health has the largest consumer health and wellness audience online across its brand portfolio, including Healthgrades, Healthline, Medical News Today, Greatist, Psych Central and Bezzy, which touch every part of the health and wellness journey. RVO Health helps more than 100 million unique visitors live their strongest and healthiest lives each month.

Media Contact:  
Annebeth Ahrenholz  
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)
Communications Specialist
annebeth.ahrenholz@hopco.com  

Former executive chef brings culinary experience to serve meals at The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital 

Annebeth Ahrenholz

Phoenix, AZ (June 3, 2025) – When you think of gourmet meals, a hospital might not be the first place that comes to mind. But for Steve Anderson, head chef at The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital (CISH) in downtown Phoenix, delivering delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals with a touch of fine dining is part of his everyday mission. Anderson brings his culinary experience from a restaurant known for its upscale and sophisticated dining, serving meals that are more than $100 per person – Morton’s The Steakhouse.  

A move to Phoenix in the late 1990’s led Anderson to land a coveted position at the Scottsdale restaurant in a short amount of time, from line cook to executive chef, overseeing a $5 million operation. People and the media began to take notice of Anderson as he was featured in publications including Phoenix New Times. But after 14 years with the restaurant, shifting ownership and the demands of a young family, Anderson was prompted to seek a new chapter in his life. So, he chose to work at CISH. 

“I needed a change,” Anderson recalls. “My daughter was still a baby and the long hours weren’t sustainable anymore. I saw a job posting at the hospital and thought, ‘Why not try something different?’” 

Originally from the heart of West Texas—Midland, Odessa, and Lubbock—Anderson’s journey into the culinary world began at home, inspired by his mother and rooted in the flavors of his Southern upbringing. As the youngest of seven children, Anderson learned the value of home-cooked meals early on while helping prepare food for his large family. Many of his dishes today evolved from versions of the recipes he grew up with. 

His first taste of professional cooking came at just 14, in a small, family-owned restaurant. It was a humble beginning, but it sparked a passion that evolved and grew stronger. While attending Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Steve worked as a lead line cook at a local Tex-Mex restaurant and eventually helped open additional locations throughout the region before he landed his coveted position at Morton’s. 

Using his sophisticated culinary background, Anderson has been able to transform the hospital dining experience at CISH. With the support of his sous chef, Ismael, Anderson leads the creation of menus that evolve with culinary trends, seasonal ingredients, and occasionally—even the team’s lunchtime cravings. The kitchen offers daily specials and house-made soups, keeping meals fresh and exciting for the hospital’s doctors, nurses and staff. 

“The most rewarding part of this role is the creativity,” Anderson says. “I have the freedom to experiment, to update the menu when something isn’t working and to try new ideas. It’s all about making people happy with good food.” 

Anderson’s culinary style is deeply Southern with a strong French influence, a nod to the blend of cultures that shape both cuisines. His philosophy is simple: serve the freshest food possible and make people smile. 

Looking ahead, Anderson draws inspiration from travel. With upcoming trips to Southern California, New Mexico and Canada, he’s always thinking about how new experiences can spark fresh ideas for the CISH menu. 

Reflecting on his journey, Anderson shares, “I’ve found that surrounding yourself with hardworking, like-minded people makes a huge difference. We’ve built a great team here at the hospital—not just in the kitchen but throughout the entire building. That’s what makes it all worth it.”  

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About The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital   

Our unique approach to patient care allows our physicians and staff to become experts in the most advanced orthopedic surgical procedures to ensure patients receive the best results for their conditions.   

All we do is orthopedics. This singular focus means our physicians are among the best in Arizona, and with nurse-patient ratios lower than most hospitals, our staff can be more attentive and responsive to your needs.  We are continually updating our technology to provide patients with the most advanced surgical techniques to address their orthopedic conditions and improve their quality of life.   

The hospital is owned and managed by Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo), a physician-managed company focused on transforming the patient care experience and improving the practice of medicine. HOPCo uniquely manages orthopedic practices and hospital service lines across the country to enhance the experience for patients and physicians.  Through management of the entire continuum of care, patients receive the right evidence-based care at the right time and in the right place. For more information, visit thecoreinstitutehospital.com.   

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)  
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the global leader of integrated musculoskeletal value-based health outcomes management, digital analytics, practice management, and health system service line management. This includes comprehensive expertise across all MSK specialties, including orthopedics, spine, pain management, rehabilitation, neurosurgery, and neurology. HOPCo’s integrated care, analytics, and facilities development platforms have proven to increase the quality of patient care while reliably reducing the total cost of MSK care across the care continuum for practices, health systems and payors alike. HOPCo’s affiliated payors, practices and health systems successfully participate in highly efficient value-based contracting (bundled payments, population health programs, and other advanced risk-based arrangements) utilizing HOPCo’s proprietary platforms, IT solutions, digital patient-physician engagement tools, integrated analytics, advanced medical economics and standardized care pathways. Visit www.hopco.com to learn more. 

  

Contact:  
Annebeth Ahrenholz  
Communications Specialist  
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)  
Annebeth.ahrenholz@hopco.com  

The Core Institute Specialty Hospital named one of America’s top hospitals by Women’s Choice Award®

Annebeth Ahrenholz

The Core Institute Specialty Hospital ranked among nation’s top 2% for women’s care

PHOENIX (March 13, 2025) – The Core Institute Specialty Hospital (CISH) has been recognized on the list of America’s Best Hospitals by the Women’s Choice Award®, joining an elite group of 300 hospitals and and healthcare facilities across the country. This distinction places CISH in the top 2% nationwide for its dedication to providing high-quality care, patient satisfaction and exceptional services for women and families. 

Studies suggest that women in the United States make approximately 80% of healthcare decisions for their families and often act as the main decision-makers when it comes to seeking medical care for themselves, their children, spouses and aging parents. This influence extends across many aspects of healthcare, including choosing healthcare providers, selecting treatment options and managing long-term care. 

“We are deeply honored to receive the Women’s Choice Award, which reflects the outstanding care and service our team delivers to every patient,” said Eric Tomlon, CEO of The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital. “This recognition reinforces our continued commitment to making orthopedic care accessible and ensuring excellence in all that we do.” 

The Women’s Choice Award® identifies the best hospitals, imaging centers and extended care facilities based on evidence-driven criteria. Through their rigorous evaluation process, the award helps women make informed healthcare decisions by identifying top-rated facilities across the country. 

The methodology behind the Women’s Choice Award is objective and uses publicly available data from sources such as The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) patient satisfaction survey and the American Hospital Directory. Hospitals are evaluated based on clinical success, patient safety, patient satisfaction and relevant accreditation information.

About The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital

The hospital is owned and managed by Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo), a physician-managed company focused on transforming the patient care experience and improving the practice of medicine. HOPCo uniquely manages orthopedic practices and hospital service lines across the country to enhance the experience for patients and physicians.  Through management of the entire continuum of care, patients receive the right evidence-based care at the right time and in the right place. For more information, visit thecoreinstitutehospital.com.   

Our unique approach to patient care allows our physicians and staff to become experts in the most advanced orthopedic surgical procedures to ensure patients receive the best results for their conditions.   

All we do is orthopedics. This singular focus means our physicians are among the best in Arizona, and with nurse-patient ratios lower than most hospitals, our staff can be more attentive and responsive to your needs.  We are continually updating our technology to provide patients with the most advanced surgical techniques to address their orthopedic conditions and improve their quality of life.   

The hospital is owned and managed by Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo), a physician-managed company focused on transforming the patient care experience and improving the practice of medicine. HOPCo uniquely manages orthopedic practices and hospital service lines across the country to enhance the experience for patients and physicians.  Through management of the entire continuum of care, patients receive the right evidence-based care at the right time and in the right place. For more information, visit thecoreinstitutehospital.com.   

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) 

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the global leader of integrated musculoskeletal value-based health outcomes management, digital analytics, practice management, and health system service line management. This includes comprehensive expertise across all MSK specialties, including orthopedics, spine, pain management, rehabilitation, neurosurgery, and neurology. HOPCo’s integrated care, analytics, and facilities development platforms have proven to increase the quality of patient care while reliably reducing the total cost of MSK care across the care continuum for practices, health systems and payors alike. HOPCo’s affiliated payors, practices and health systems successfully participate in highly efficient value-based contracting (bundled payments, population health programs, and other advanced risk-based arrangements) utilizing HOPCo’s proprietary platforms, IT solutions, digital patient-physician engagement tools, integrated analytics, advanced medical economics and standardized care pathways. Visit www.hopco.com to learn more.  

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