Piedmont Heart recognized as best in Southeast for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery

Atlanta, Ga. (August 13, 2026) – Piedmont Heart Institute at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital has been named the best program in the Southeastern United States for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery in 2026-2027 rankings by U.S. News and World Report. PHI also ranked in the top 20 nationwide for the first time.

“Placing among the nation’s top 20 heart programs – and earning the top spot in the Southeast – is a testament to the exceptional physicians, nurses and clinical teams whose expertise and compassion impact patients every day,” said Patrick M. Battey, M.D., chief executive officer of Piedmont Atlanta and a Piedmont Heart physician. “We are proud that patients across Georgia and the Southeast continue to trust Piedmont Heart for some of the most advanced cardiovascular care available.”

Piedmont Heart received “high performing” status in all eight rated heart procedures and conditions:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
• Aortic valve surgery
• Heart attack
• Heart bypass surgery
• Heart failure
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
• Heart arrythmia
• Pacemaker implantation

“This honor is a testament to the extraordinary work of our Piedmont Heart team and their dedication to clinical excellence,” said David Kandzari, MD, head of Piedmont Heart Institute and Piedmont’s Cardiovascular Service Line. “Together, we have made Piedmont Heart the region’s premier destination for cardiovascular care while helping bring advanced heart services to more patients than ever before. Patients who get their heart care at Piedmont Atlanta can rest assured that they will receive the highest-quality, most comprehensive heart and vascular care of any facility in the Southeast.”

U.S. News and World Report also rated Piedmont Atlanta as “high performing” for gastroenterology/GI surgery, geriatrics as well as neurology/neurosurgery; high-performing hospitals in a specialty are among the top 10% nationally for care in that area.

More than 4,500 hospitals were evaluated to determine the Best Hospitals for 2026-2027. The publication uses a variety of measures to determine its rankings, such as patient outcomes, nurse staffing, services and more. The annual Best Hospitals list is designed to help patients and providers identify hospitals that are superior in the kind of care they may need.