Haywood Regional Medical Center Named One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery by Healthgrades

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) has been recognized by Healthgrades as a recipient of the 2026 America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery Award™, reflecting strong clinical outcomes for patients undergoing back, neck, and spine procedures.

Healthgrades is a nationally recognized resource that evaluates hospital performance using objective clinical data, including outcomes, patient safety indicators, and patient experience measures. Hospitals earning Specialty Excellence Awards demonstrate consistently better outcomes in specific areas of care when compared to hospitals that did not receive the designation.

“This recognition speaks to the consistency and coordination of care our patients receive,” said Sue Shugart, FACHE, CPPS, chief executive officer of HRMC. “It reflects the expertise of our spine providers and the collaboration across surgery, nursing, rehabilitation, and support teams who care for patients from diagnosis through recovery.”

Spine care at HRMC is delivered in collaboration with Mountain Spine Care, where patients are treated by William Miller, MD; Brian Haycook, MD; Aaron Giese, PA; and Andy Steele, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC. With locations in Clyde and Sylva, the practice helps ensure access to specialty spine care for patients across the region.

The America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery Award™ recognizes hospitals that demonstrate strong performance in spine procedures, including spinal fusion and other back and neck surgeries, based on measures of quality, safety, and patient outcomes.

“For patients, what matters most is receiving safe, effective care that helps them move better and live with less pain,” said William Miller, MD. “This recognition reflects the teamwork, preparation, and attention to detail that go into every spine case, from the first consultation through recovery.”

At HRMC, spine care is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Services include thorough evaluation, surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, coordinated perioperative care, and rehabilitation focused on recovery, mobility, and pain management. The hospital’s multidisciplinary approach supports continuity of care and helps patients return to daily activities safely and confidently.