National rankings recognize Sutter rehabilitation teams helping patients regain strength, independence and confidence after illness, injury or surgery.
Recovery can mean learning to walk again, returning home safely or getting back to the people and activities that make life meaningful.
California Pacific Regional Rehabilitation Center at Sutter’s CPMC, Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Regional Acute Rehabilitation Center and the Rehabilitation Institute at Sutter Roseville Medical Center were recognized among leading programs in recent rankings from Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report. The honors reflect strong outcomes, specialized expertise and a shared commitment to helping patients return to what matters most.
Recognition Grounded in Quality
Newsweek’s 2026 America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers ranking evaluated 330 inpatient rehabilitation facilities nationwide. Its methodology considered quality data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, recommendations from expert surveys, accreditations and patient experience measures.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals rehabilitation rankings focused on risk-adjusted clinical outcomes and expanded recognition across national, state and metro categories.
Sutter’s CPMC Ranks No.1 in California for Rehabilitation
CPMC’s Regional Rehabilitation Center at Davies Campus has been ranked No. 1 in California by Newsweek for three consecutive years. The program also earned national recognition for its rehabilitation care by U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027, ranking No. 2 in the San Francisco Metro Area.
CPMC provides specialized care for patients recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, cancer, transplantation and other medically complex conditions. It achieved patient satisfaction scores in the high 90th percentile and reported 23% year-over-year growth while maintaining quality outcomes that exceed national benchmarks.
“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it represents more than a ranking. It reflects the lives changed every day by our caregivers, therapists, physicians and support teams,” said Mira El-Katcha, manager, acute rehabilitation at CPMC. “Through their expertise, compassion and collaboration, they help patients regain strength, confidence and independence during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.”
Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Expands Specialized Care
Alta Bates Summit Regional Acute Rehabilitation Center was recognized among the top 50 rehabilitation programs nationally and as No. 1 in the San Francisco Metro Area by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-2027.
The recognition comes as the team continues to expand its reach and expertise. The program increased capacity by nearly 30%, introduced a physical medicine and rehabilitation elective rotation for physician trainees, and opened an outpatient clinic to provide follow-up rehabilitation care after discharge.
The center also maintains specialized accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities in stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and cancer rehabilitation.
As the program continues to integrate with Sutter’s Advanced Neurosciences Service Line, leaders say it is well-positioned to serve more people living with disabilities and help improve their function and quality of life.
“This recognition reflects our commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care and recovery,” said Dr. Allison Capizzi, medical director of rehabilitation services at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. “A culture of continuous learning, supported by mentorship, case presentations, education, quality improvement and knowledge-sharing, strengthens our team and enhances patient care.”
Sutter Roseville Supports Every Stage of Recovery
Ranked ninth in California by Newsweek and having earned a Rehabilitation Silver Specialty Badge from U.S. News & World Report, more than 180 rehabilitation team members support patients across inpatient services, outpatient therapy, Sutter Rehabilitation Institute, wound care and specialty programs.
Over the past year, Sutter Rehabilitation Institute continued to outperform regional and national benchmarks for functional outcomes and discharge-to-community rates. Its inpatient team also expanded specialized support in cardiopulmonary and critical care, NICU, medical/surgical, neurological and vestibular rehabilitation.
Outpatient services are growing, too. The multidisciplinary Spasticity Clinic brings together specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation, plastic surgery, physical therapy and occupational therapy for patients recovering from neurological injury or disease. The clinic has grown by 22% over the past year and helped connect patients with advanced treatment options, including successful limb surgeries.
“These efforts, along with standardized mobility practices, interdisciplinary rounds, patient and family engagement, and coordinated discharge planning, have helped more patients regain independence and return safely to their homes and communities,” Diane Kraker, senior director of operations, Sutter Rehabilitation Institute.
Awards and rankings may recognize the programs, but the real story is what happens after patients leave the hospital: returning home safely, regaining independence and getting back to the lives and activities that matter most.
Learn more about Sutter’s physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
