Frye Regional rated among top hospitals for pacemaker care for second year

Area residents seeking specialized cardiac treatment have access to nationally recognized care close to home, as Frye Regional Medical Center has been rated “High Performing” for pacemaker implantation for the second consecutive year.

The distinction, published in the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals edition, is the highest rating awarded in the publication’s Procedures & Conditions evaluation. Fewer than half of the nearly 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide earned a High Performing designation in any category.

Located in Hickory, Frye Regional frequently serves patients from Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and surrounding Western North Carolina communities who require advanced cardiovascular treatment without traveling to larger medical centers in Charlotte or Winston-Salem.

“Earning this recognition for the second consecutive year reflects the expertise and dedication of our electrophysiology team and cardiovascular specialists,” said Ankur Tiwari, MD, electrophysiologist at Frye Regional Medical Center. “For patients experiencing heart rhythm disorders, access to advanced treatment close to home can make a meaningful difference. This recognition reinforces our commitment to providing evidence-based care, utilizing advanced technologies, and helping patients achieve better heart health and quality of life.”

The hospital, a Duke LifePoint facility and Duke Health affiliate in Heart, offers specialized services that include electrophysiology studies, heart rhythm disorder treatments, structural heart and valve therapies, and heart failure management.

“This national recognition reflects the exceptional care our physicians, nurses, and cardiovascular teams deliver every day,” said Lindy White, MBA, FABC, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “Being recognized for the second consecutive year demonstrates our continued focus on quality, clinical excellence, and positive patient outcomes. We are honored to provide patients throughout our region with access to specialized heart rhythm care without having to travel far from home.”

U.S. News evaluated medical centers across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions. The annual ratings are based on objective measures, including risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications, and patient experience data compiled from more than 800 million patient records.

“When patients face a major surgery or a chronic medical condition, having access to clear, quality data is vital,” said U.S. News’ Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder. “A ‘High Performing’ rating means that Frye Regional outperformed a national threshold, giving families a reliable starting point as they consult with their doctors to choose the best place for care.”

More information on local cardiovascular services or scheduling an appointment is available online at FryeMedCtr.com/heart-care or by calling 828-261-0009.

— AKC