Two Harvard Hospitals in Top 10

Two Harvard teaching hospitals placed in the top 10 in a ranking of America's best hospitals released this week by U.S. News and World Report.

Massachusetts General Hospital placed third in the rankings, while Brigham and Women's was rated eighth.

In statements this week, hospital officials said the survey attests to the hospitals' excellence.

"While there always will be questions raised about the usefulness of these kinds of surveys, we're pleased to have...scored so well," said Samuel Thier, chief executive officer of Partners HealthCare System, a partnership that includes the two hospitals. "It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many individuals throughout the Partners system."

The ranking accounts for attributes such as death rates and reputation among doctors. The survey includes 16 specialties in total.

In claiming third overall, Massachusetts General earned first place in endocrinology, which includes disorders such as diabetes, infertility, osteoporosis and hormone-related tumors. The hospital was second in neurology and orthopedics, and third in AIDS, cardiology, gastroenterology and geriatrics.

Brigham and Women's scored well in gynecology, endocrinology and geriatrics, among others.

Johns Hopkins Hospital claimed first overall in the survey. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota was second.

Several other Harvard teaching hospitals did well in individual specialties. The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary won first in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat). The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was third for cancer diagnosis and treatment. McLean Hospital placed third for psychiatry. Beth Israel was fifth in geriatrics. And Children's Hospital won first place in pediatrics, including care of adolescents.