Oct. 20, 2026 – Encompass Health is proud to announce that Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith has been named to Newsweek's America's Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers 2026 list.
The recognition is part of Newsweek's annual ranking of leading inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and rehabilitation centers across the country. The 2026 list includes a record 78 Encompass Health hospitals in 32 states, making Encompass Health America's Most Awarded Leader in Inpatient Rehabilitation for the seventh consecutive year.
According to Newsweek, "The facilities recognized on this list exemplify the best patient care practices in inpatient physical rehabilitation and set an example for others."
The ranking is based on four data pillars: quality metrics published by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; results from a national online survey conducted among healthcare professionals; accreditation data provided by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center; and Google reviews, an indicator of patient satisfaction.
“Being recognized by Newsweek as America's Most Awarded Leader in Inpatient Rehabilitation for the seventh consecutive year reflects the extraordinary commitment of our teams across the country to helping patients achieve meaningful recoveries,” said Encompass Health President and CEO Mark Tarr. “With a record 78 hospitals recognized this year, this honor speaks to the high-quality, compassionate care delivered every day in our hospitals and the trust patients and families place in us during some of the most important moments of their recovery journeys. We look forward to continuing to earn that trust in the communities we serve.”
Encompass Health hospitals provide essential rehabilitation services that help patients recovering from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions regain functional ability, independence and quality of life. Patients receive a minimum of three hours of intensive physical, occupational and/or speech therapy five days each week, as well as frequent physician visits and 24-hour nursing care. An interdisciplinary team of highly specialized nurses, therapists and physicians creates customized treatment plans to meet each patient's unique recovery goals.