BELLINGHAM - An online health care ratings company ranked PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center among the top 5 percent of hospitals in the United States.

HealthGrades evaluated more than 5,000 hospitals' mortality and complication rates. The company considered 26 procedures and diagnoses, including maternity care, back surgery and heart attack.

The ranking is based on an objective review of patient outcomes at hospitals across the country. HealthGrades does not accept payments for its reviews.

St. Joseph was one of five hospitals in Washington state to earn a top 5 percent ranking, a hospital news release said.

The company's website, healthgrades.com, also ranks doctors according to patient ratings.