Two of the four hospitals in the LewisGale Regional Health System were recognized today as being among the top performing hospitals in the nation.

The Joint Commission, which provides accreditation for the nation’s hospitals, released its list of hospitals that have consistently followed recommendations for the best ways to treat common illnesses like heart failure, pneumonia and stroke. The top performers met the protocols for care in certain areas at least 95 percent of the time.

Among the 620 hospitals who earned the praise on this year’s list are LewisGale Hospital Pulaski and LewisGale Hospital Alleghany. The Joint Commission said its list represents about 18 percent of the hospitals it accredits.

Eleven Virginia hospitals were recognized by the Joint Commission’s report. The Pulaski hospital earned its place on the list for its care of patients with heart failure and pneumonia, as well as those receiving surgical care. The Alleghany hospital was a top performer in meeting the standards of care for pneumonia and surgical care.

The commission is relatively new to the list of organizations rating hospital care having first released its list of top performers last year. Kaiser Health News reported that teaching hospitals have a harder time making the list and some of the country’s best known medical centers were not among those praised by the commission.