Ben Harder

Chief of Health Analysis, U.S. News & World Report

Washington DC-Baltimore Area

About

For more than a decade, I've overseen the data acquisition and analytics behind U.S. News & World Report's influential "Best Hospitals" rankings and other evaluations of healthcare services. Through rigorous analysis of data, including records from tens of millions of patient-provider encounters, my research team benchmarks the performance of hospitals, inpatient rehab facilities, skilled nursing facilities and senior living communities. Our insights and analytics power both free, online consumer-facing tools, which help patients choose their providers, and a subscription-based benchmarking platform utilized by healthcare executives and administrators. I frequently address audiences of healthcare professionals and appear in national media on topics related to healthcare quality measurement and performance improvement. I served on an expert panel convened by the National Quality Forum to provide guidance to CMS on its Overall Hospital Star Rating methodology. I've also contributed to JAMA, BMJ, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, the Washington Post and numerous other publications. I am available for select speaking opportunities.

Experience

  • U.S. News & World Report (19 yrs)
    • Managing Editor and Chief, Health Analysis
      Sep 2013 - Present · 12 yrs 10 mos

      To help consumers make better decisions about their health care, my team analyzes public and proprietary data on hospitals, surgery centers (ASCs), skilled nursing facilities, rehab facilities, doctors, senior living communities and more. Our analyses drive the Best Hospitals rankings and other research/ratings tools for health care consumers.

    • General Manager, Health & Science
      Mar 2010 - Sep 2013 · 3 yrs 7 mos

      Oversaw editorial efforts and held P&L responsibilities for U.S. News' Health Care vertical, which includes the Best Hospitals rankings. Conceptualized, developed and launched new products, including Best Health Insurance Plans, Top Doctors, Best Regional Hospitals and Best Diets.

    • Senior Director, Business Development
      Aug 2009 - Mar 2010 · 8 mos

      Developed and managed business relationships serving the Health and Money verticals of U.S. News. Developed new revenue products and revenue streams, including advertorial and specialized advertising products for hospitals and a brand-licensing business.

  • Science News (5 yrs 6 mos)
    • Web Editor
      Feb 2007 - Jun 2007 · 5 mos

      Oversaw sciencenews.org and sciencenewsforkids.org. Edited online-exclusive articles and blogs, and repurposed content from Science News magazine.

    • Staff Writer
      Jan 2002 - Feb 2007 · 5 yrs 2 mos

      Primarily covered medicine, epidemiology and environmental health.

  • Freelance writer at the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, NationalGeographic.com, etc.
    Jan 2005 - May 2007 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Covered health, science and technology.

  • Editor/Producer/Business Development at Away.com
    1999 - 2000 · 1 yr

    Created original adventure-travel content and developed content partnerships with legacy travel publishers, such as the Moon Guides.

  • Editor in Chief at Let's Go
    Apr 1996 - Sep 1999 · 3 yrs 6 mos

    At Let's Go, the publisher of Let's Go Europe and numerous other travel guidebooks, I served as a correspondent in Southeast Asia, the editor of the first edition of Let's Go Australia, managing editor and ultimately editor in chief.