Renton-based Valley Medical Center has been ranked in the top 5 in the Seattle area in “U.S. News & World Report’s” first-ever “Best Hospital” metro rankings.

Of the nearly 5,000 hospitals nationwide, the new rankings recognize 622 hospitals in or near major cities with a record of high performance in key medical specialties. It includes 132 of the 152 hospitals already identified as the best in the nation.

The new metro rankings are relevant to a much wider range of healthcare consumers. They are aimed primarily at consumers whose care may not demand the special expertise found only at a nationally ranked “Best Hospital.” Patients and their families will have a far better chance of finding a U.S. News-ranked hospital in their health insurance network and might not have to travel to a high-performing hospital.

U.S. News created “Best Hospitals” more than 20 years ago to identify hospitals exceptionally skilled in handling the most difficult cases, such as brain tumors typically considered inoperable  and delicate pancreatic procedures.

To be ranked in its metro area, a hospital had to score in the top 25 percent among its peers in at least one of 16 medical specialties.

“All of these hospitals provide first-rate care for the majority of patients, even those with serious conditions or who need demanding procedures,” says Health Rankings Editor Avery Comarow, in a press release.