Growing up in Iowa, I have always considered our local healthcare to be top-notch. That may be because of the University of Iowa's medical programs and the Stead Family Children's Hospital, which seem to be at the forefront of the nation. It could also be that I haven't really experienced health care anywhere else.
Either way, my thoughts seem to be justified as several Iowa hospitals have received national recognition from the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and the Chartis Center for Rural Health. These awards spotlight excellence among Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs).
Two Iowa hospitals earned a spot on the prestigious Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals list, while four others received Best Practice awards for either Patient Satisfaction or Quality, both being key measures of a hospital's performance.
The Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals award recognizes rural hospitals that deliver exceptional performance consistently across some key metrics. Selected from the Chartis Center for Rural Health's Top 100 list, these hospitals are evaluated using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, which measures eight critical areas: inpatient and outpatient market share, quality of care, patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, cost efficiency, charge structure, and overall financial stability. Earning a spot in the Top 20 means a hospital is meeting the unique challenges of rural health care and setting the standard for excellence among those hospitals nationwide.
I will say, Jones County Regional deserves this award, based on my experiences there. From broken collar bones, neurological tests, and stitches, to the death of my grandfather, the staff has always been amazing, prompt, and professional. It's why my family and I will continue to go there first when an emergency occurs.
The patient satisfaction recognition reflects high ratings from patients in areas like communication, responsiveness, and overall experience. Hospitals honored in this category have demonstrated an ability to deliver care effectively and connect with their patients.
The quality designation is based on strong performance in rural-relevant care processes. This includes timely treatments, clinical best practices, and safe patient outcomes. It shows a commitment to consistently meeting or exceeding national standards in healthcare.
These honors speak volumes about the strength of our state's rural hospitals. Whether it's leading in clinical outcomes or providing that outstanding patient experience, these hospitals prove that excellent care can be found close to home and trusted.