Hospital Quality in Iowa
Real CMS Hospital Care Compare star ratings for Iowa, April 2026, across 62 rated hospitals β plus the Gera US Hospital Quality Index.
How good are the hospitals in Iowa, and how do they compare to the US average?
As of April 2026, 45.2% of the 62 CMS star-rated hospitals in Iowa hold 4 or 5 stars (mean 3.24 stars), against 41.9% nationally. Its Gera US Hospital Quality Index is 55.9/100 (US 55.1), ranking 24 of 49 states, per CMS Hospital Care Compare.
| Star rating | Hospitals | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 5 stars | 7 | 11.3% |
| 4 stars | 21 | 33.9% |
| 3 stars | 16 | 25.8% |
| 2 stars | 16 | 25.8% |
| 1 star | 2 | 3.2% |
| Total rated | 62 | 100% |
| Measure | Iowa | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Gera US Hospital Quality Index | 55.9 / 100 | 55.1 / 100 |
| Mean CMS star rating | 3.24 | 3.21 |
| 4 or 5 stars | 45.2% | 41.9% |
| Rated hospitals | 62 | 3,182 |
5-star hospitals in Iowa
Examples shown are CMS 5-star acute care hospitals in Iowa; this is not an exhaustive list and not a Gera endorsement.
Compare another state
See any state's real CMS star-rating breakdown, the Gera US Hospital Quality Index, how it compares to the US average, and 5-star hospital examples.
In Iowa, of 62 CMS star-rated hospitals, 45.2% hold 4 or 5 stars (as of April 2026). It ranks 24 of 49 states on the Gera US Hospital Quality Index.
5-star hospital examples in Iowa
- Chi Health Mercy Council Bluffs β Council Bluffs, IA
Ratings are CMSβs own official star ratings, not Gera ratings. The distribution covers CMS star-rated hospitals only; hospitals without a published overall star rating are excluded. A rating can be several months old β always check the latest detail on CMS Hospital Care Compare before deciding.
Navigating hospital care in Iowa? A GeraClinic care navigator can help you read CMS star ratings, compare hospitals, and prepare for your appointment β with a clinician available online.
Talk to a GeraClinic care navigatorFrequently asked questions
- How many hospitals in Iowa are rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS?
- As of April 2026, 45.2% of the 62 CMS star-rated hospitals in Iowa hold 4 or 5 stars (7 5-star, 21 4-star, 16 3-star, 16 2-star, 2 1-star). The mean rating is 3.24 stars and the Gera US Hospital Quality Index for Iowa is 55.9 out of 100. Source: CMS Hospital Care Compare.
- How does Iowa compare to the US average for hospital quality?
- Iowa scores 55.9 on the Gera US Hospital Quality Index, against the national figure of 55.1. Its mean CMS star rating is 3.24 versus the US mean of 3.21, and 45.2% of its rated hospitals are 4 or 5-star, compared with 41.9% nationally. Iowa ranks 24 of 49 rated states. All figures are CMSβs own star ratings.
- Where can I check the CMS rating of a specific hospital in Iowa?
- Every Medicare-registered hospital has its own page on the CMS Hospital Care Compare website showing its overall star rating and its mortality, safety, readmission, patient experience and timely-care results. Search by hospital name or ZIP code at medicare.gov/care-compare, or use the interactive finder on this page to see how Iowa compares before you choose.
Navigating hospital care in Iowa?
A GeraClinic care navigator can help you interpret CMS star ratings, compare hospitals, and prepare for your appointment β with a clinician available online.
Contains public sector information published by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and licensed under the U.S. Public Domain (federal government work). Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services β Hospital Care Compare (Hospital General Information) (April 2026, published 28 April 2026).