KC Reporter

Hedrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, Missouri, has received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), making it the only critical access hospital in Missouri to earn this distinction. Out of 34 critical access hospitals and 120 total hospitals in the state, only four received a five-star rating. Saint Luke’s North Hospital–Barry Road in Kansas City was also among those recognized, while Saint Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas, earned the same top rating. This places Hedrick Medical Center among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide.

The CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating is based on data available on its Care Compare website and covers several categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. The national average for hospitals is three out of five stars.

Catherine Hamilton, administrator of Hedrick Medical Center, said: “The CMS ratings program is a highly regarded and widely used review of hospitals across the country. This five-star rating affirms the exceptional care our team provides day in and day out, and Hedrick Medical Center’s steadfast commitment to serving our patients and our community.”

CMS developed its star rating system to help consumers compare hospital quality more easily. Patients can view these ratings at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/.

Hedrick Medical Center operates as part of Saint Luke’s Health System within BJC Health System. The hospital is city-owned and accredited by The Joint Commission. It provides services such as a 24-hour emergency department staffed by board-certified physicians, diagnostic testing for both inpatient and outpatient needs, surgery services, rehabilitation programs, women’s health including 3D mammography at its Women’s Center, an intensive care unit with eICU capabilities, specialty clinics, and primary care offices.