Palo Alto County Hospital

Palo Alto County Hospital is a government-owned, county-operated skilled nursing facility located at 3201 First Street in Emmetsburg, Iowa, within Palo Alto County. The facility holds certification for 22 beds and operates under county government ownership, classifying it as a public institution within the local healthcare infrastructure. The facility carries an overall CMS star rating of 4 out of 5, which places it above the national average of 3.0 stars. CMS star ratings are calculated using three primary components, each of which is rated separately. Palo Alto County Hospital received a 4-star rating in health inspections, reflecting performance on state and federal survey findings relative to comparable facilities. The staffing rating also stands at 4 stars, indicating staffing levels and registered nurse hours that compare favorably against national benchmarks. The quality measure rating, which evaluates clinical outcomes across a range of standardized care metrics, received a 3-star rating, placing that component in line with the national average. Palo Alto County Hospital is certified as a Medicaid-participating facility. This means the facility is approved to accept residents whose care is funded through the Medicaid program, which is a joint federal and state insurance program for individuals who meet specific income and eligibility criteria. Prospective residents and their families should contact the facility directly to inquire about current bed availability, accepted payment types, and any additional insurance arrangements. Medicare certification status is not indicated in the available data and should be verified with the facility or through the CMS Care Compare database. When considered in the context of national performance benchmarks, Palo Alto County Hospital's overall 4-star rating places it above the 3.0-star national average. Two of its three component ratings, health inspections and staffing, exceed that national midpoint, while the quality measure rating aligns with it. As a 22-bed county-operated facility, it is smaller than many nursing homes in the United States, which may affect operational characteristics and the scope of services offered. Individuals seeking detailed inspection reports, staffing hour data, or quality measure breakdowns can access that information through the federal CMS Care Compare tool.