Buchanan County Health Center

Buchanan County Health Center is a government-owned, county-operated skilled nursing facility located at 1600 First Street East in Independence, Iowa 50644. The facility holds 39 certified beds and operates under county government ownership. It is classified as a Medicaid-certified facility and can be reached by phone at (319) 334-6071. The facility holds an overall CMS star rating of 5 out of 5, which places it above the national average of 3.0 stars. CMS star ratings are based on three component categories: health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. Buchanan County Health Center receives a health inspection rating of 3 out of 5, a staffing rating of 5 out of 5, and a quality measure rating of 5 out of 5. The staffing and quality measure ratings are notably higher than the national average, while the health inspection rating falls at the national midpoint. These ratings are derived from data reported to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and reflect performance across defined measurement periods. Buchanan County Health Center is certified to accept Medicaid as a payment source. Individuals and families researching payment options should contact the facility directly to confirm current acceptance of specific insurance plans, Medicare coverage, or private pay arrangements. Coverage eligibility and availability of beds for specific payment types may vary and are subject to change. When compared to national averages for skilled nursing facilities, Buchanan County Health Center performs above average in overall CMS rating, staffing, and quality measures. Its overall 5-star rating exceeds the national average of 3.0 stars, indicating strong performance across the composite scoring criteria used by CMS. The health inspection component, rated at 3 stars, aligns with the national average and reflects standard compliance standing relative to peer facilities. With 39 certified beds, the facility is smaller than many nursing homes nationwide, which may be relevant context when evaluating capacity and service scope. As a county-government-operated facility, it falls within a category of ownership distinct from private or nonprofit operators, which may have implications for governance and accountability structures.