Northcrest Specialty Care

Northcrest Specialty Care is a long-term care facility located at 2001 Health Street in Waterloo, Iowa, within Black Hawk County. The facility operates with 94 certified beds and is classified as a non-profit corporation. It is certified to accept both Medicare and Medicaid residents. The facility holds an overall CMS star rating of 2 out of 5, which falls below the national average of 3.0 stars. CMS star ratings are calculated using data from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures, and are intended to provide a standardized comparison across nursing facilities nationwide. The health inspection rating for Northcrest Specialty Care is 2 out of 5, reflecting findings from state and federal inspection surveys conducted at the facility. The staffing rating is 3 out of 5, placing it at the national average in terms of nurse staffing hours relative to resident census. The quality measure rating is 4 out of 5, indicating performance above the national average across the clinical quality indicators tracked by CMS, which include metrics such as rates of pressure ulcers, use of antipsychotic medications, and hospital readmissions. Northcrest Specialty Care holds dual certification under Medicare and Medicaid, meaning it is able to accept residents whose care is funded through either program. Medicare typically covers short-term skilled nursing stays following a qualifying hospital admission, while Medicaid covers long-term custodial care for residents who meet financial eligibility requirements. Individuals and families seeking placement at this facility should contact the facility directly or consult with a benefits counselor to confirm current coverage details and availability. When considered alongside national benchmarks, Northcrest Specialty Care presents a mixed profile. Its overall 2-star rating is below the national average of 3.0 stars, and its health inspection rating similarly falls below that average. However, its staffing rating is consistent with the national midpoint, and its quality measure rating of 4 stars is notably above the national average. This combination of ratings suggests that while inspection findings and overall composite performance are below the national norm, clinical quality outcomes as measured by CMS are comparatively stronger. Prospective residents and their representatives are encouraged to review the full CMS Care Compare profile for this facility, which includes detailed inspection reports and staffing data, to support informed decision-making.