Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics earns prestigious 5-Star Rating from the NRRS for 3rd Quarter of 2025

Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, a committed healthcare provider in both Belmond and Clarion, Iowa, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious five-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing excellence in rural healthcare, for the third quarter of 2025.

This esteemed designation is a testament to Iowa Specialty Hospital’s dedication to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates hospitals based on rigorous standards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, and overall hospital performance.

“We’re honored to have once again been recognized by the National Rural Rating System for the exceptional healthcare our employees provide each and every day,” said Steve Simonin, President and CEO of Iowa Specialty Hospital. “We’re proud to receive this five-star rating, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve our patients in the rural setting. Congratulations to our providers and staff on this wonderful achievement.”

The five-star rating reflects Iowa Specialty Hospital’s ongoing commitment to meet the unique healthcare needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital's success in providing outstanding medical services, despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.

“This award is a reflection of the unwavering dedication and deep compassion these hospitals bring to rural healthcare,” said Brock Slabach, COO of the National Rural Health Association. “In communities where access can be limited and challenges are complex, these teams continue to deliver excellence with heart. Their commitment not only elevates care but strengthens the vital connection between provider and community – making a lasting impact every single day.”

Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics extends its heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible.

Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, located in north central Iowa, offers focused, specialized care with a compassionate touch. With campuses in Belmond and Clarion, they also have outreach clinics in Ames, Boone, Clear Lake, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Garner, Hampton, Rockwell, and Webster City.   

While excellent quality healthcare is the most important factor at Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, patients also experience the true compassion of healing from highly trained and caring staff. We offer state-of-the-art, unparalleled technology and services including: orthopedics and sports medicine, bariatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, pain management, general surgery, and family medicine, among others.

The 5-Star Rating System ranks rural and critical access hospitals – with five stars being the top ranking and one star being the lowest. The Star Ratings are like the CMS Stars, which allow hospitals/clinics to promote their success and are used as high-quality recognitions. Most small and rural hospitals (60%) do not qualify because of low number of qualifying inpatients for the CMS Rankings but are held to the same high patient satisfaction criteria. This program recognizes the hard work and dedication rural and critical access hospitals provide across the country. The rankings will include overnight hospital stays (HCAHPS) and are based on data collected by certified CMS patient satisfaction vendors. For more information, visit FiveStarRatings.org.