NEWTON, Kan., (May 14, 2026) –NMC Health is proud to announce it has earned a 5-star rating from the federal government’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This is the highest score a hospital can receive for safety, quality, and patient experience.
NMC Health Quality Highlights:
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Highest possible).
- Awarded by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
- Focus Areas: Patient safety, low infection rates, and high patient satisfaction.
- Location: Newton, Kansas, serving the Harvey County region.
CMS uses a star system to help patients compare hospitals. To get five stars, a hospital must excel in many areas. These include keeping patients safe from infections, having low readmission rates, and providing a great experience for every person who walks through the doors.
Out of thousands of hospitals across the country, only a small group earns this top honor. The 5-star rating shows that NMC Health provides care that is among the best in the nation.
“This 5-star rating is a huge win for our team and our town,” said Val Gleason, CEO of NMC Health. “It shows that our medical staff and employees work hard every day to keep our patients safe. We are proud to offer world-class care right here at home.”
Getting five stars is not easy. It requires every department to work together. Hospitals are judged on how well they treat heart issues, pneumonia, and many other health conditions. They are also judged on how well they listen to patients and explain medicines clearly.
“Our Board is very proud of this achievement,” said Marilyn Wilder, NMC Health Board Chair. “It proves that NMC Health puts patients first. We want everyone in our community to know they can trust us for excellent care.”
By earning five stars, NMC Health joins an elite group of hospitals. This rating helps patients make informed choices about where to go for surgery or emergency care. It serves as a seal of approval for the high-quality medical services provided in Newton.
For more information about the CMS Star Ratings, visit www.medicare.gov/care-compare.
FAQs: Understanding the CMS 5-Star Rating
A 5-star rating is the top grade given by the federal government. It means a hospital provides excellent care. It looks at how well a hospital treats patients and keeps them safe.
Only a small number of hospitals in the U.S. earn 5 stars. Out of over 4,500 hospitals, only about 8% to 10% reach this level. This makes NMC Health one of the top-rated hospitals in the nation.
CMS looks at five main areas:
- Safety of care (preventing harm).
- Mortality (saving lives).
- Readmission (keeping patients healthy after they leave).
- Patient experience (how patients feel about their care).
- Timely and effective care (how fast and well treatment is given).
Yes. In 2026, NMC Health earned the 5-star rating from CMS. This shows our commitment to high-quality healthcare in Newton, Kansas.