WATERTOWN, S.D. – August 12, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) recently received an overall five out of five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) based on data evaluating outcomes, patient experience, and processes. This marks the second consecutive year PLHS has received this rating.
PLHS is one of only 381 hospitals out of approximately 3,000, representing the top 8% of hospitals across the United States, to receive the highest possible rating from CMS. PLHS is one of six hospitals in South Dakota to receive a five-star designation for 2024.
“Receiving the highest quality rating from CMS two years in a row is a testament to the culture of excellence, compassion, and quality care at Prairie Lakes,” said Shelly Turbak, Chief Nursing Officer at PLHS.
The overall star rating for hospitals nationwide is based on how well a hospital performs across five critical quality measures: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. Compared to 2023, CMS awarded 102 fewer hospitals in its five-star quality rating.
John Allen, PLHS Chief Executive Officer added, “Achieving five-star recognition reflects the tremendous teamwork and commitment to excellence by every member of our healthcare team. It’s validation of the passion and genuine care our staff provide to patients every day.”
About CMS
CMS is the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 160 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. CMS works in partnership with the entire health care community to improve quality, equity, and outcomes in the health care system. Learn More about CMS at https://www.cms.gov/about-cms.
About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Located in Watertown, S.D., Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent healthcare organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. The system is focused on meeting the needs of the region with a mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities they serve. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers exceptional care every day in close to 30 medical specialties/services with over 800 physicians, caregivers, and professionals on staff to serve their communities.