Orange City IA, December 15, 2026 – Orange City Area Health System has been recognized as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience by the Women’s Choice Award®. This honor places Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) among the top 100 hospitals in the nation within its size category, based on number of beds, and is the 12th consecutive year that the health system has earned this recognition.
OCAHS has also been recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics, placing it among the top-performing hospitals nationwide. Specifically, Orange City Area Health System ranks in the Top 1% of over 4,600 U.S. hospitals offering obstetric services.
“Today’s patients are more engaged in their healthcare decisions than ever before, and they expect a seamless, compassionate experience throughout their care journey,” according to the Women’s Choice Award. “Hospitals that prioritize patient experience not only improve outcomes but also build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships with their communities.”
In terms of Obstetrics care, the Women’s Choice Award helps women make informed healthcare decisions by “identifying hospitals that deliver the highest quality care and patient experience—especially critical during labor and delivery, where complications can arise unexpectedly.”
“We are once again honored to be recognized in Patient Experience for 12 years in a row,” commented Marty Guthmiller, CEO. “In addition, receiving the same honor for Obstetrics for the second straight year is equally humbling. Both awards are a true testament to the care delivered by our staff, reflecting the culture at OCAHS that we all continually strive to achieve.”
Why It Matters
- 82% of consumers say they would switch healthcare providers after a poor experience
- 86% of women would travel up to 50 miles for a hospital with a better patient experience
- According to the CDC, 1 in 6 women experience complications during labor and delivery, making hospital quality and safety a vital consideration. The Women’s Choice Award is the only national designation that combines clinical excellence with patient satisfaction to identify top-performing obstetric hospitals.
Award Methodology
- The Women’s Choice Award for Patient Experience is the only national designation that combines HCAHPS survey results with primary research on women’s healthcare preferences to identify the top 100 hospitals in each size category.
- Hospitals are evaluated using a weighted average of the following HCAHPS measures:
- Communication with nurses and doctors
- Responsiveness to requests for help
- Explanation of medications before administration
- Providing recovery information
- Cleanliness of rooms and bathrooms
- Quietness of the hospital environment at night
- Overall patient recommendation rating
The methodology for the Best Hospitals for Obstetrics includes:
- Percentage of patients who “definitely recommend” the hospital (HCAHPS survey)
- Patient safety scores based on 12 CMS measures of infection and complication rates
- Low rates of early elective deliveries (0–1%)
- Baby-Friendly USA designation (WHO/UNICEF initiative)
For the full list of America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Experience, visit:
https://womenschoiceaward.com/best-patient-experience
