Healthcare System Overview

An In-Depth Look into the Healthcare System

Mercy Medical Center, located at 701 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a short-term acute care hospital with a longstanding tradition of excellence in patient care. Established in 1900 by the Sisters of Mercy, this voluntary nonprofit, church-affiliated institution has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the Cedar Rapids community.

As a fully accredited facility by DNV Healthcare USA Inc., Mercy Medical Center is committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care and safety. With a mission to “care for the sick and enhance the health of the communities we serve,” the hospital integrates cutting-edge technology with a holistic, patient-centered approach to medicine. 

Hospital Statistics and Key Figures

  • Licensed Beds: 454
  • Staffed Beds: 216
  • Emergency Department Visits (Annual Estimate): 49,199
  • Total Discharges: 9,530
  • Total Acute Patient Days: 45,425
  • Average Length of Stay: 4.77 days
  • Bed Utilization Rate: 55.87%
  • Employees: 111
  • Affiliated Physicians: 510

Financial Strength and Performance

Mercy Medical Center maintains a strong financial presence despite the evolving healthcare landscape:

  • Net Patient Revenue: $415.3 million (73rd percentile nationally)
  • Total Operating Expenses: $475.6 million
  • Total Patient Revenue: $1.62 billion
  • Current Ratio: 4.1 (84th percentile, indicating strong liquidity)
  • Cash on Hand: $15 million
  • Total Assets: $728.5 million

Clinical Quality and Performance

Mercy Medical Center is committed to clinical excellence, achieving strong performance metrics in key areas:

  • Readmission Rate (All-Cause, Hospital-Wide): 13.4% (95th percentile, reflecting robust post-discharge care and chronic disease management)
  • Serious Complication Rate: 1.80% (Ranks 1st percentile, demonstrating exceptional patient safety and surgical outcomes)
  • Medicare Value-Based Purchasing Score: 21.3 (51st percentile, reflecting strong performance on quality and efficiency measures)
  • HCAHPS Patient Experience Summary Star Rating: 4 out of 5 (66th percentile, indicating high patient satisfaction and engagement in care)

Centers of Excellence and Key Services

Mercy Medical Center offers a comprehensive range of medical services, with specialized programs in:

1. Emergency and Trauma Care

  • A Level III Trauma Center, equipped to handle a wide range of emergency medical situations
  • Recently renovated Emergency Department with enhanced patient comfort and streamlined intake processes
  • Annual ER Visits: 49,199

2. Cardiovascular Excellence: Jewel & Jim Plumb Heart Center

  • 72,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advanced cardiovascular care
  • Offers interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac rehab, and heart failure management
  • Cutting-edge diagnostics and catheterization lab

3. Comprehensive Cancer Care: Hall-Perrine Cancer Center

  • Advanced oncology services, including radiation therapy, infusion, and precision medicine
  • Multidisciplinary team approach integrating surgery, chemotherapy, and support services
  • Recent investments in robotic-assisted lung cancer diagnostics with the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system

4. Women's Health and Maternity Services

  • The Birthplace & NICU, featuring a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Annual Births: 857
  • Advanced breast cancer risk assessment using Volpara® Risk Pathways™

5. Primary and Specialty Care Network

  • MercyCare Clinics offer primary care, urgent care, and specialty services throughout Cedar Rapids
  • Integrated with Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) such as MercyCare ACO and Caravan Health ACO

Technology and Innovation

Mercy Medical Center is at the forefront of medical technology and innovation:

  • Electronic Health Records (EHR): Epic Systems Corporation - ClinDoc
  • Advanced Telehealth Services, scoring 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • IT Capital Budget: $5.68 million
  • Active participant in cutting-edge research and innovation programs

Payor Mix and Patient Demographics

Mercy serves a diverse patient base, with a strong mix of Medicare, Medicaid, and privately insured patients:

  • • Medicare Revenue: $74.5 million (17.9%)
  • • Medicaid Revenue: $79.3 million (19.1%)
  • • Private/Self Pay/Other: $261.4 million (63.0%)
  • • Top Referring Providers include primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, and specialists in allergy/immunology

Community Engagement and Future Investments

Mercy Medical Center is a cornerstone of the Cedar Rapids community, investing in both facilities and community health initiatives:

  • Recent $1 million Emergency Room renovation to improve patient experience
  • HallMar Village Project, a collaboration with Meth-Wick Community, focuses on senior living and wellness
  • Partnerships with Wellmark Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and other payors to ensure affordable, high-quality care

Leadership and Governance

Mercy Medical Center is led by seasoned healthcare executives committed to advancing quality care:

  • CEO: Clint Christianson
  • CFO: Nathan Genderen
  • CMO: Dr. Tony Myers
  • COO: Jackie Frost-Kunnen
  • CNO: Pam Wallace

Conclusion: A Premier Destination for Physicians

For physicians considering Mercy Medical Center, this is more than just a workplace—it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at a high level, within a mission-driven organization that values quality, patient-centered care, and clinical innovation. With a strong financial foundation, cutting-edge technology, and growing investments in key specialties, Mercy offers an exceptional environment for career growth and professional fulfillment.

© Copyright 2023 Pacific Companies. All Rights Reserved.