Ozarks Healthcare Earns National and Regional Recognition for Excellence in Rural Care

Ozarks Healthcare is celebrating a milestone year of recognition, earning honors from national and regional organizations for its outstanding physicians, innovative care models, and unwavering dedication to community health.

The hospital was recently named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s “100 Great Community Hospitals” for 2025, a prestigious national accolade that highlights high-performing hospitals providing quality care in rural and underserved areas. Becker’s cited Ozarks Healthcare’s commitment to whole-person care, rural health innovation, and educational partnerships as key factors in its selection.

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“Our partnerships with educational institutions are not just collaborations—they’re investments in the future of healthcare in our region,” said Josh Reeves, Vice President of Development and Advocacy.

Several physicians were also named to 417 Magazine’s 2025 Top Doctors list, spanning specialties from cardiology and dermatology to neurology and orthopedic surgery. In total, over a dozen physicians were honored for their clinical excellence and patient-focused approach.

Ozarks Healthcare also earned community recognition as “Best Regional Hospital” and “Best Pharmacies” in the West Plains Daily Quill’s “Best of the Best” awards, reflecting strong public trust and satisfaction.

Statewide honors included two Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) awards. ICU nurse Danielle Lind was named Nurse Champion for a compassionate act honoring an end-of-life patient request. The SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Team earned the Nursing Team Champion award for their trauma-informed support of sexual violence survivors across eight counties.

“These recognitions reflect the heart of our mission—delivering high-quality, compassionate care close to home,” said Chief Operating Officer Lacey Carter.

Further distinguishing the health system, Dr. Priscilla Frase, Chief Medical Information Officer, was named to Becker’s “100+ Women in Health IT to Know” list. Under her leadership, Ozarks Healthcare received the KLAS Arch Collaborative’s EHR Breakthrough Award for its advancements in electronic health record integration and training.

Ozarks Healthcare was also awarded the 2025 Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke SILVER PLUS and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll by the American Heart Association for excellence in stroke and diabetes care.

The health system holds three accreditations from The Joint Commission, covering hospital-wide services, behavioral health, and home health and hospice, underscoring its commitment to high standards and continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, Ozarks Healthcare is expanding access by welcoming new physicians and family nurse practitioners in specialties including cardiology, oncology, dermatology, pulmonology, and family medicine.

To learn more about Ozarks Healthcare’s award-winning services and providers, visit www.OzarksHealthcare.com.

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