Avera St Lukes vs Fairview Hospital
Side-by-side hospital cost and quality comparison from CMS Medicare data
This comparison crosses state lines: Avera St Lukes (South Dakota) versus Fairview Hospital (Ohio). Cost differences are influenced by the federal wage-index adjustment in addition to hospital-specific cost structure. The cost gap is moderate: $10,445 vs $11,684, about 11% apart. Enough to matter for high-volume procedures but not so wide that it dominates the choice. Fairview Hospital edges ahead on the value rubric.
The cost difference is enough to factor into elective scheduling for any procedure that both hospitals offer. For emergency or specialized care, the choice is often dictated by other factors.
Verdict
Fairview Hospital earns a higher Value Score of 94/100 (A) compared to Avera St Lukes at 86/100 (A). Average Medicare payment differs by $1,239 ($10,445 vs $11,684). Fairview Hospital holds a 5-star CMS rating.
| Metric | Avera St Lukes | Fairview Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Value Score Composite of price, quality, and outcomes | 86/100 (A) | 94/100 (A)* |
| CMS Quality Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Avg Payment Average Medicare payment across all procedures | $10,445* | $11,684 |
| Outcome Score | 50/100 | 100/100* |
| Emergency Services | Yes | Yes |
| Hospital Type | Acute Care Hospitals | Acute Care Hospitals |
| Ownership | Voluntary non-profit - Church | Voluntary non-profit - Private |
| Location | Aberdeen, SD | Cleveland, OH |
| Procedures Tracked | 9 | 8 |
Fairview Hospital earns a higher Value Score of 94/100 (A) compared to Avera St Lukes at 86/100 (A). Average Medicare payment differs by $1,239 ($10,445 vs $11,684). Fairview Hospital holds a 5-star CMS rating.
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Source: CMS Hospital Price Transparency, 2026.