St Louis-John Cochran Va Medical Center vs Iowa City Va Medical Center
Side-by-side hospital cost and quality comparison from CMS Medicare data
This comparison crosses state lines: St Louis-John Cochran Va Medical Center (Missouri) versus Iowa City Va Medical Center (Iowa). Cost differences are influenced by the federal wage-index adjustment in addition to hospital-specific cost structure. The cost gap is moderate: $9,039 vs $10,668, about 15% apart. Enough to matter for high-volume procedures but not so wide that it dominates the choice. St Louis-John Cochran Va Medical Center 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
St Louis-John Cochran Va Medical Center earns a higher Value Score of 94/100 (A) compared to Iowa City Va Medical Center at 88/100 (A). Average Medicare payment differs by $1,629 ($9,039 vs $10,668). St Louis-John Cochran Va Medical Center holds a 5-star CMS rating.
| Metric | St Louis-John Cochran Va Medical Center | Iowa City Va Medical Center |
|---|---|---|
| Value Score Composite of price, quality, and outcomes | 94/100 (A)* | 88/100 (A) |
| CMS Quality Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Avg Payment Average Medicare payment across all procedures | $9,039* | $10,668 |
| Outcome Score | 80/100* | 60/100 |
| Emergency Services | Yes | Yes |
| Hospital Type | Acute Care - Veterans Administration | Acute Care - Veterans Administration |
| Ownership | Veterans Health Administration | Veterans Health Administration |
| Location | St. Louis, MO | Iowa City, IA |
| Procedures Tracked | 11 | 10 |
St Louis-John Cochran Va Medical Center earns a higher Value Score of 94/100 (A) compared to Iowa City Va Medical Center at 88/100 (A). Average Medicare payment differs by $1,629 ($9,039 vs $10,668). St Louis-John Cochran Va Medical Center holds a 5-star CMS rating.
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Source: CMS Hospital Price Transparency, 2026.