Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System vs Iowa City Va Medical Center
Side-by-side hospital cost and quality comparison from CMS Medicare data
This comparison crosses state lines: Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System (Mississippi) 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: $9,481 vs $10,668, about 11% apart. Enough to matter for high-volume procedures but not so wide that it dominates the choice. Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System 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
Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System earns a higher Value Score of 88/100 (A) compared to Iowa City Va Medical Center at 88/100 (A). Average Medicare payment differs by $1,187 ($9,481 vs $10,668). Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System holds a 5-star CMS rating.
| Metric | Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System | Iowa City Va Medical Center |
|---|---|---|
| Value Score Composite of price, quality, and outcomes | 88/100 (A) | 88/100 (A) |
| CMS Quality Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Avg Payment Average Medicare payment across all procedures | $9,481* | $10,668 |
| Outcome Score | 50/100 | 60/100* |
| Emergency Services | Yes | Yes |
| Hospital Type | Acute Care - Veterans Administration | Acute Care - Veterans Administration |
| Ownership | Veterans Health Administration | Veterans Health Administration |
| Location | Biloxi, MS | Iowa City, IA |
| Procedures Tracked | 13 | 10 |
Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System earns a higher Value Score of 88/100 (A) compared to Iowa City Va Medical Center at 88/100 (A). Average Medicare payment differs by $1,187 ($9,481 vs $10,668). Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System holds a 5-star CMS rating.
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Source: CMS Hospital Price Transparency, 2026.