Mercy Network Affiliation

Story County Medical Center partners with Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines through both a management agreement and a Critical Access Hospital agreement. However, the Story County Medical Center Board of Trustees, elected by the residents of Story County, along with the Administrator, maintains complete control in all areas of Story Medical operations.

Being a Mercy Network Affiliate permits Story Medical, a rural, primary-care facility, to take advantage of cost savings provided to a larger, tertiary facility such as Mercy. In addition, the relationship affords Story Medical the management expertise and educational offerings of a larger organization that would not otherwise be readily available.

As part of a larger network of rural facilities, there is a collegiality that allows for sharing of ideas and best practices throughout the network. Collaborating with Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines truly provides a level of support that is available to enhance all areas of service provided by Story County Medical Center!

What does the agreement mean for our patients? A highly trained staff and more dollars devoted towards continually improving patient care!

Being a Mercy Network Affiliate DOES NOT mean that our patients must use Mercy physicians if they need additional care or that our patients must be transferred to Mercy for emergent care. In fact, we are required by law to give each patient a choice on where to receive care above the scope that is offered at Story County Medical Center.