Comparing 4 maternity hospitals in Carmel, IN using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
St Vincent Heart Center
(317) 583-5000
Indiana University Health North Hospital
(317) 688-2000
Ascension St Vincent Carmel
(317) 582-7000
Franciscan Health Orthopedic Hospital Carmel
(317) 528-5400
What Is a Birthing-Friendly Hospital?
The CMS Birthing-Friendly designation recognizes hospitals that have implemented best practices for maternity care, including reducing C-section rates for low-risk births and promoting evidence-based care during labor and delivery.
In Carmel, 2 of 4 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Ascension St Vincent Carmel, Indiana University Health North Hospital.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 4 hospitals in Carmel. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Vincent Heart Center | 5/5 | 1/4 above avg | No |
| Indiana University Health North Hospital | 4/5 | 3/8 above avg | Yes |
| Ascension St Vincent Carmel | 3/5 | 0/5 above avg | Yes |
| Franciscan Health Orthopedic Hospital Carmel | Not rated | 0/1 above avg | No |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Carmel
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Carmel:
- What is the hospital’s C-section rate for low-risk births?
- Does the hospital have a NICU, and what level of neonatal care is available?
- What are the hospital’s policies on birth plans, doulas, and support persons?
- Is the hospital designated as CMS Birthing-Friendly?
- What pain management options are available (epidurals, nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy)?
- What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in labor and delivery?
- Does the hospital offer lactation support and skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hospitals are in Carmel, IN?
There are 4 CMS-certified hospitals in Carmel, IN. Of these, 2 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Carmel for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Carmel is St Vincent Heart Center with a CMS rating of 5/5.
What does Birthing-Friendly mean?
The Birthing-Friendly designation is awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to hospitals that meet quality benchmarks for maternity care, including lower C-section rates and better birth outcomes.
