Comparing 6 maternity hospitals in Kansas City, MO using official CMS quality ratings and safety data to help you choose the safest place to give birth.
Saint Lukes North Hospital
(816) 891-6000
St Lukes Hospital Of Kansas City
(816) 932-2000
Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill
(816) 404-1000
St Joseph Medical Center
(816) 942-4400
Research Medical Center
(816) 276-4000
University Health Lakewood Medical Center
(816) 404-7000
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 Kansas City, 5 of 6 hospitals are Birthing-Friendly: Research Medical Center, Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill, Saint Lukes North Hospital, University Health Lakewood Medical Center, St Lukes Hospital Of Kansas City.
Hospital Safety Comparison
Compare safety scores for all 6 hospitals in Kansas City. Higher safety scores and lower mortality concerns indicate better patient outcomes.
| Hospital | Overall Rating | Safety Score | Birthing-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Lukes North Hospital | 5/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
| St Lukes Hospital Of Kansas City | 4/5 | 1/8 above avg | Yes |
| Truman Medical Center Hospital Hill | 3/5 | 1/7 above avg | Yes |
| St Joseph Medical Center | 3/5 | 0/7 above avg | No |
| Research Medical Center | 2/5 | 2/6 above avg | Yes |
| University Health Lakewood Medical Center | 2/5 | 1/3 above avg | Yes |
How to Choose a Hospital for Birth in Kansas City
Choosing where to give birth is one of the most important decisions during pregnancy. Here are key questions to ask when touring hospitals in Kansas City:
- 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 Kansas City, MO?
There are 6 CMS-certified hospitals in Kansas City, MO. Of these, 5 have earned the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
What is the best-rated hospital in Kansas City for giving birth?
The highest-rated hospital in Kansas City is Saint Lukes North Hospital with a CMS rating of 5/5. It also holds the CMS Birthing-Friendly designation.
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.
