All states › Iowa › Des Moines › Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines
4911 SW 19th Street Des Moines, IA 50315 · Polk County
All 12 nursing homes in Des Moines, IA (12 take Medicaid)
CMS certification number 165273 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare
Is Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines a good nursing home? Reviews, ratings and inspection record
There are no official resident reviews of nursing homes: Medicare's Care Compare publishes inspections, staffing and quality data instead. Here is what that record shows for Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines as of October 2026.
CMS rates it 1 out of 5 stars overall, below the Iowa average of 3.1.
Online reviews from families and residents are on Google Maps and other sites; they reflect individual experiences and aren't checked by CMS. The full inspection reports, including what inspectors observed, are on Medicare Care Compare.
Staffing
Nursing staff spend about 4.17 hours per resident per day at Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines, above the Iowa median of 3.76 (US median: 3.72). About 0.50 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.44 hours, 17% below its all-week average. Ask how weekends are staffed. 42.2% of nursing staff left within a year (Iowa median 41.7%).
About this nursing home
Paying for care at Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines: Medicare and Medicaid
Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines is certified for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Part A can cover a short skilled-nursing or rehab stay here after a qualifying hospital stay of at least three inpatient days (observation days don't count), for up to 100 days per benefit period. Medicaid can pay for long-term care for residents who meet Iowa's income and asset rules. Being certified doesn't guarantee a Medicaid bed is open, so ask whether the home accepts residents whose Medicaid application is still pending.
In 2026 Medicare covers days 1–20 in full after the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period); for days 21–100 you pay $217 a day; after day 100 you pay all costs. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial care. Medicare's coverage rules.
Health inspections
The most recent standard inspection was on July 24, 2025 and found 2 deficiencies, plus 1 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 67 citations in the last three years.
Each citation has a scope and severity letter from A to L. A–C: potential for minimal harm. D–F: potential for more than minimal harm. G–I: actual harm. J–L: immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety.
What the inspections found
Over the last three years, inspectors issued 67 citations at Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines across 10 inspection dates, 50 of them from complaint investigations. 2 were at the immediate-jeopardy level (J–L), CMS's most serious category, most recently on April 25, 2024 (complaint inspection). The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (14) and resident assessment and care planning (13). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody" (tag F0600, level K, December 21, 2023). 7 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.
September 18, 2025 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection
DSafeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.
July 24, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that feeding tubes are not used unless there is a medical reason and the resident agrees; and provide appropriate care for a resident with a feeding tube.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
February 17, 2025 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
EEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
August 22, 2024 · 11 citations · includes complaint inspection
EHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
EHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
EEnsure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.
EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
DNotify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
DCreate and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
June 13, 2024 · 2 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection
GProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
April 25, 2024 · 5 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection
JProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
DEnsure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.
DProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
February 29, 2024 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.
January 25, 2024 · 8 citations · includes complaint inspection
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
ESet up an ongoing quality assessment and assurance group to review quality deficiencies and develop corrective plans of action.
DProperly hold, secure, and manage each resident's personal money which is deposited with the nursing home.
DDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
December 21, 2023 · 3 citations, includes immediate jeopardy · includes complaint inspection
KProtect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.
EEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
November 2, 2023 · 27 citations · includes complaint inspection
FProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.
FHave a registered nurse on duty 8 hours a day; and select a registered nurse to be the director of nurses on a full time basis.
EHonor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.
EEnsure residents have reasonable access to and privacy in their use of communication methods.
EHonor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
EDevelop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.
EDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
EProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
EEnsure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
EMake sure each resident has 1) at least one window to the outside in a room; 2) a room at or above ground level; 3) adequate bedding; 4) furniture that meets the resident's needs; or 5) adequate closet space.
EMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.
DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.
DHonor the resident's right to manage his or her financial affairs.
DProperly hold, secure, and manage each resident's personal money which is deposited with the nursing home.
DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.
DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.
DPlan the resident's discharge to meet the resident's goals and needs.
DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
DProvide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.
DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.
DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.
CPost nurse staffing information every day.
BNotify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.
BAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
BEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.
Questions to ask on a tour of Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines
- Inspectors cited the home at the immediate-jeopardy level on December 21, 2023 under the rule on freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
- CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on February 17, 2025. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
- Weekend staffing is 17% below the all-week average. Who is on duty on Saturday nights?
- Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
- When is the first care-plan meeting, and can family attend?
Questions come from this home's CMS data: its inspections, staffing and ownership record.
Fines and payment denials
4 penalties in the last three years, including $52,632 in fines.
| Date | Type | Amount or length |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 25, 2024 | Fine | $30,675 |
| Apr 25, 2024 | Payment Denial | 30 days of payments denied |
| Nov 2, 2023 | Fine | $21,957 |
| Nov 2, 2023 | Payment Denial | 28 days of payments denied |
Rating history
| CMS month | Overall | Inspection | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| August 2026 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
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Location
Hospitals near Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines
The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.
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3.5 mi
Iowa Methodist Medical Center Des MoinesEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 3h 2m for patients treated and sent home
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4.3 mi
Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines Des MoinesEmergency room ★☆☆☆☆ Medicare overall 1 of 5Median ER visit 4h 4m for patients treated and sent home
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5.3 mi
Broadlawns Medical Center Des MoinesEmergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5Median ER visit 3h 24m for patients treated and sent home
Hospital ratings, ER visit times and more at Hospitals In Each State
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.
Nearby nursing homes
More nursing homes near Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines › All nursing homes in Des Moines ›
Compare Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines with the 3 closest homes side by side ›
Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles
- Scottish Rite Park · Des Moines · 5 stars · 3.5 mi
- Karen Acres Care Center · Urbandale · 5 stars · 7.4 mi
- Walnut Ridge · Clive · 5 stars · 8.2 mi
- Childserve Habilitation Center · Johnston · 5 stars · 9.0 mi
Other Accura Healthcare nursing homes in Iowa
- Accura Healthcare of New Hampton · New Hampton · 5 stars
- Accura Healthcare of Bancroft · Bancroft · 5 stars
- Accura Healthcare of Sioux City · Sioux City · 5 stars
- Accura Healthcare of Milford · Milford · 5 stars
- Accura Healthcare of Stanton · Stanton · 4 stars
- Accura Healthcare of Ogden · Ogden · 4 stars
Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 44 Accura Healthcare nursing homes ›
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog (provider information, health deficiencies, penalties), October 2026. Inspection citations and penalties cover the last three years. Nursing Homes In Each State is independent and not affiliated with CMS or Medicare. About the data · Report a problem with this listing. Is this your nursing home? Feature it here.