facebook tracking Good Samaritan - Ottumwa, Ottumwa IA: CMS Ratings
Skip to content

Good Samaritan - Ottumwa

All states › Iowa › Ottumwa › Good Samaritan - Ottumwa

2035 Chester Avenue Ottumwa, IA 52501 · Wapello County

(641) 682-8041

All 3 nursing homes in Ottumwa, IA (3 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 126 certified beds Non profit Continuing care retirement community

CMS certification number 165211 · See this home on Medicare Care Compare

Ratings come from CMS and are updated monthly; these are from October 2026. Check the latest inspection report and visit in person before you decide.

Is Good Samaritan - Ottumwa 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 Good Samaritan - Ottumwa as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the Iowa average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 45 citations in the last three years. CMS imposed 1 penalty, including $35,968 in fines, in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 4 out of 5; for long-term residents, 5 out of 5.

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 3.66 hours per resident per day at Good Samaritan - Ottumwa, about the same as the Iowa median of 3.76 (US median: 3.72). About 0.87 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.30 hours, 10% below its all-week average. 33% of nursing staff left within a year (Iowa median 41.7%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.66 hours
Below the Iowa median of 3.76 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.87 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.30 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 33% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 21.7% a year Share of registered nurses who left over a year.
Administrators who left 0 in the past year Frequent leadership changes are worth asking about on a visit.

About this nursing home

Certified beds126
Residents per day 101 About 80% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipNon profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceApril 1994
Part of a chainGood Samaritan Society
Legal business nameTHE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY

Paying for care at Good Samaritan - Ottumwa: Medicare and Medicaid

Good Samaritan - Ottumwa 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 December 4, 2025 and found 3 deficiencies, plus 12 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 45 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 45 citations at Good Samaritan - Ottumwa across 7 inspection dates, 22 of them from complaint investigations. 3 were at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on October 10, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (14) and resident rights (12). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents" (tag F0689, level G, October 10, 2024). 2 citations were under CMS's abuse, neglect and exploitation rules.

August 5, 2026 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide the required documentation or notification related to the resident's needs, appeal rights, or bed-hold policies.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0628 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 6, 2026)

June 3, 2026 · 11 citations · includes complaint inspection

EEnsure menus must meet the nutritional needs of residents, be prepared in advance, be followed, be updated, be reviewed by dietician, and meet the needs of the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0803 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

EEnsure each resident receives and the facility provides drinks consistent with resident needs and preferences and sufficient to maintain resident hydration.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0807 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

DImmediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0580 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

DHonor 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

DEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

DEnsure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0760 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

DEnsure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0804 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 4, 2026)

December 4, 2025 · 3 citations

DReasonably accommodate the needs and preferences of each resident.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0558 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2025)

DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 8, 2025)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Dec 15, 2025)

September 3, 2025 · 3 citations · includes complaint inspection

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 15, 2025)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 15, 2025)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 15, 2025)

October 10, 2024 · 7 citations, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 23, 2024)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 23, 2024)

DHonor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0578 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 23, 2024)

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 23, 2024)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 23, 2024)

DProvide enough food/fluids to maintain a resident's health.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0692 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 23, 2024)

DProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 23, 2024)

May 22, 2024 · 2 citations · includes complaint inspection

DProvide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0677 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2024)

DProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 17, 2024)

August 24, 2023 · 18 citations, includes actual harm

GProvide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0686 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

GEnsure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0689 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0584 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

EProvide enough nursing staff every day to meet the needs of every resident; and have a licensed nurse in charge on each shift.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nursing and Physician Services Deficiencies · Tag F0725 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

EProcure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0812 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

EProvide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0880 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DHonor the resident's right to a dignified existence, self-determination, communication, and to exercise his or her rights.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0550 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DThe resident has the right to receive notices in a format and a language he or she understands.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0574 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DGive residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0582 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DKeep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0583 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DTimely report suspected abuse, neglect, or theft and report the results of the investigation to proper authorities.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0609 · Past Non-Compliance (Aug 24, 2023)

DRespond appropriately to all alleged violations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies · Tag F0610 · Past Non-Compliance (Aug 24, 2023)

DDevelop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0656 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DDevelop the complete care plan within 7 days of the comprehensive assessment; and prepared, reviewed, and revised by a team of health professionals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0657 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DEnsure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0658 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DProvide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DProvide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0690 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

DEnsure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0759 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 12, 2023)

Questions to ask on a tour of Good Samaritan - Ottumwa

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on October 10, 2024 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. CMS cited the home under its abuse and neglect rules on August 24, 2023. How are staff trained, and how are concerns reported?
  3. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  4. 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

1 penalty in the last three years, including $35,968 in fines.

DateTypeAmount or length
Oct 10, 2024 Fine $35,968

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 2/5 2/5 4/5 4/5
August 2026 2/5 2/5 4/5 4/5
Add this rating badge to your websiteFree. Shows Good Samaritan - Ottumwa's Medicare star rating and updates itself.

Size and colour

Preview

Good Samaritan - Ottumwa Medicare star rating badge

Paste it where the badge should appear: in WordPress, a Custom HTML block or a footer widget; on other sites, any spot that accepts HTML. The badge updates itself when CMS publishes new ratings.

Examples, sizes and help on the badge page ›

Location

Hospitals near Good Samaritan - Ottumwa

The Medicare-certified hospitals closest to this nursing home, with their CMS data. Ask the home which hospital it usually sends residents to.

  • 4.0 mi
    Ottumwa Regional Health Center Ottumwa
    Emergency room ★★☆☆☆ Medicare overall 2 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 46m for patients treated and sent home
  • 17.1 mi
    Davis County Hospital Bloomfield
    Emergency room
    Median ER visit 1h 36m for patients treated and sent home
  • 17.9 mi
    Monroe County Hospital Albia
    Emergency room
    Median ER visit 2h 3m 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

Ridgewood Specialty Care Ottumwa · 0.3 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 60 beds · Medicaid
Accura Healthcare of Ottumwa Ottumwa · 2.3 mi away ★★★★★ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 4/5 60 beds · Medicaid
Bloomfield Care Center Bloomfield · 17.1 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 91 beds · Medicaid
Oakwood Specialty Care Albia · 18.1 mi away ★★★★☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 4/5 54 beds · Medicaid
Crystal Heights Care Center Oskaloosa · 22.7 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 3/5 · Staffing 2/5 72 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Good Samaritan - Ottumwa ›   All nursing homes in Ottumwa ›

Compare Good Samaritan - Ottumwa with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

Higher-rated nursing homes within 10 miles

Other Good Samaritan Society nursing homes in Iowa

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 92 Good Samaritan Society 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.

Compare

https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/iowa/ottumwa/good-samaritan-ottumwa/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.