facebook tracking Northcrest Specialty Care, Waterloo IA: CMS Ratings
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Northcrest Specialty Care

All states › Iowa › Waterloo › Northcrest Specialty Care

2001health Street Waterloo, IA 50703 · Black Hawk County

(319) 234-4423

All 6 nursing homes in Waterloo, IA (6 take Medicaid)

Accepts Medicare Accepts Medicaid 94 certified beds Non profit

CMS certification number 165165 · 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 Northcrest Specialty Care 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 Northcrest Specialty Care as of October 2026.

CMS rates it 2 out of 5 stars overall, below the Iowa average of 3.1. Inspectors issued 33 citations in the last three years. CMS reports no fines or payment denials in that time. For short-term rehab patients CMS rates quality 5 out of 5; for long-term residents, 3 out of 5. Those results differ a lot, so ask about the unit your family member would be on.

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 3.46 hours per resident per day at Northcrest Specialty Care, below the Iowa median of 3.76 (US median: 3.72). About 0.62 of those hours are from registered nurses. On weekends it falls to 3.21 hours, 7% below its all-week average. 42.5% of nursing staff left within a year (Iowa median 41.7%).

Nursing care per resident per day 3.46 hours
Below the Iowa median of 3.76 Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and aides combined, from payroll records.
Registered nurse hours 0.62 per resident a day RNs handle assessments, medications and changes in condition.
Weekend nursing care 3.21 hours Per resident a day. A big drop from weekdays can mean thin weekend staffing.
Nursing staff turnover 42.5% a year Share of nursing staff who left over a year. Lower usually means steadier care.
Registered nurse turnover 52.9% 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 beds94
Residents per day 88 About 93% of beds filled, on average
OwnershipNon profit - Corporation
Payment acceptedMedicare and Medicaid
Certified sinceFebruary 1992
Part of a chainCare Initiatives
Legal business nameCARE INITIATIVES

Paying for care at Northcrest Specialty Care: Medicare and Medicaid

Northcrest Specialty Care 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 February 12, 2026 and found 6 deficiencies, plus 5 from complaint inspections in the same period. In total, inspectors issued 33 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 33 citations at Northcrest Specialty Care across 7 inspection dates, 14 of them from complaint investigations. 1 was at the actual-harm level (G–I), most recently on October 1, 2024. The most common areas cited were quality of life and care (8) and resident rights (8). The most serious was cited under the CMS rule to "provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals" (tag F0684, level G, October 1, 2024).

August 17, 2026 · 4 citations · includes complaint inspection

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 (Sep 16, 2026)

DAllow residents to self-administer drugs if determined clinically appropriate.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0554 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 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 (Sep 16, 2026)

DEnsure 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.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Pharmacy Service Deficiencies · Tag F0761 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2026)

February 12, 2026 · 7 citations · includes complaint inspection

EMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0919 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 14, 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 (Mar 14, 2026)

DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 14, 2026)

DEncode each resident’s assessment data and transmit these data to the State within 7 days of assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0640 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 14, 2026)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 14, 2026)

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 (Mar 14, 2026)

DHave policies on smoking.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0926 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 14, 2026)

June 4, 2025 · 1 citation · 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 (Jul 3, 2025)

January 30, 2025 · 7 citations

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 (Mar 1, 2025)

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 (Mar 1, 2025)

DEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 1, 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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 1, 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 (Mar 1, 2025)

DDevelop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0883 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 1, 2025)

DEducate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Infection Control Deficiencies · Tag F0887 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 1, 2025)

October 1, 2024 · 1 citation, includes actual harm · includes complaint inspection

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

Actual harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0684 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 14, 2024)

April 11, 2024 · 1 citation · includes complaint inspection

DProvide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies · Tag F0697 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 11, 2024)

January 30, 2024 · 12 citations · includes complaint inspection

EHonor the resident's right to organize and participate in resident/family groups in the facility.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0565 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 29, 2024)

EHonor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Rights Deficiencies · Tag F0585 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 29, 2024)

EProvide 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 (Feb 29, 2024)

EEmploy sufficient staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to carry out the functions of the food and nutrition service, including a qualified dietician.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies · Tag F0801 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 29, 2024)

EMake sure that a working call system is available in each resident's bathroom and bathing area.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Environmental Deficiencies · Tag F0919 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 29, 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 (Feb 29, 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 (Feb 29, 2024)

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 (Feb 29, 2024)

DAssess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.

Potential for more than minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0636 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 29, 2024)

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 · Complaint inspection · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 29, 2024)

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 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 29, 2024)

BEnsure each resident receives an accurate assessment.

Potential for minimal harm · Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies · Tag F0641 · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 29, 2024)

Questions to ask on a tour of Northcrest Specialty Care

  1. Inspectors cited the home at the actual-harm level on October 1, 2024 under the rule on quality of life and care. What changed afterwards, and can I see the plan of correction?
  2. Do you have a Medicaid bed open now, and will you admit someone whose Medicaid application is still pending?
  3. 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

CMS reports no fines or payment denials for this home in the last three years.

Rating history

CMS monthOverallInspectionStaffingQuality
October 2026 2/5 2/5 4/5 4/5
August 2026 2/5 2/5 4/5 4/5
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Location

Hospitals near Northcrest Specialty Care

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

  • 1.3 mi
    Allen Memorial Hospital Waterloo
    Emergency room ★★★☆☆ Medicare overall 3 of 5
    Median ER visit 2h 43m for patients treated and sent home
  • 4.0 mi
    Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center Waterloo
    Emergency room ★★★★☆ Medicare overall 4 of 5
    Median ER visit 3h 43m for patients treated and sent home
  • 7.1 mi
    Sartori Memorial Hospital Cedar Falls
    Emergency room
    Median ER visit 1h 36m 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

Harmony Waterloo Waterloo · 3.7 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 3/5 88 beds · Medicaid
Ravenwood Specialty Care Waterloo · 3.9 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 1/5 · Staffing 4/5 176 beds · Medicaid
Friendship Village Retirement Waterloo · 3.9 mi away ★★★☆☆ Inspection 4/5 · Staffing 1/5 72 beds · Medicaid
Pillar of Cedar Valley Waterloo · 4.5 mi away ★☆☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 3/5 114 beds · Medicaid
Pinnacle Specialty Care Cedar Falls · 6.0 mi away ★★☆☆☆ Inspection 2/5 · Staffing 4/5 100 beds · Medicaid

More nursing homes near Northcrest Specialty Care ›   All nursing homes in Waterloo ›

Compare Northcrest Specialty Care with the 3 closest homes side by side ›

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Other Care Initiatives nursing homes in Iowa

Affiliation comes from CMS's affiliated-entity data, October 2026. All 43 Care Initiatives 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.

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https://www.nursinghomesineachstate.com/iowa/waterloo/northcrest-specialty-care/ · Data: CMS, October 2026 · Nursing Homes In Each State, not affiliated with CMS or Medicare.