Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital

Our critical access hospital has a history in Rock Rapids dating back to the 1950s. Over the years, we’ve had multiple names, and in 2019, we opened the doors to a new facility called Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital. The hospital campus and the care offered here are the result of a partnership between Avera and the Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital Association.

• Parking for emergency services is located on the northwest side of the building near the entrance with a red Emergency awning. All other patients and visitors may park in the main front parking lot.
• All non-emergency patients and visitors are welcome to enter through the main entrance under the big canopy and check in with reception.
• Most general care areas welcome visitors during the day. Please keep in mind that doors to the facility lock after 5 PM for security purposes.
• We recommend no more than two visitors at a time. Minors and dependent adults must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• We may restrict visitors, temporarily close and adjust hours to protect the safety of patients and staff.
• Find a quiet place for prayer or meditation in the chapel on campus.
• Learn about your patient rights, responsibilities and role in safe health care.

• If you have concerns or a complaint about your care:

  • Contact the department or clinic manager

  • For written concerns or complaints, contact the hospital’s main phone number and ask to speak to the risk management department.

  • Should you have a concern that is unresolved, you have the right to contact the Iowa Department of Health at 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319 or at 515-281-7689.

Transportation is available for patients and visitors through the Rides service in Rock Rapids. This service operates Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 2 PM. To schedule a ride, call 712-262-7920, preferably 24 hours in advance.

We offer innovative imaging technology, including CT, 3D mammography, X-ray, ultrasound and bone density scanning on site, as well as MRI and nuclear medicine available via mobile unit. Experts conduct comfortable and quick imaging, so you receive an accurate diagnosis which will determine the right treatment for your health.

Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital offers 3D mammography in Rock Rapids, IA. Mammograms are an important health screening for women ages 40 and older. Request an appointment at this location or call 712-472-5400.

Same-day lab results and other diagnostic tests are available. Right inside our facility, you have access to a wide range of laboratory services that contribute to accurate diagnoses of medical conditions. Expert specialists conduct safe and reliable lab testing, helping you and your provider get the results you need to start an effective and personalized treatment plan.

 This location offers Avera Lab Direct Access Testing, which lets you quickly and confidentially order a variety of tests without a doctor’s order. These tests help you monitor ongoing risks — such as complete blood count, glucose, lipids or hemoglobin — but shouldn’t be a replacement for the personalized care of your primary care provider.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

We understand the importance of providing cancer care to patients in Rock Rapids and surrounding communities in northwest Iowa. Stay close to home to receive leading-edge oncology and hematology services, including on-site chemotherapy and infusion treatments.

In-person, outreach specialty services include cardiology, orthopedics, surgery and podiatry. We also offer endocrinology and other health services via telemedicine appointment, where patients come to our local facility for an appointment via video with a provider. For an appointment to see a visiting physician, call the clinic at 712-472-5300.

The best way to know your unique risk for cardiovascular disease is with a Planet Heart screening — available for men ages 40+ and women ages 45+. Most patients get both screenings done with one appointment. Call us today at 712-472-5400 to schedule your personalized appointment in Rock Rapids, IA. Appointments are required.

• The $75 heart screening includes: calcium score CT, blood pressure, cholesterol and limited nutrition and tobacco cessation counseling (as needed).
• The $75 vascular screening includes: carotid artery screening, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, lung scan and peripheral artery disease screening.
• The all-in-one, $125 screening includes everything listed for the heart and vascular screenings.

Screening Location: Check in with reception inside the front door of the hospital.

Cardiac rehabilitation treatment sessions help improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with conditions affecting cardiac health. The care team evaluates and instructs patients on physical activity, nutrition, stress management and medication education, along with meeting other educational needs for patients.

This hospital is a swing bed provider under federal regulations, meaning that it can use hospital beds, as needed, to provide either acute or skilled nursing facility care. Post-hospital extended care services provided in a swing bed hospital are allowed coverage under Medicare Part A. This allows a patient to continue receiving services in the hospital even though acute care is no longer required.

To bring family medicine closer to local residents, this hospital provides a satellite clinic in George, IA.