Three Iowa counties, including Marion, are among the nation’s top 25 communities for health care access, according to a recent analysis by the U.S. News & World Report. Counties are ranked in the study on three primary metrics including the percentage of people without health insurance, the availability of hospital beds to receive care and access to primary care providers to deliver care. Marion County, served by MercyOne affiliate Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, ranked 23rd in access to care. Just more than 4% of county residents are uninsured compared to more than 10% nationally. The county has good access to primary care providers and specialty services. Access to adequate hospital beds is Marion County’s strength.

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics CEO Kevin Kincaid says this an honor for Marion County to be named top 25 in the nation for access to primary care providers and specialty services, and that this recognition is a testament of their commitment.

Health data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Census Bureau, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was used for the study, which includes more than 3,000 counties nationally.