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Polk County, Iowa · Nursing home

Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines

1 of 5 overall from CMS

4911 SW 19th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315

Call (515) 285-2559Directions

At a glance

Arrows only show whether a figure is above or below the state average. They are not a judgment of the home.

Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines is a 89-bed nursing home in Des Moines, Iowa (Polk County). CMS rates it 1 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 3.93 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, above the Iowa average of 3.82. CMS lists 2 fines totaling $52,632 in the past three years.

Certified beds
89
Residents per day (average)
82.9
Certified since
1996 (30 yrs)

For profit - Limited Liability company Participates in Medicare and Medicaid

Bed use is this site's calculation: average residents per day divided by certified beds. It is an average, so it does not show today's openings.

Terms used on this page
CMS
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that publishes the ratings, staffing figures, inspection results and penalties shown here.
Certified beds
The number of federally certified beds CMS lists for the home.
Deficiency or citation
A federal requirement that inspectors found the home did not meet. Each one gets a letter from A to L for how serious it was and how many residents were affected. What the letters mean
Actual harm
Letters G, H and I: actual harm to a resident that is not immediate jeopardy.
Immediate jeopardy
Letters J, K and L: the problem caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to a resident.
Inspection cycle
A standard inspection plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to it. This page shows the three most recent cycles.
Special Focus Facility (SFF)
A home CMS has placed under closer oversight because of its inspection record. More about the program

Questions to ask Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines

Chosen from this home's public data.

  1. CMS lists 2 fines totaling $52,632 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
  2. Nursing staff turnover is 47.6%, above the Iowa average of 44.0%. How often would the same aides care for my relative?Turnover in CMS data
  3. Reported nurse staffing is 3.42 hours per resident on weekends against 3.93 overall. Who covers Saturdays and Sundays?Weekend staffing in CMS data

More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.

CMS star ratings

The vertical line marks the Iowa average. Ratings run from 1 to 5. How to read CMS star ratings

Nurse staffing

Hours of care per resident per day, as the home reported to CMS.

What these roles do

Nurse aides give most hands-on daily care, such as help with bathing, dressing and meals. Licensed practical nurses give medications and routine nursing care. Registered nurses assess residents and direct their care.

How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 11 hours. The vertical line marks the Iowa average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.

Quality measures

CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Iowa and national averages. marks the measures CMS uses in its quality star rating; for those, the rating gives more points for a lower rate.

Long-stay residents

MeasureThis homeIowaU.S.
★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased 30.1% 17.1% 13.9%
Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight 9.6% 4.6% 5.2%
★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder 0.7% 1.5% 0.8%
★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection 0.4% 2.4% 1.6%
Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms 4.4% 4.2% 12.8%
Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained 0.0% 0.2% 0.1%
★ Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury 7.7% 3.8% 3.2%
Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 82.9% 94.0% 93.6%
★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened 20.3% 16.6% 14.1%
Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication 21.1% 20.8% 19.5%
Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 97.4% 95.3% 95.5%
★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers 4.7% 4.2% 4.6%
Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence 30.4% 25.6% 19.0%
★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication 31.1% 19.5% 15.4%
★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days 2.17 1.49 1.90
★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days 2.36 2.08 1.78

Short-stay residents

MeasureThis homeIowaU.S.
Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine 68.6% 84.0% 82.0%
★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication 0.0% 2.1% 1.6%
Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine 11.5% 73.3% 79.8%
★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission 35.4% 20.9% 23.8%
★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit 13.3% 13.2% 12.0%

Measure periods: April 2025 to March 2026 for most measures; July 2024 to June 2025 for the flu vaccine measures; January to December 2025 for the hospital and emergency department measures, which CMS risk-adjusts. See the measures on Medicare.gov

Inspection history

Inspectors cited 67 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 2 were at the immediate jeopardy level and 2 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 50 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Jun 13, 2024: Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

Deficiencies by inspection cycle
Standard inspectionHealthFire safety
Jul 24, 202549
Aug 22, 2024156
Nov 2, 2023483

Iowa homes averaged 6.5 health deficiencies in the latest cycle; the national average is 9.2. Each cycle's health count covers the standard inspection on that date plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to that cycle.

Health citations, three most recent inspection cycles (67)

  1. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

    Safeguard resident-identifiable information and/or maintain medical records on each resident that are in accordance with accepted professional standards.

    Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Oct 10, 2025)

  2. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 15, 2025)

  3. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

    Ensure 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.

    Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 15, 2025)

  4. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

    Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Aug 15, 2025)

  5. EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern

    Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

    Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 21, 2025)

Show 25 more
  1. EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern

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

    Complaint investigation · Nutrition and Dietary · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 21, 2025)

  2. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 21, 2025)

  3. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 21, 2025)

  4. EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern

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

    Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  5. EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern

    Honor 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.

    Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  6. EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern

    Ensure that nurses and nurse aides have the appropriate competencies to care for every resident in a way that maximizes each resident's well being.

    Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  7. EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern

    Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

    Complaint investigation · Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  8. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

    Notify 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.

    Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  9. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

    Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted

    Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  10. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  11. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  12. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  13. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

    Ensure medication error rates are not 5 percent or greater.

    Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  14. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

    Ensure that residents are free from significant medication errors.

    Complaint investigation · Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 16, 2024)

  15. GActual harm, isolated

    Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

    Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 23, 2024)

  16. GActual harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 23, 2024)

  17. JImmediate jeopardy, isolated

    Protect each resident from all types of abuse such as physical, mental, sexual abuse, physical punishment, and neglect by anybody.

    Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jun 23, 2024)

  18. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 10, 2024)

  19. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 10, 2024)

  20. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

    Ensure that the resident and his/her doctor meet face-to-face at all required visits.

    Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 10, 2024)

  21. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 10, 2024)

  22. EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern

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

    Complaint investigation · Nursing and Physician Services · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 12, 2024)

  23. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 12, 2024)

  24. DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated

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

    Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Mar 12, 2024)

  25. EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern

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

    Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 16, 2024)

Showing the 30 most recent of 67.

What severity letters A to L mean

Each sentence above is the requirement that was not met, in CMS's wording. For the inspection results as Medicare publishes them, open this home's page on Medicare.gov and look under "Health inspections".

Penalties, past three years

DateTypeAmount
Apr 25, 2024Fine$30,675
Apr 25, 2024Payment Denial30 days
Nov 2, 2023Fine$21,957
Nov 2, 2023Payment Denial28 days

Iowa homes averaged 0.6 fines and $19,286 in fine amounts; the national averages are 0.9 and $30,972.

Cost

Not in the public data. CMS does not publish what a nursing home charges.

Ask the home for its daily private-pay rate and whether a bed is open for your coverage. See what Medicare covers and how Medicaid pays for a nursing home.

Compared within Iowa

Common questions

What is the CMS star rating for Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines?

Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines has an overall rating of 1 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 1, staffing is 4 and quality measures is 3.

How many beds does Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines have?

Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines has 89 certified beds. It averages 82.9 residents per day, about 93.1% of its certified beds.

How much nursing care do residents get at Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines?

The home reports 3.93 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 0.48 hours from registered nurses. The Iowa average is 3.82 hours and 0.74 hours from registered nurses.

Has Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines been fined?

Yes. CMS lists 2 fines totaling $52,632 in the past three years. It also lists 2 payment denials.

Does Accura Healthcare of South Des Moines accept Medicare or Medicaid?

CMS lists its participation as "Medicare and Medicaid". Ask the home whether a bed is open for your coverage.

Guides for families looking at this home

Nearest nursing homes

Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Polk County

Who to call in Iowa

These offices serve residents of every nursing home in Iowa.

Iowa staffing, bed-hold and Medicaid rules · Residents' rights in every state

Call (515) 285-2559 Compare

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 165273. See this home's official record on Medicare.gov

See something shown incorrectly? Tell us. This site shows each record as CMS publishes it and cannot change the underlying record.