Okemah Hospital Ranked #1 in Oklahoma for Value Of Care
OKEMAH, OK — Creek Nation Community Hospital (CNCH) has been ranked #1 in Oklahoma and #4 nationally for Value of Care among Critical Access Hospitals in the 2026–27 Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility.
The Value of Care category considers how well a hospital delivers strong patient outcomes while using healthcare resources responsibly.
The hospital also ranked #1 in the nation for Avoiding Overuse, a category that recognizes hospitals for protecting patients from unnecessary tests and procedures that may not improve their care or outcomes.
“This recognition belongs to our team,” said Dr. Catherine Vass, administrator of CNCH. “Every day, they work hard to make thoughtful decisions and provide the care each patient truly needs. We are proud to see that commitment recognized at both the state and national level.”
In total, CNCH received nine recognitions in the 2026–27 rankings:
These recognitions place CNCH among the top-performing Critical Access Hospitals in Oklahoma and across the country, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to thoughtful, patient-centered care. CNCH serves the southern half of the Muscogee Reservation, providing essential healthcare services to rural communities and tribal citizens.
The Lown Hospitals Index evaluates thousands of hospitals across the country using publicly available data. The ranking considers more than 50 measures related to patient outcomes, value and equity, including whether hospitals provide high-quality care while avoiding unnecessary procedures.
“The best hospitals aren’t just clinically excellent, they’re deeply committed to the communities they serve and work hard to ensure all patients get the care they need,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “High performance on the Lown Index shows that hospitals are doing more of what matters to patients and communities.”
To learn more about MCN Health and its commitment to patient-centered care, visit Creekhealth.org/patient-experience.
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About Muscogee Nation Department of Health
Headquartered in Okmulgee, Okla., the Muscogee Nation is the fourth largest federally recognized tribe in the United States with more than 100,000 citizens. The Muscogee Nation Department of Health (MCN Health) employs more than 1,700 health professionals and staff who provide care for over 67,000 patients each year through its community hospitals, clinics, and specialty programs. MCN Health is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Native people and rural communities by delivering accessible, patient-centered care grounded in compassion, cultural respect, and community partnership.
About the Lown Institute
The Lown Institute is an independent think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health. We envision a healthcare system focused on what’s best for people, like hospitals caring for those most in need, patients living without fear of financial distress, and health professionals finding joy in their roles. The Lown Hospitals Index is a signature project of the Institute.
Media Contact
Ashtyn Salsman | Communications Manager
918-577-0730 | Ashtyn.Salsman@creekhealth.org
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