Pender Medical Clinic Achieves 5-Star Rating in Inaugural National Rural Evaluation

Pender Medical Clinic has been awarded a 5-Star Rating through the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), placing the clinic among the first rural health facilities in the country to be recognized under this new program. The rating highlights the clinic’s strong patient experience scores and its commitment to high-quality, personal care close to home.

NRRS was created to give rural clinics and critical access hospitals a fair, meaningful way to be recognized—something many cannot achieve through CMS’s Care Compare program due to low patient volumes. Using validated patient experience data from accredited survey vendors, NRRS evaluates key areas such as communication with providers and office staff, access to care, and care coordination. Facilities earning 4- and 5-Star Ratings are publicly recognized.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team,” said Laura Gamble, RN, CEO of Pender Community Hospital. “Our staff works hard to deliver dependable, compassionate care every day. Being named a 5-Star clinic is a meaningful acknowledgment of that commitment.”

The NRRS program is supported by the National Rural Health Association and guided by rural health leaders nationwide. Star Ratings are calculated quarterly, with annual recognition for high-performing facilities.

Pender Medical Clinic’s 5-Star Rating is based on a rolling year of verified patient satisfaction results. This recognition affirms the clinic’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care for families throughout the region.