Freeman Neosho Hospital Recognized for Physician & Nurse Communication Excellence

Neosho, MO – Exceptional patient care begins, and ends, with communication. 

Newton County patients have spoken, and Freeman Neosho Hospital is among the nation’s best when it comes to physician and nurse communication with their patients: Explaining things clearly, listening carefully and showing both courtesy and respect during patients’ hospital stays. 

Freeman Neosho is one of only 183 hospitals nationwide, and one of a half-dozen in Missouri, to earn 5-star ratings for both physician and nurse communication with their patients, according to Becker’s Hospital Review, one of the nation’s leading healthcare industry media platforms.

“I am incredibly proud of our team for earning this recognition, and it reflects the compassion and dedication our caregivers demonstrate every day,” said Kyle Bridges, Freeman Neosho’s Interim Chief Administrative Officer. “What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes directly from our patients. It tells us that when patients come to Freeman Neosho Hospital during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, they feel listened to, respected, informed and cared for. That is a testament to every member of our team—physicians, nurses, therapists, support staff and volunteers—who work hard every day to provide exceptional care close to home.”

The national recognition is based on patient experience data collected between July 2024 and June 2025 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. That data highlights individual hospitals where patients consistently reported excellent communication from their nurses and attending physicians. 

“At Freeman Neosho Hospital, we believe great healthcare begins with relationships,” Bridges said. “Clinical excellence is essential, but patients also deserve clear communication, compassion and respect throughout their healthcare journey.”

Key areas in which Freeman Neosho nurses and physicians excelled included: 

• Taking the time to listen to patients’ and their families’ concerns and questions 
• Communicating clearly so patients understand their care and treatment plans
• Working collaboratively across departments to create a seamless patient experience
• Treating every patient with dignity, compassion and respect
• Providing personalized care in a community-focused environment

“Our caregivers understand that patients may not remember every test or procedure, but they will always remember how they were treated,” Bridges added. “That mindset is embedded in our culture and is reflected in this recognition. One of the strongest indicators of trust is whether a patient would recommend us to a family member or friend. We never take that trust for granted.”

Additional Missouri-based hospitals receiving 5-star ratings for combined physician/nurse communication are based in Aurora, Chillicothe, Lamar, Lexington and Monett. None of these hospitals have more than 25 beds. 

“In a rural community hospital like Freeman Neosho, our caregivers often know the people they serve. Many patients are our neighbors, friends, family members and community partners,” Bridges said. “That close connection helps foster trust and allows us to deliver a highly personalized experience.”

Freeman Neosho Hospital, located at 113 W. Hickory Street, is a 25-bed medical/surgical hospital with a 24/7 emergency department that offers world-class inpatient treatment as well as a growing array of outpatient medical care services close to home and family.

“This shows that our team has embraced that opportunity and made patient-centered communication a priority,” Bridges continued. “Regardless of size, hospitals that focus on relationships, compassion and communication will excel in patient experience.”

The recognition places Freeman Neosho Hospital among an elite group of hospitals and reinforces the health system’s commitment to providing nationally recognized healthcare close to home for the communities it serves. 

“Every day, our goal is to provide care that is safe, compassionate, and patient-centered,” Bridges said. “When patients leave our hospital feeling confident in the care they received and comfortable recommending us to others, it tells us we are fulfilling our mission.”

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center—the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit Freeman Health System.