CMS did not publish an overall star rating for this hospital; hospitals that report too few quality measures are not rated.
Source: CMS Care Compare, October 2026 releaseER figures are medians, not live waitsAbout the data
Visiting Highlands Cashiers Hospital
- Photo ID and your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid card
- A list of your medicines, doses and allergies
- Your doctor's name and phone number
- A phone charger
Official links: Website for Highlands Cashiers Hospital (opens the hospital's site)
Nearby hospitals
- 13mi Angel Medical Center Franklin, NC · Emergency room · median ER visit 1 hr 58 min Call Angel Medical Center Directions to Angel Medical Center (Google Maps) Details for Angel Medical Center
- 18mi Mountain Lakes Medical Center Clayton, GA · Emergency room · median ER visit 1 hr 49 min Call Mountain Lakes Medical Center Directions to Mountain Lakes Medical Center (Google Maps) Details for Mountain Lakes Medical Center
- 21mi C J Harris Community Hospital Sylva, NC · Emergency room · median ER visit 2 hr 52 min Call C J Harris Community Hospital Directions to C J Harris Community Hospital (Google Maps) Details for C J Harris Community Hospital
Quick answers about Highlands Cashiers Hospital
How long is the ER wait at Highlands Cashiers Hospital?
CMS doesn't publish live wait times. Over the 12 months CMS reported, patients treated and sent home spent a median of 1 hr 41 min in the Highlands Cashiers Hospital emergency room (the average across North Carolina hospitals is 3 hr 3 min). 0% of ER patients left before being seen. For tonight's wait, check the hospital's website (opens the hospital's own site) or call (828) 526-1200. In an emergency, call 911.
What is the phone number for Highlands Cashiers Hospital?
The main phone number for Highlands Cashiers Hospital is (828) 526-1200, from Medicare's hospital records.
Call (828) 526-1200What is the address of Highlands Cashiers Hospital?
Highlands Cashiers Hospital is at 190 Hospital Dr, Highlands, NC 28741.
Directions (opens Google Maps)Does Highlands Cashiers Hospital have an emergency room?
Yes. Highlands Cashiers Hospital has an emergency department, according to Medicare data.
Quality and performance
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · data as of October 2026
Patients treated and sent home from the emergency department at Highlands Cashiers Hospital spend a median of 1 hour 41 minutes there. That is 1 hour 22 minutes shorter than the average across North Carolina hospitals (3 hours 3 minutes).
Source: CMS Hospital General Information and Timely & Effective Care. Wait times are a median over a past 12-month reporting period, not live data. Not affiliated with CMS or with Highlands Cashiers Hospital. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Compare ER waits across North Carolina · Other Critical Access hospitals in North Carolina · How we source this data · Something wrong on this page? Tell us
What patients say
CMS patient survey (HCAHPS) · 143 completed surveys · patients discharged Jan 2025 – Dec 2025
Patients gave Highlands Cashiers Hospital a 4-star patient experience rating out of 5. 90% would definitely recommend it (U.S. average 71%). 82% rated it 9 or 10 out of 10.
The patient survey (HCAHPS) asks a random sample of adult patients about their recent hospital stay. CMS adjusts the results for the mix of patients and how the survey was done, so hospitals can be compared fairly. About the data.
Infections, complications and deaths
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · compared with hospitals nationwide
Highlands Cashiers Hospital was no different from the national benchmark on the one hospital-acquired infection CMS could compare.
Hospital-acquired infections
Death rates within 30 days
| Patients treated for | This hospital | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Heart failure patients | 11.6% | 11.1% |
| Pneumonia patients | 13.7% | 15.2% |
| Hospital-wide, all conditions | 3.9% | 3.9% |
Risk-adjusted rates. CMS has not published a statistical better/worse comparison for these death rates in the current release, so small differences from the U.S. rate may be chance.
"Better" or "worse" means CMS found the difference from the national benchmark statistically significant; most hospitals are "no different". Infection results compare the infections a hospital reported with the number predicted for a hospital of its size and type (a ratio below 1 means fewer than predicted), for Jan 2025 – Dec 2025. Death and complication rates are risk-adjusted for how sick patients were. Each death rate counts deaths within 30 days of a hospital stay, pooled over one to three years of Medicare patients depending on the measure. About the data.
What insurance does Highlands Cashiers Hospital accept?
Original Medicare: Medicare-certified, so it can bill Original Medicare (Medicare number 341316). Medicare Advantage plans have their own networks, which this section does not cover.
2027 Marketplace plans in North Carolina that list this hospital
| Insurer | Plans in network | Network tier |
|---|---|---|
| Oscar | 48 of 48 plans | Preferred |
| Ambetter | 34 of 34 plans | Preferred |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC | 20 of 166 plans | – |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Next | 12 of 12 plans | Preferred |
2027 plan year, individual Marketplace (ACA) plans only.Health insurance in North Carolina
Plans that include this hospital: Blue Advantage Bronze Basic | 3 Free PCP | $25 Tier 1 Rx | HSA Eligible | Integrated | Nationwide Doctors, Blue Advantage Bronze Complete | $60 PCP | $20 Tier 1 Rx | HSA Eligible | Nationwide Doctors, Blue Advantage Bronze HSA Eligible Plus | Integrated | Nationwide Doctors, Blue Advantage Bronze Standard | $50 PCP | $25 Tier 1 Rx | HSA Eligible | Integrated | Nationwide Doctors, Blue Advantage Gold All Copay A | $30 PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Nationwide Doctors, Blue Advantage Gold Premier A | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Nationwide Doctors Compare plans
Adults in North Carolina qualify for Medicaid up to 133% of the poverty line. Ask the hospital which North Carolina Medicaid plans it takes.
What insurance does Highlands Cashiers Hospital accept?
In the 2027 HealthCare.gov Marketplace plan data (insurer network files loaded November 4, 2026), Highlands Cashiers Hospital is in network for 4 Marketplace insurers in North Carolina: Oscar (48 of 48 plans), Ambetter (34 of 34 plans), Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC (20 of 166 plans) and 1 other insurer. This covers Marketplace (ACA) plans only, not Medicare Advantage, Medicaid or employer plans. Networks differ from plan to plan and can change, so confirm with the insurer before you get care.
Does Highlands Cashiers Hospital take Medicare?
Highlands Cashiers Hospital is a Medicare-certified hospital (CMS Certification Number 341316), according to CMS hospital data. Medicare Advantage plans have their own networks, which this page does not cover; check with your plan before you get care.
Does Highlands Cashiers Hospital accept Oscar?
Highlands Cashiers Hospital is in network for 48 of 48 plans that Oscar sells on the North Carolina Marketplace in 2027, according to Oscar's network file loaded November 4, 2026. Networks differ from plan to plan and can change, so confirm with the insurer before you get care.
Does Highlands Cashiers Hospital accept Ambetter?
Highlands Cashiers Hospital is in network for 34 of 34 plans that Ambetter sells on the North Carolina Marketplace in 2027, according to Ambetter's network file loaded November 4, 2026. Networks differ from plan to plan and can change, so confirm with the insurer before you get care.
Does Highlands Cashiers Hospital accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC?
Highlands Cashiers Hospital is in network for 20 of 166 plans that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC sells on the North Carolina Marketplace in 2027, according to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC's network file loaded November 4, 2026. Not every Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC plan includes it. Networks differ from plan to plan and can change, so confirm with the insurer before you get care.
Source: the insurers' 2027 machine-readable provider files listed in the CMS Marketplace public use files, loaded November 4, 2026, matched to hospitals by NPI from CMS Hospital Enrollments. How we match networks to hospitals Networks change; confirm with your insurer before you go.
Readmissions and return visits
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · Medicare patients · Jul 2024 – Jun 2025
On the 1 readmission and return-visit measures CMS could compare, Highlands Cashiers Hospital was no different from the national rate or its expected level.
Back in the hospital within 30 days
| After a stay for | This hospital | U.S. | CMS comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| All conditions (hospital-wide)Medicare patients back in any hospital within 30 days of leaving. | 16.9% | 16.2% | Not compared |
| Heart failure | 21.9% | 21.3% | Not compared |
| Pneumonia | 17% | 17.3% | Not compared |
Return trips after a stay or procedure
Readmission rates count Medicare patients who were admitted to any acute-care hospital within 30 days of leaving this one, adjusted for how sick they were. "Better" or "worse" means CMS found the difference from the national rate statistically significant; most hospitals are "no different". Return-day and outpatient-surgery measures compare the hospital with what CMS expected for its own patients. The Readmissions Reduction Program ratios are shown as CMS publishes them; whether a hospital's payments are reduced depends on how its ratios compare with similar hospitals, so a ratio above 1.00 alone doesn't mean a penalty. About the data.
Timely and effective care
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services · all patients unless noted · Jan 2025 – Dec 2025
Highlands Cashiers Hospital's emergency department is classed by CMS as low volume.
| Measure | This hospital | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Sepsis: got all recommended early treatmentPatients with severe sepsis or septic shock who received every step of the recommended early care bundle. Higher is better. 16 patients. | 94% | 66% |
| Typical time in the ER before going homeMedian minutes from arrival to leaving, for ER patients sent home (not counting mental health patients or transfers). Lower is better. 364 patients. | 101 min | 162 min |
| Typical ER time for patients transferred to another facilityMedian minutes from arrival to leaving. Lower is better. 25 patients. | 339 min | 287 min |
| Patients who left the ER before being seenLower is better. 6,611 patients. | 0% | 2% |
| Health care workers vaccinated against fluHigher is better. 473 patients. | 35% | 77% |
| Discharged on two opioids, or an opioid and a benzodiazepinePatients sent home with prescriptions that raise the risk of overdose when combined. Lower is better. 127 patients. | 24% | 16% |
| Colonoscopy: right follow-up interval for average-risk patientsHigher is better. 18 patients. | 94% | 93% |
CMS publishes these process-of-care measures without a better/worse verdict, so the U.S. figure is shown for context; small differences, or results based on few patients, may not mean much. About the data.
Care after a stay at Highlands Cashiers Hospital
Medicare-certified providers near this hospital, with their CMS ratings. A hospital discharge planner can make the referral.
Skilled nursing facilities nearby
- <0.1mi Eckerd Living Center Highlands, NC · 80 beds Medicare overall 5 of 5 stars · Short-stay quality 4 of 5 · Located in a hospital
- 15mi Macon Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Franklin, NC · 200 beds Medicare overall 3 of 5 stars · Short-stay quality 3 of 5
- 18mi Mountain View Health Care Clayton, GA · 117 beds Medicare overall 1 of 5 stars · Short-stay quality 2 of 5 Abuse citation (CMS)
Skilled nursing ratings and inspections at Nursing Homes In Each State
Dialysis centers nearby See more
- 16mi DaVita Franklin Township DialysisFranklin, NC
- 19mi DaVita Sylva Dialysis CenterSylva, NC
- 24mi DaVita Brevard DialysisBrevard, NC
Home health agencies nearby See more
- 16mi Carepartners Home Care & HospiceFranklin, NC · 90% would recommend
- 19mi Harris Home HealthSylva, NC · 87% would recommend
- 24mi Transylvania Home Care & HospiceBrevard, NC · 91% would recommend
Hospice care providers nearby See more
- 16mi Carepartners Home Care & HospiceFranklin, NC Not rated
- 24mi Carepartners Home Care & HospiceBrevard, NC · 93% would recommend Not rated
Source: CMS Care Compare. Distances are approximate.
Doctors at Highlands Cashiers Hospital
74 Medicare-enrolled doctors and other clinicians list this hospital as an affiliation, across 17 specialties.
Find doctors in Highlands
Medicare-enrolled specialists with a practice in Highlands, with addresses, phone numbers and the hospitals they work with.
Federal rules require hospitals to publish their prices, including the rates they've negotiated with each insurer and their cash prices. Highlands Cashiers Hospital lists them here:
From the hospital's price transparency file (missionhealth.org/cms-hpt.txt), checked Nov 7, 2026. For an estimate of what you'll pay, ask the hospital or your insurer; Medicare's averages are on our procedure cost pages.
Size and finances
Medicare cost report · fiscal year ending Nov 2024
As reported by the hospital to CMS; not audited. Operating margin is income from patient care divided by net patient revenue and leaves out investment income and donations. Compare North Carolina hospital finances.
Who owns Highlands Cashiers Hospital
Medicare enrollment and ownership records (PECOS)
Medicare lists the hospital's legal name as Mh Highlands-cashiers Medical Center, Lllp , incorporated 2018.
152 doctors and other clinicians list Highlands Cashiers Hospital as a hospital affiliation in Medicare's clinician directory.
Organizations with 5% or more ownership (directly or through other companies), partnership interests or operational control, as the hospital reported them to Medicare. Records can lag behind recent sales. Individuals are not listed. Who owns America's hospitals.
The area around Highlands Cashiers Hospital
HRSA shortage designations and BLS pay data
Primary care: Parts of Macon are federally designated health professional shortage areas (1 designation). Highest shortage score 19.
Mental health: Parts of Macon are federally designated health professional shortage areas (1 designation). Highest shortage score 16.
Dental: Parts of Macon are federally designated health professional shortage areas (1 designation). Highest shortage score 16.
Nurse pay: registered nurses in North Carolina earn a median $84,350 a year. Healthcare salaries in North Carolina.
Shortage areas are designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration where there are too few primary care, mental health or dental providers for the population; scores run from 0 to 25 for primary and mental health care and 0 to 26 for dental care, higher meaning greater need. North Carolina shortage areas
Closest other hospitals
Healthcare pay in North Carolina
Registered nurses across North Carolina (all employers) earned a median of $84,350 a year (BLS, May 2025).Registered Nurse (RN) salary in North CarolinaNurse Practitioner salary in North CarolinaRespiratory Therapist salary in North CarolinaHealthcare salaries in North Carolina
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Cite this data
Writing about Highlands Cashiers Hospital? You're welcome to quote these figures. They are free to use under CC BY 4.0: please credit HospitalsInEachState.com and link to this page.