Kansas Hospitals Directory

90+
Total Hospitals
3
Level I Trauma Centers
911
Emergency Services
81
Critical Access Hospitals

Kansas operates 90+ hospitals providing comprehensive medical care across the state, from world-class academic medical centers in Kansas City and Wichita to critical access hospitals serving rural communities. The University of Kansas Hospital ranks as the #1 hospital in Kansas and Kansas City metro for 16 consecutive years with seven nationally ranked specialties. Three Level I trauma centers and numerous regional medical centers provide 24/7 emergency care and specialized treatment throughout the state.

⭐ Top-Ranked Kansas Hospitals

These Kansas hospitals have earned national recognition from U.S. News & World Report and other rating organizations for excellence in patient care, specialized treatment, and medical outcomes.

University of Kansas Hospital Ranked #1

📍 Location: 4000 Cambridge St, Kansas City, KS 66160
📞 Phone: (913) 588-1227
🏥 Type: Academic Medical Center, Level I Trauma

University of Kansas Hospital ranks as the best hospital in Kansas and Kansas City metro for 16 consecutive years – an honor no other hospital has achieved. With 623 beds, it is the region's most experienced nationally verified Level I Trauma Center and includes the only regional burn center. U.S. News 2025-2026 rankings: Cancer (#50), Cardiology/Heart Surgery (#33), ENT (#23), Geriatrics (#30), Neurology/Neurosurgery (#32), Pulmonology/Lung Surgery (#29). High-performing in 3 specialties including gastroenterology, orthopedics, and urology. Part of University of Kansas Health System.

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Wesley Medical Center Level I Trauma

📍 Location: 550 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67214
📞 Phone: (316) 283-6000
🏥 Type: Regional Trauma Center

Wesley Medical Center is a 760-bed Level I trauma center in Wichita and home to the largest emergency department in Kansas. Features Wesley Children's Hospital providing specialized pediatric care and trauma services. Operates a comprehensive trauma program with 24/7 surgical team, advanced cardiovascular services, orthopedic trauma, burn center services, and high-level neonatal intensive care. Part of HCA Midwest Health system.

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Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Level I Trauma

📍 Location: 929 N. St. Francis St, Wichita, KS 67214
📞 Phone: (316) 962-1000
🏥 Type: Trauma & Burn Center

Ascension Via Christi St. Francis is a 421-bed Level I trauma and burn center in Wichita. The region's only dedicated burn center providing specialized treatment for burn injuries. Features comprehensive trauma program, cardiovascular services, orthopedic care, and advanced surgical services. Operates 24/7 trauma team. Part of Ascension Via Christi Health, Kansas's largest healthcare system.

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Stormont Vail Health Regional Center

📍 Location: 1500 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604
📞 Phone: (785) 354-1900
🏥 Type: Regional Medical Center

Stormont Vail Health is Topeka's largest medical center with 340+ beds. Features Level III trauma center, comprehensive emergency department, cardiovascular services, cancer center, orthopedic surgery, and women's health services. Part of Stormont Vail Health system serving northeast Kansas with multiple clinics and facilities.

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Overland Park Regional Medical Center Regional Hospital

📍 Location: 10500 Parallel Rd, Overland Park, KS 66204
📞 Phone: (913) 967-5000
🏥 Type: Regional Hospital

Overland Park Regional Medical Center is a 400-bed comprehensive hospital serving the Kansas City metro area. Features emergency department, trauma program, cardiovascular services, orthopedic surgery, cancer services, and women's health. Part of HCA Midwest Health system.

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Hays Medical Center Regional Center

📍 Location: 1301 E. 28th St, Hays, KS 67601
📞 Phone: (785) 625-6622
🏥 Type: Regional Medical Center

Hays Medical Center is a 200-bed regional hospital serving western Kansas. Features comprehensive emergency department, obstetrics, general surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, and critical care services. Part of Western Kansas Medical Center network.

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🏙️ Kansas City Area Hospitals

Kansas City metropolitan area hosts numerous major hospitals including University of Kansas Hospital, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, and other regional facilities.

Overland Park Regional Medical Center

📍 10500 Parallel Rd, Overland Park, KS 66204
📞 (913) 967-5000

400-bed hospital with emergency department, cardiac services, orthopedic surgery, and comprehensive cancer services. HCA Midwest Health system.

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission

📍 9100 W 74th St, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204
📞 (913) 963-4600

400+ bed medical center in Johnson County. Emergency department, cardiovascular services, orthopedics, women's health, and cancer center. AdventHealth system.

AdventHealth South Overland Park

📍 15500 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66223
📞 (913) 473-3000

200+ bed hospital with emergency department, orthopedic services, cardiovascular care, and general surgery. AdventHealth system.

Menorah Medical Center

📍 4949 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, KS 66104
📞 (913) 746-6000

HCA Midwest Health facility with emergency services, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, and general medical care.

University of Kansas Medical Center

📍 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160
📞 (913) 588-1440

Academic medical center affiliated with University of Kansas School of Medicine. Research hospital with medical education programs, specialty clinics, and university health services.

Lee's Summit Medical Center

📍 2100 SE Green Street, Lee's Summit, MO 64063 (Kansas City metro)
📞 (816) 404-5000

HCA Midwest Health facility serving Kansas City metro with emergency department and general hospital services.

🏥 Wichita Hospitals

Wichita is home to major medical centers including Wesley Medical Center (largest emergency department in Kansas), Ascension Via Christi St. Francis (burn center), and Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph.

Wesley Medical Center Level I Trauma

📍 550 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67214
📞 (316) 283-6000

760 beds. Largest emergency department in Kansas. Level I trauma center with 24/7 trauma surgeons. Wesley Children's Hospital (pediatric level I trauma). Cardiovascular services, orthopedic trauma, neonatal ICU. HCA Midwest Health.

Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Burn Center

📍 929 N. St. Francis St, Wichita, KS 67214
📞 (316) 962-1000

421 beds. Level I trauma center. Region's only dedicated burn center for specialized burn treatment. Cardiovascular, orthopedic, surgical services. 24/7 trauma program. Ascension Via Christi Health.

Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph

📍 3600 E. Harry St, Wichita, KS 67218
📞 (316) 717-5000

Hospital with emergency department, general surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, and obstetrics. Part of Ascension Via Christi Health system.

Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa

📍 14800 W. 95th St, Wichita, KS 67209
📞 (316) 636-7000

Ascension Via Christi facility providing emergency care, general surgery, orthopedic services, and comprehensive medical care for southwest Wichita area.

Robert J. Dole Veterans Hospital

📍 5500 E. Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67218
📞 (316) 685-7000

Department of Veterans Affairs hospital serving Wichita and surrounding areas. Primary care, emergency services, specialty clinics for eligible veterans.

🌆 Other Major Cities

Kansas hospital network extends to all major population centers including Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina, and other regional cities.

Topeka Hospitals

Stormont Vail Health - 1500 SW 10th Ave | (785) 354-1900 | Regional center with 340+ beds, Level III trauma, emergency department, cardiovascular services.

Capital City Hospital - Psychiatric facility providing mental health services to Topeka area.

Lawrence Hospitals

Lawrence Memorial Hospital - 325 Maine St | (785) 609-4000 | 350-bed community hospital with emergency department, orthopedics, cardiology, general surgery.

University of Kansas medical school teaching hospital and training site for healthcare professionals.

Manhattan Hospitals

Manhattan Medical Center - 1133 College Ave | (785) 537-6451 | Regional hospital in Riley County serving Kansas State University area.

Emergency department, general surgery, obstetrics, medical-surgical beds, critical care services.

Salina Hospitals

Salina Regional Health Center - 400 S Santa Fe Ave | (785) 452-6100 | 300-bed hospital serving central Kansas.

KU Medical Center Salina campus serves as teaching and residency training site. Emergency services, orthopedics, cardiology, general surgery.

Hays Hospitals

Hays Medical Center - 1301 E. 28th St | (785) 625-6622 | 200-bed regional medical center serving western Kansas.

Emergency department, obstetrics, general surgery, cardiology, orthopedics. Teaching hospital affiliated with University of Kansas.

Garden City Hospitals

Scott County Hospital - Acute care facility | Regional hospital serving southwestern Kansas.

Finney County Hospitals - Emergency services and general care in Garden City area.

🏛️ Hospital Systems & Networks

Kansas hospitals operate through several major health systems providing coordinated care networks across the state.

University of Kansas Health System Academic

Headquarters: Kansas City, KS
Main Hospital: University of Kansas Hospital (623 beds, Level I Trauma)

Academic medical center affiliated with University of Kansas School of Medicine. Campuses in Kansas City, Wichita, and Salina. Features the state's only NCI-designated Cancer Center and regional burn center. Graduate medical education programs in all clinical departments.

Facilities: University of Kansas Hospital, Wichita campus, Salina campus, multiple clinics and specialty centers.

Ascension Via Christi Health Largest Provider

Headquarters: Wichita, KS
Employees: 10,000+ across Kansas and northeast Oklahoma

Catholic-sponsored health system. 120+ years serving Kansas families. Kansas's largest healthcare provider with 12 hospitals, 15 senior villages and nursing homes throughout Kansas.

Key Facilities: Via Christi St. Francis (Level I Trauma, Burn Center), Via Christi St. Joseph, Via Christi St. Teresa, Via Christi Pittsburg, and network throughout state.

HCA Midwest Health Kansas City Area

Region: Kansas City metropolitan area
Facilities: 7 hospitals, 150+ care points

Largest healthcare provider in Kansas City metro area serving both Kansas and Missouri. Provides care across 80+ specialties with 1,500+ providers.

Kansas Hospitals: Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Wesley Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center (Missouri), Lafayette Regional Health Center (Missouri), Research Medical Center (Missouri).

AdventHealth Kansas City Johnson County Focus

Region: Kansas City metro, primarily Johnson County
Campuses: 3 major locations in Shawnee Mission, Lenexa, Overland Park

Non-profit health system providing whole-person care to Kansas City communities. AdventHealth operates facilities in Shawnee Mission, South Overland Park, and Lenexa. Also operates AdventHealth Ottawa (formerly Ransom Memorial Health).

Services: Emergency departments, cardiovascular care, orthopedics, women's health, cancer centers, pediatric services.

Stormont Vail Health Northeast Kansas

Region: Northeast Kansas, Topeka area
Main Hospital: Stormont Vail Health (340+ beds)

Regional health system serving northeast Kansas. Operates multiple clinics and specialty centers. Features Level III trauma center, comprehensive emergency services, cardiovascular programs, cancer services.

Services: Emergency medicine, cardiovascular services, orthopedic surgery, cancer center, women's health, general surgery.

KRHOP & Rural Networks

Mission: Support Kansas's 81 Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and rural health system

Kansas Rural Health Options Program (KRHOP) is public/private partnership providing technical support, funding, and networking opportunities to rural providers. Kansas is third-highest state with 81 Critical Access Hospitals (after Texas with 88, Iowa with 82).

Support: Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) program, state-designated rural health networks, emergency medical services coordination, patient referral development.

🚑 Trauma Centers & Emergency Care

Kansas operates three Level I trauma centers and numerous regional trauma facilities providing 24/7 emergency and trauma care. All Kansas hospitals with emergency departments provide immediate emergency care.

Level I Trauma Centers (3 Total)

🏥 University of Kansas Hospital LEVEL I

Kansas City, KS
📞 (913) 588-1227

Region's most experienced nationally verified Level I Trauma Center. 24/7 trauma surgery team, comprehensive trauma services, regional burn center. Operates Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

🏥 Wesley Medical Center LEVEL I

Wichita, KS
📞 (316) 283-6000

Kansas's largest emergency department. Level I trauma center with 24/7 surgical team. Wesley Children's Hospital (Level II Pediatric Trauma). Specialized burn center services.

🏥 Ascension Via Christi St. Francis LEVEL I

Wichita, KS
📞 (316) 962-1000

Level I trauma and burn center. Region's only dedicated burn center. 24/7 trauma surgeons and specialized burn treatment team. Advanced trauma surgical services.

Regional Trauma Center

🏥 Stormont Vail Health LEVEL III

Topeka, KS
📞 (785) 354-1900

Level III trauma center serving northeast Kansas. Comprehensive emergency department, trauma services, surgical capabilities. Regional referral center.

🔥 Burn Centers: Ascension Via Christi St. Francis (region's only dedicated burn center, Wichita) and University of Kansas Hospital (regional burn center, Kansas City) provide specialized treatment for severe burn injuries. Transfer coordination available through state trauma system.

Emergency Department Services

All Kansas hospitals with emergency departments provide 24/7 emergency care including:

  • Immediate triage and emergency stabilization
  • Emergency medicine physicians and nursing staff
  • Laboratory and imaging services (X-ray, CT, ultrasound)
  • Orthopedic, surgical, and trauma teams at designated centers
  • Cardiac arrest and stroke response protocols
  • Pediatric emergency services at designated hospitals
  • Mental health crisis intervention services
  • Poison control access (1-800-222-1222)

👶 Teaching Hospitals & Specialty Care

Kansas's major teaching hospitals provide medical education, advanced specialty services, and research-based treatment programs.

University of Kansas Medical Center

📍 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160
📞 (913) 588-1440

Academic medical center affiliated with University of Kansas School of Medicine (founded 1905). Features:

  • University of Kansas Hospital (623-bed tertiary care center)
  • NCI-designated Cancer Center
  • Regional burn center (only in Kansas)
  • Level I Trauma Center with pediatric trauma services
  • Graduate Medical Education residency programs in all clinical departments
  • Medical student teaching and research
  • Campuses in Wichita and Salina for regional training

Specialties: Internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, emergency medicine, psychiatry, orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, neurology, urology, ENT.

Pediatric Care Services

Wesley Children's Hospital (Wichita)
Part of Wesley Medical Center. Specialized pediatric emergency department, Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care, pediatric surgery.

University of Kansas Children's Services
Pediatric specialty clinics and hospitalization at University of Kansas Medical Center. Level I Pediatric Trauma services, pediatric subspecialties, neonatal care, pediatric surgery.

Pediatric Services at Regional Hospitals
Most Kansas regional hospitals provide obstetrics and pediatric services including neonatal intensive care and pediatric beds.

Cancer Centers

University of Kansas Cancer Center - NCI-designated cancer center, only one in Kansas. Comprehensive cancer care, clinical trials, research programs, multidisciplinary tumor boards.

Regional Cancer Services - Ascension Via Christi, Wesley Medical Center, Stormont Vail Health, and other major hospitals provide cancer diagnosis, medical oncology, radiation therapy, surgical oncology services.

Services: Oncology consultation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, clinical trials, survivorship programs, palliative care.

Cardiovascular & Heart Surgery

University of Kansas Health System - Nationally ranked cardiology and heart surgery (#33 nationally). Advanced interventional cardiology, coronary angiography, cardiac surgery, heart transplant consultation.

Wesley Medical Center - Comprehensive cardiovascular services, interventional cardiology, cardiac rehabilitation.

Regional Providers - Ascension Via Christi, Stormont Vail, and other hospitals provide cardiology services and cardiac catheterization laboratories.

Neurology & Neurosurgery

University of Kansas Health System - Nationally ranked neurology/neurosurgery (#32 nationally). Stroke center with emergency thrombolytics, neurointerventional radiology, neurosurgery, epilepsy specialty.

Stroke Network - Primary and comprehensive stroke centers designated throughout Kansas with emergency stroke protocols and telemedicine capabilities.

Services: Acute stroke treatment, neurosurgery consultation, epilepsy management, movement disorders, neurological rehabilitation.

Orthopedic & Trauma Surgery

University of Kansas Health System - Orthopedic surgery residency program, sports medicine, trauma orthopedics.

Major Medical Centers - Wesley, Ascension Via Christi, Stormont Vail provide orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine, trauma surgery.

Services: Joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder), arthroscopic surgery, fracture treatment, sports medicine, reconstruction surgery.

🔥 Burn Center Services

Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Burn Center (Wichita) - Region's only dedicated burn center. Specialized burn treatment, wound care, reconstruction surgery, burn rehabilitation.

University of Kansas Hospital Burn Center (Kansas City) - Regional burn center providing comprehensive burn care and surgical treatment.

Both centers provide emergency stabilization, fluid resuscitation, surgical management of burns, infection prevention, and long-term wound care and rehabilitation services.

🏘️ Rural & Critical Access Hospitals

Kansas's robust network of 81 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) ensures access to emergency care and essential medical services throughout rural Kansas. These hospitals are vital to rural healthcare delivery and community health.

About Critical Access Hospitals (CAH)

What is a CAH? Small, generally acute care facilities located more than 35 miles from other hospitals. Provide emergency services, acute care hospitalization, and outpatient services to rural communities. Must be licensed to operate 25 or fewer inpatient beds.

Kansas Leadership: Kansas ranks third nationally with 81 Critical Access Hospitals (Texas has 88, Iowa has 82).

Services Provided: Emergency department, acute inpatient hospitalization, rural health clinic services, primary care, obstetrics, basic surgical services, laboratory, imaging, rehabilitation.

Funding: Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) program provides federal support. Kansas Rural Health Options Program (KRHOP) provides technical assistance and funding to support CAH operations.

Representative Critical Access Hospitals

Following are examples of Critical Access Hospitals serving Kansas communities. For complete list of all 81 CAHs, contact Kansas Hospital Association or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

Northwest Kansas CAH Examples

Smith County Hospital - Smith Center | Emergency services, acute care, clinic services

Osborne County Hospital - Osborne | 25-bed facility, emergency department, acute care

Rooks County Hospital - Plainville | Emergency services, inpatient beds, clinic

Decatur County Hospital - Oberlin | Remote rural facility serving northwest corner of state

North Central Kansas CAH Examples

Lincoln County Hospital - Lincoln | Emergency and acute care services

Mitchell County Hospital - Beloit | 25-bed critical access facility

Ellsworth County Hospital - Ellsworth | Regional emergency services

Cloud County Health Center - Concordia | Teaching hospital with medical residency program

Western Kansas CAH Examples

Cheyenne County Hospital - St. Francis | Westernmost hospital in Kansas

Wallace County Hospital - Sharon Springs | 25-bed critical access facility

Greeley County Hospital - Tribune | Emergency and acute services

Scott County Hospital - Scott City | Southwestern Kansas emergency services

Southwest Kansas CAH Examples

Stanton County Hospital - Johnson | Extreme southwest Kansas facility

Seward County Hospital - Liberal | Regional hospital serving panhandle

Thomas County Hospital - Colby | Northwest regional facility

Finney County Hospitals - Garden City | Regional emergency services

South Central Kansas CAH Examples

Pratt Regional Medical Center - Pratt | Regional hospital, acute care

Kiowa County Hospital - Greensburg | 25-bed critical access facility

Clark County Hospital - Ashland | Rural acute care facility

Comanche County Hospital - Coldwater | Remote rural hospital

Southeast Kansas CAH Examples

Allen County Hospital - Iola | Regional acute care facility

Bourbon County Hospital - Fort Scott | 50-bed regional hospital

Woodson County Hospital - Yates Center | 25-bed critical access facility

Wilson County Hospital - Fredonia | Rural emergency services

Rural Health Support Resources:
KRHOP (Kansas Rural Health Options Program) - krhop.net - Technical support, funding, and networking for rural hospitals
KDHE Office of Rural Health - Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Community Health Systems - Medicare Flex program administration

💡 Visitor Information & Insurance

Hospital Visiting Hours

Most Kansas hospitals observe the following visiting policies (verify with specific hospital):

  • ICU/Acute Care: Limited visiting (2-4 visitors at a time, daytime focused)
  • General Inpatient Floors: 8am-8pm or 10am-8pm daily
  • Pediatric Floors: Parents 24 hours, other visitors daytime only
  • Maternity/Newborn: Flexible family visitation, partner 24-hour access
  • Emergency Department: Accompaniment of one family member usually allowed
  • COVID-19/Illness Policies: May restrict visitation during outbreaks - call ahead

Insurance & Payment

Kansas hospitals accept multiple insurance options:

  • Medicare: Accepted at all U.S. hospitals
  • Medicaid: Kansas Health Assistance Program (KHAP)
  • Private Insurance: Major national plans and local insurers
  • Workers' Compensation: Accepted for work-related injuries
  • Self-Pay: Financial assistance programs often available
  • Emergency Care: EMTALA requires stabilizing treatment regardless of insurance status

Parking & Hospital Facilities

  • Parking: Most hospitals offer free or low-cost parking for visitors
  • Valet: Some major hospitals offer valet parking services
  • Cafeteria: Food services available at most hospitals (hours vary)
  • WiFi: Free WiFi available for patients and visitors at major hospitals
  • Chaplain Services: Spiritual care and counseling available
  • Pharmacy: Hospital and retail pharmacies available
  • Gift Shops: Available at major medical centers

Discharge & Prescriptions

Discharge Medications: Upon discharge, patients receive prescriptions. Clarify cost before leaving hospital.

Pharmacy Options:

  • Hospital pharmacy (usually fills prescriptions before discharge)
  • Chain pharmacies: Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Kroger
  • Independent pharmacies throughout Kansas
  • Mail-order pharmacy for chronic medications

Patient Rights & Accessibility

Patient Rights: All Kansas hospitals must follow federal patient rights standards including right to access medical records, informed consent, confidentiality, complaint procedures.

Accessibility: All hospitals required to provide ADA-compliant facilities. Wheelchair accessibility, accessible parking, elevators, accessible restrooms.

Language Services: Professional interpreters available for non-English speaking patients. Translation services provided for medical documents.

Complaint Process: All hospitals have patient advocate office to handle concerns and complaints. Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reviews hospital complaints and quality issues.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City ranks as the #1 hospital in Kansas and Kansas City metro area for 16 consecutive years. It earned this distinction from U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 with seven nationally ranked specialties: Cancer (#50), Cardiology/Heart Surgery (#33), ENT (#23), Geriatrics (#30), Neurology/Neurosurgery (#32), Pulmonology/Lung Surgery (#29), and high-performing status in orthopedics, gastroenterology, and urology. It is the only hospital in the Kansas City region with any adult medical and surgical specialties ranked in the top 50 nationally. Other excellent hospitals include Wesley Medical Center (Wichita) and Ascension Via Christi St. Francis (Wichita), both Level I trauma centers.
Kansas has three designated Level I trauma centers providing the highest level of emergency trauma care: (1) University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, the region's most experienced Level I Trauma Center, (2) Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, home to Kansas's largest emergency department, and (3) Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita, the region's only dedicated burn center. All three operate 24/7 with trauma surgeons, critical care teams, and comprehensive emergency services.
Yes, University of Kansas Hospital operates the only regional burn center in Kansas, providing specialized treatment for severe burn injuries. Additionally, Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita is the region's only dedicated burn center. Both facilities have specialized burn treatment teams, intensive care capabilities, and surgical expertise for managing complex burn injuries. For severe burns, call 911 immediately for emergency transfer to the nearest burn center.
For life-threatening emergencies, immediately call 911. Do not delay emergency care. Paramedics will transport you to the nearest appropriate hospital. For chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, major trauma, or other emergency conditions, call 911. If you are able to drive safely, you may go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room, but 911 is preferred as paramedics can begin treatment en route. All Kansas hospitals with emergency departments must provide emergency stabilization regardless of ability to pay (EMTALA federal requirement).
Yes, Kansas has an extensive network of 81 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) distributed throughout rural areas, ensuring all Kansans have access to emergency care and essential medical services. Kansas ranks third nationally for CAH count (after Texas with 88 and Iowa with 82). These hospitals are small, acute care facilities located more than 35 miles from other hospitals. Regional hospitals like Hays Medical Center, Stormont Vail Health, and others serve larger regional populations. The Kansas Rural Health Options Program (KRHOP) provides support to rural hospitals and health networks.
For cancer treatment, the University of Kansas Hospital Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated cancer center in Kansas, providing the most comprehensive cancer services including clinical trials and cancer research. Ranked #50 nationally in cancer care (U.S. News 2025-2026). Other major hospitals including Ascension Via Christi, Wesley Medical Center, and Stormont Vail Health also provide quality cancer care including medical oncology, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. Discuss with your primary care physician about the best cancer center for your specific diagnosis and treatment options.
University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City is the largest hospital in Kansas with 623 beds and serves as the state's major tertiary care and academic medical center. It also operates the only NCI-designated cancer center and only regional burn center in Kansas. Wesley Medical Center in Wichita is the second-largest with 760 beds (note: bed count can vary). These major medical centers provide the most comprehensive specialty services and serve as regional referral centers for complex medical conditions.
Wesley Children's Hospital at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita provides specialized pediatric emergency and trauma services with a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center designation. University of Kansas Medical Center provides Level I Pediatric Trauma services and comprehensive pediatric specialty care including neonatal ICU. Most regional hospitals provide obstetric and pediatric services including neonatal care. For serious pediatric emergencies, call 911 immediately.
Major hospital systems operating in Kansas include: (1) University of Kansas Health System (academic medical center with Level I trauma center), (2) Ascension Via Christi Health (largest Kansas provider with 12 hospitals, 10,000+ employees), (3) HCA Midwest Health (Kansas City metro region, 7 hospitals), (4) AdventHealth Kansas City (formerly Shawnee Mission Health, Johnson County focus), and (5) Stormont Vail Health (northeast Kansas). Additionally, numerous independent hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals serve specific regions.
Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are small acute care facilities (25 or fewer inpatient beds) located more than 35 miles from other hospitals. They serve rural communities by providing essential emergency and hospital services including emergency department, basic surgery, obstetrics, and primary care. Unlike large regional hospitals, CAHs focus on community-based care rather than complex specialty services. Kansas has 81 CAHs (third highest in nation), supported through Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) program and Kansas Rural Health Options Program (KRHOP). These hospitals are critical to rural healthcare access and often are the only hospital within significant distance.

📞 Additional Resources & Contacts

State Agencies

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
kdhe.ks.gov
Regulates and oversees Kansas hospitals and healthcare facilities. Handles patient complaints and quality of care issues.

Office of Rural Health
Bureau of Community Health Systems, administers Medicare Flex program for rural hospitals.

Industry Organizations

Kansas Hospital Association
kha-net.org
Trade association for Kansas hospitals. Provides hospital directory and information.

Kansas Rural Health Options Program (KRHOP)
krhop.net
Supports Kansas's network of Critical Access Hospitals and rural health providers.

Emergency Services

Emergency Number: 911
Available 24/7 for life-threatening emergencies. Dispatch will direct ambulance to appropriate hospital.

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
24/7 poison control hotline for overdose and poison exposure emergencies.

Kansas Health Guidance Hotline
For medical advice and healthcare navigation questions.

Information Resources

U.S. News & World Report Hospital Rankings
health.usnews.com
National hospital quality ratings and rankings by specialty.

Medicare Hospital Compare
cms.gov
Federal database of hospital quality and safety measures.

Last updated on November 24, 2025