Celebrating 75 Years of Cox Medical Center Branson
A Culture of Care, Community Roots, and National Recognition
Discover what makes Cox Medical Center Branson a truly special place to work and receive care. In this video, hear firsthand how our dedicated team of more than 1,000 employees is living out our mission to improve community health. And how recent achievements, local talent and a shared sense of purpose are shaping our future. From national awards to homegrown success stories, see why Cox Branson is where people want to be.
Our Beginnings
Cox Medical Center Branson, originally known as Skaggs Community Hospital, opened its doors on Jan. 8, 1950, with a 25-bed facility staffed by five physicians and six nurses' aides. The original brick building, still in use today, marked the beginning of a legacy of care in the Branson community. On Jan. 1, 2013, Skaggs Regional Hospital officially became Cox Medical Center Branson following a $100 million strategic partnership investment by CoxHealth. Just one year after the agreement, the hospital broke ground on a 63,000-square-foot expansion of its Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit. Today, Cox Medical Center Branson employs more than 1,000 people and offers 165 licensed inpatient beds, a five-story Outpatient Center, a Cancer Center, a 24-hour Emergency Department, and two Urgent Care locations.
National Award-Winning Care in Branson
To receive national recognition, hospitals and health care systems must demonstrate and achieve clinical excellence. Cox Medical Center Branson is a shining example of a hospital focused on patient safety.
The hospital has consistently demonstrated excellence in patient care and safety, earning an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade two times in a row—widely regarded as the gold standard for measuring patient safety in U.S. hospitals. Its commitment to delivering top-tier treatment for stroke and STEMI (cardiac) patients has been recognized with prestigious awards from both the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, reflecting adherence to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. Further affirming its leadership in stroke care, the hospital earned multiple Get With The Guidelines achievement awards, including:
- Stroke Gold Plus Award
- Target: Stroke Honor Roll
- Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Rural Stroke Gold Award
In cardiac care, the hospital received the Chest Pain–MI Registry Platinum Performance Award from the American College of Cardiology for the fifth consecutive year, underscoring its sustained excellence in treating myocardial infarction. Infection control efforts have also set the hospital apart, with recognition as one of only 263 hospitals nationwide to report a zero MRSA infection rate, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data collected through the National Health Care Safety Network.
Beyond clinical achievements, the hospital has earned community accolades, winning “Best of Branson” Gold for Best Urgent Care/Medical Care, and Silver for Best Fitness Center/Gym, reflecting its broad impact on health and wellness in the region.
Historical Images
Cox Medical Center Branson
We're a full-service hospital caring for residents of, and visitors to, Stone and Taney counties. From our newly expanded and renovated emergency department and critical care areas, to our new Women’s Center, Cox Medical Center Branson offers the care you need, right here.