Murphy-Watson-Burr Surgery Center Named to U.S. News 2026 Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers
We’re proud to share that the Murphy-Watson-Burr Surgery Center in St. Joseph has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report among its 2026 Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers, earning a high performing rating in ophthalmology. The recognition reflects something our patients and team have long known: that careful, outcomes-focused surgical care close to home makes a real difference.
What this recognition means
U.S. News evaluated ambulatory surgery centers across the country based entirely on objective, risk-adjusted measures of patient outcomes — including how successfully each center avoided complications, emergency room visits, and unplanned hospitalizations. The analysis accounted for each patient’s pre-existing conditions so that centers could be compared fairly. In other words, this is not a popularity ranking or a paid placement. It is a data-driven look at how patients actually fared, drawn from Medicare outcomes data, and U.S. News recognizes only the highest-performing centers in each specialty.
For our patients, the ophthalmology recognition speaks directly to the cataract and eye surgery care performed at our center every week.
About the Murphy-Watson-Burr Surgery Center
Our surgery center was established in 1985 by Dr. James A. Murphy as a dedicated outpatient facility, so that patients could have their procedures performed comfortably and efficiently outside a hospital setting. It has held continuous HFAP (Health Facilities Accreditation Program) accreditation since 2010 and is Medicare certified and state licensed. Cataract surgery and other eye procedures are performed here by our board-certified ophthalmologists — Dr. Scott A. Murphy, Dr. William E. Burr, and Dr. Christopher Pole.
Caring for Northwest Missouri since 1977
This recognition belongs to our whole team — the surgeons, nurses, anesthesia partners, and staff who care for every patient who comes through our doors. It’s a reflection of the personalized, attentive care that has defined Murphy-Watson-Burr Eye Center since 1977.
If you’ve been told you have cataracts, or you’re considering eye surgery, we’d be glad to talk with you about your options. Call (816) 233-2020 to schedule a consultation, or learn more about cataract surgery at Murphy-Watson-Burr.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2026 Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers — Murphy Watson Burr Surgery Center profile.
