Dallas-based Medical City Healthcare, an affiliate of HCA Healthcare, has named a new president and a new CFO.

Rural hospitals face a myriad of economic and financial pressures. Here are the 50 rural hospitals with the best margins, according to data from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform: 

Economic activity, driven mainly by greater inpatient volumes linked to the tripledemic of RSV, flu and COVID-19, grew in December for the 31st straight month in the hospital subsector, the Institute for Supply Management said Jan. 9.

The outlook for Mullica Hill, N.J.-based Inspira Health was revised to stable from positive amid its "adequate" financial profile, Moody's said Jan 6.

Forty-two percent of revenue cycle leaders said claims denials are increasing, according to a recent report from Experian Health.

Ten hospitals or health systems recently posted job listings seeking revenue cycle management expertise.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb proposed a massive increase in funding to public health programs, Northwest Indiana Business Magazine reported Jan. 6.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Brooks Rehabilitation had its credit ratings affirmed at "A-" as it continues to perform well and prove its leading market presence in a fast-growing region, Fitch Ratings said Jan. 6.

Toledo, Ohio-based ProMedica Health has had its rating removed from a negative credit watch imposed in August 2022 and remains overall "BB" rated by S&P Global.

Boise, Idaho-based St. Luke's Health System saw its income for 2022 vastly reduced amid higher operating expenses and losses on its investment values, leading to a fall in its overall worth.

Rural hospitals are under immense financial strain. Since 2005, 183 rural hospitals have closed. 

Margins will eventually rebuild to historic levels and a strong management team will help ensure so, Moody's said of MedStar Health as the rating agency affirmed an "A2" credit rating with a stable outlook for the Columbia, Md.-based healthcare system.

Healthcare employment increased by 55,000 in December, with ambulatory services leading the way, according to a Jan. 6 Bureau of Labor Statistics news release.

R1 RCM reaffirmed its 2022 guidance and unveiled its 2023 outlook in a Jan. 5 news release. 

The former CEO of troubled Maryville, Tenn.-based Blount Memorial Hospital was forced out with a $1.2 million payment even as officials at the hospital publicly said he had voluntarily retired, court documents obtained by Becker's claim.

R1 RCM's leadership team is continuing to evolve with appointments of a new CFO and chief commercial officer. 

Pioneers Memorial Healthcare, which recently had its credit rating downgraded three notches to "B" amid ongoing operational challenges, is working with a consultant group to identify cost savings and functional improvements ranging from selling an MRI machine and the implementation of a new IT system to the restructuring of its physical therapy services.

Troubled Leadville, Colo.-based St. Vincent Health, which has hit the headlines recently as it struggles to make payroll, is fundamentally on sound financial footing and has a positive future, its interim CEO told Becker's.

Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare and Colorado Springs, Colo.-based UCHealth are forming a joint venture clinically integrated network, Intermountain said in a Jan. 5 news release.

While it affirmed a rating of "A+" on debt levels for Asante Health, Fitch Ratings has downgraded the outlook for the Medford, Ore.-based healthcare system to negative from stable.