Here are nine hospitals and health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions, according to recent reports from Moody's Investors Service, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Hospital and health system names were compiled from recent credit rating reports and are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Wausau, Wis.-based Aspirus has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The health system has solid debt and liquidity metrics, according to S&P.
2. Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The health system has a strong operating profile, favorable payer mix, healthy financial performance and sustained volume growth, according to S&P.
3. St. Louis-based Mercy Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has favorable cash flow metrics, a solid strategic growth plan, a broad service area and improving operating margins, according to Moody's.
4. Traverse City, Mich.-based Munson Healthcare has an "AA-" rating and positive outlook with Fitch. The health system has a leading market share in a favorable demographic area and a healthy net leverage position, according to Fitch.
5. Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Ind., has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The hospital is executing on its strategic plan, and S&P expects it to maintain its balance sheet metrics.
6. Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a leading market position, robust reserves and strong cash flow, according to Fitch.
7. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Health System has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has favorable liquidity metrics, strong fundraising capabilities, a healthy market position and regional brand recognition, according to Moody's.
8. Madison-based University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital has an integral relationship with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a major academic medical center and quaternary referral center for the region and state, according to Moody's.
9. Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport, La., has an "AA-" rating and positive outlook with Fitch. The hospital has a leading inpatient market share, favorable payer mix and healthy operating margins, according to Fitch.
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