Here are 11 health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions, according to recent reports from Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Health system names were compiled from recent credit rating reports and are listed in alphabetical order.
1. South Bend, Ind.-based Beacon Health System has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a strong financial profile, and is the acute care leader in its market, according to Fitch.
2. St. Cloud, Minn.-based CentraCare Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a strong operating risk profile and a leading market position over a broad service area, according to Fitch.
3. Wauwatosa, Wis.-based Children's Hospital and Health System has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a strong financial profile and is the dominant provider of tertiary and quaternary pediatric services in southeastern Wisconsin, according to Moody's.
4. Cleveland Clinic Health System has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system's strength as an international brand will allow it to grow revenue outside of the constrained northeast Ohio market, and its exceptional fundraising capabilities and cash flow will fund increasing capital spending, according to Moody's.
5. Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan Alliance has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has leading positions in key markets and a strong cash position, according to Moody's.
6. Woodbury, N.J.-based Inspira Health Network has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system maintained strong operating margins during a major construction project and IT implementation, and Fitch expects the system's strong operating performance to continue.
7. St. Joseph, Mo.-based Mosaic Life Care has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a dominant market position and strong operating performance, according to Fitch.
8. Portland-based Oregon Health and Sciences University has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has solid operating performance, strong clinical offerings and includes the only academic medical center in Oregon, according to Moody's.
9. San Diego-based Sharp HealthCare has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has strong balance sheet measures and its market share continues to grow, according to Moody's.
10. Stanford (Calif.) Health Care has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The credit rating agency expects Stanford Health Care to continue to leverage its strong market position and brand name to generate stable margins and grow cash flow.
11. Iowa City-based University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The system's strong brand and position as the only academic medical center in Iowa will continue to translate into strong market share and high patient demand, according to Moody's.
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