Here are 11 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. Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has strong margins, low operating leverage and solid cash levels, according to Moody's.
2. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has strong margins, and its good management discipline and detailed planning capabilities will drive consistent operating performance, according to Moody's.
3. Falls Church, Va.-based Inova Health System has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a leading market position in the broader northern Virginia region and strong operating cash flow margins, according to Moody's.
4. IHC Health Services, the borrowing group of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare, has an "Aa1" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. Intermountain's exceptional credit quality is supported by low debt levels, strong cash levels, solid operating performance and its leading market position, according to Moody's.
5. Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch and S&P. Kaiser has a robust integrated business model, strong operational cash flow and ample unrestricted reserves, according to S&P.
6. Bryn Mawr, Pa.-based Main Line Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a leading market position in the Philadelphia suburbs, strong balance sheet measures and a modest debt load, according to Moody's.
7. Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial HealthCare has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a prominent market position in the broader Chicago region because of its strong brand, and its consolidated operating model and comprehensive IT systems will allow it to execute growth strategies while maintaining good margins, according to Moody's.
8. Renton, Wash.-based Providence St. Joseph Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's and an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a large service area, a revenue base of more than $24 billion and an integrated care delivery platform, which includes health plans, employed physicians and inpatient and outpatient services, according to Moody's.
9. Broomfield, Colo.-based SCL Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The health system has ample liquidity and a healthy balance sheet, according to S&P.
10. San Diego-based Scripps Health has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has strong market share within San Diego County, a history of strong and stable management, and favorable balance sheet measures, according to Moody's.
11. Tahoe Forest Hospital District, which operates Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, Calif., and Incline Village (Nev.) Community Hospital, has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital district has a healthy cash position, low debt burden and a large and increasing tax base, according to Moody's.
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