Here are 17 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. Health system names were compiled from recent credit rating reports and are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Pittsfield, Mass.-based Berkshire Health Systems has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a dominant market share and a favorable payer mix, according to Fitch.
2. Prince Fredrick, Md.-based Calvert Health System has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The system has a leading market share, a favorable payer mix and stable cash flow, according to Fitch.
3. Hawaii Pacific Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The Honolulu-based system has a strong market position, favorable operating results and sufficient cash flow, according to Fitch.
4. IHC Health Services, the borrowing group of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare, has an "Aa1" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a dominant market share, solid debt coverage and strong cash levels, according to Moody's.
5. Inova Health System has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The Falls Church, Va.-based health system has consistently strong cash-flow margins, a leading market position and a good investment position, according to Moody's.
6. Dallas-based Methodist Health System has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a favorable liquidity position, consistent operating results and a growing market population, according to Moody's.
7. Grand Blanc, Mich.-based McLaren Health Care has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a leading market position, low leverage and a favorable payer mix, according to Fitch.
8. Cincinnati-based Mercy Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a favorable payer mix and a leading market share in five of its seven regional markets, according to Fitch.
9. Asheville, N.C.-based Mission Health System has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. Mission Health has a strong market position, and Moody's expects the system to maintain a favorable financial performance and healthy liquidity as it enters the final phase of a multiyear construction project.
10. Salem (Ore.) Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The health system has a dominant position in a favorable primary service area and strong operating results, according to Fitch.
11. Norfolk, Va.-based Sentara Healthcare has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a leading market position in its core service area, and its regional platform will continue to drive strong patient demand that will translate into solid margins, according to Moody's.
12. Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The health system has a strong market share and conservative debt structure, and has successfully managed several capital projects over the past few years, according to S&P.
13. Arlington-based Texas Health Resources has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a strong cash position, good debt coverage, stable financial performance and a leading market position, according to Moody's.
14. UnityPoint Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The West Des Moines, Iowa-based system has a leading market share and a favorable payer mix, according to Fitch.
15. Iowa City-based University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has recently seen patient volume grow and its operating performance improve, according to Moody's.
16. Philadelphia-based University of Pennsylvania Health System has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has a strong market position, solid operating margins and limited debt burden, according to Moody's.
17. Salt Lake City-basedUniversity of Utah Hospitals and Clinics has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has strong financial performance and a reputation as a high-acuity provider. Moody's expects the system to maintain its strong financial performance and continue to expand its footprint.
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