Here are five 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. Minneapolis-based Allina Health has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with Fitch and an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has stable operating cash flow and favorable balance sheet metrics, according to Moody's.
2. Coral Gables-based Baptist Health South Florida has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The system has maintained key balance sheet metrics and generated better-than-projected financial results in fiscal year 2016, according to S&P.
3. Christiana Care Health Services has an "Aa2" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The Newark, Del.-based system has solid liquidity and a history of above average financial performance, according to Moody's.
4. Springfield, Ill.-based Hospital Sisters Health System has an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The system successfully implemented a strategic plan, which helped it maintain a strong balance sheet while improving operations, according to S&P.
5. Madison-based University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The system has strong balance sheet resources and established clinical and academic market positions, according to Moody's.
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