Here are five hospitals and health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions, according to recent reports from Moody's Investors Service 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. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The hospital has a strong reputation, and its relationships with area physicians and other hospitals will continue to drive favorable patient volumes, according to Moody's.
2. Mercy Health in St. Louis has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's and an "AA-" rating and stable outlook with S&P. The health system has solid debt service coverage and strong balance sheet metrics, according to Moody's.
3. 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 favorable financial performance and healthy liquidity as it enters the final phase of a multiyear construction project.
4. 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.
5. Madison-based University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics has an "Aa3" rating and stable outlook with Moody's. The health system has strong balance sheet metrics and modest leverage. Its role as a major academic medical center and quaternary referral center for the region and state will help fuel demand as the system reaches beyond its historic footprint, according to Moody's.
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