Community hospitals amassed sizable profits in 2012 despite the variable healthcare environment, and the bottom lines at the largest hospitals were in the tens of millions of dollars.
According to the American Hospital Association's 2014 edition of AHA Hospital Statistics, the 4,999 U.S. community hospitals posted $64.4 billion in cumulative profits in 2012 — a 21 percent increase from 2011.
The largest community hospitals, or those with 500 or more beds, had an average profit of $67.8 million in 2012. Hospitals with more than 300 beds collected more than $30 million in earnings, on average. Critical access hospitals and small rural hospitals posted more modest profit figures, ranging from $1.3 million to $5.3 million.
Here are 16 statistics on hospital profits, sorted by hospital bed count. Note: Average profit per hospital figures are means, not medians.
Cumulative profit in 2012
Hospitals with 6 to 24 beds: $587.6 million
Hospitals with 25 to 49 beds: $2.8 billion
Hospitals with 50 to 99 beds: $5.1 billion
Hospitals with 100 to 199 beds: $11.1 billion
Hospitals with 200 to 299 beds: $9.7 billion
Hospitals with 300 to 399 beds: $10.5 billion
Hospitals with 400 to 499 beds: $6.2 billion
Hospitals with 500 or more beds: $18.4 billion
Average profit per hospital in 2012
Hospitals with 6 to 24 beds: $1.3 million
Hospitals with 25 to 49 beds: $2.3 million
Hospitals with 50 to 99 beds: $5.3 million
Hospitals with 100 to 199 beds: $11 million
Hospitals with 200 to 299 beds: $17 million
Hospitals with 300 to 399 beds: $30.2 million
Hospitals with 400 to 499 beds: $32.8 million
Hospitals with 500 or more beds: $67.8 million
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