The healthcare landscape in the United States is vast and complex, with numerous health systems playing a crucial role in delivering quality care to millions of people. The size of a health system can directly impact its ability to provide comprehensive services, access to the latest technology, and a wide range of medical expertise.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 largest health systems in the U.S., highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to the healthcare sector. Additionally, we'll discuss how innovative software solutions like AcuityMD can help medical device sales reps effectively navigate this complex landscape and connect with key decision-makers in these health systems.
What Are the Criteria for Ranking Health Systems?
The ranking of the largest health systems is based on various factors such as the number of hospitals, total number of beds, geographic coverage, and annual patient visits. These factors provide a clear indication of the scale and reach of each health system, showcasing their capacity to serve the diverse healthcare needs of the U.S. population.
What Are the 10 Largest Health Systems in the U.S.?
Here are 10 health systems that are consistently recognized as some of the largest and most influential in the United States, based on their scale and impact:
HCA Healthcare
HCA Healthcare, founded in 1968, has grown to be one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services. The organization is driven by a commitment to improving patient care and fostering a supportive work environment for healthcare professionals.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: With approximately 185 hospitals and 2,000 care sites, HCA Healthcare offers more than 47,000 licensed beds to serve patients across the United States.
Services Offered: HCA Healthcare provides a comprehensive range of services including general and specialty surgery, emergency care, women's health, and oncology. Additionally, they're focused on utilizing data to drive patient care improvements.
Ascension Health
Ascension Health, established in 1999, is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to those in need. They believe in serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: Ascension Health operates over 2,600 sites of care, including 146 hospitals, with approximately 34,000 licensed beds.
Services Offered: Ascension Health offers a variety of services, such as primary care, cardiovascular care, maternity and newborn care, pediatrics, and behavioral health. They are dedicated to providing high-quality care through a holistic approach, addressing patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
CommonSpirit Health
CommonSpirit Health was formed in 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. They focus on advancing health for all, especially those who are underserved, by providing accessible, high-quality care.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: With a network of more than 1,000 care sites, including 137 hospitals, CommonSpirit Health offers over 30,000 licensed beds across 21 states.
Services Offered: CommonSpirit Health provides a wide array of services, such as primary care, specialty care, surgical services, and urgent care. They emphasize preventive care and aim to improve community health through targeted initiatives.
Community Health Systems
Founded in 1985, Community Health Systems is dedicated to providing quality, affordable healthcare services in diverse, primarily non-urban communities. They strive to create a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of the populations they serve.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: Community Health Systems operates around 84 hospitals with approximately 13,000 licensed beds in 17 states.
Services Offered: Community Health Systems offers a broad spectrum of services, including emergency care, general surgery, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation services. They prioritize enhancing patients' experiences and maintaining strong relationships with physicians and other healthcare providers.
Trinity Health
Trinity Health, founded in 2000, is a national Catholic health system that aims to be a compassionate and transforming healing presence within the communities they serve. They are committed to providing excellent, people-centered care.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: Trinity Health operates 92 hospitals and numerous continuing care facilities, home care agencies, and outpatient centers, with around 22,000 licensed beds across 22 states.
Services Offered: Trinity Health provides an extensive range of services, including primary care, specialty care, acute care, and long-term care. They focus on promoting wellness and preventive health measures, as well as addressing social determinants of health.
Tenet Healthcare
Tenet Healthcare, established in 1969, is a diversified healthcare services company that focuses on delivering high-quality care to patients through a network of hospitals and related healthcare facilities.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: Tenet Healthcare operates around 65 hospitals, as well as numerous outpatient and surgical centers, with approximately 17,000 licensed beds across the United States.
Services Offered: Tenet Healthcare provides a comprehensive array of services, including general and specialized surgery, emergency care, cardiac care, and orthopaedics. They are dedicated to fostering innovation and utilizing advanced technologies to enhance patient outcomes.
Providence St. Joseph Health
Providence St. Joseph Health was formed in 2016 through the merger of Providence Health & Services and St. Joseph Health. As a faith-based organization, they are committed to serving their communities with compassion and excellence.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: The health system operates 51 hospitals and over 1,000 clinics, offering more than 20,000 licensed beds across seven states.
Services Offered: Providence St. Joseph Health provides a wide variety of services, such as primary and specialty care, home health, and senior services. They focus on community health and well-being, emphasizing preventive care and addressing social determinants of health.
Universal Health Services
Universal Health Services, founded in 1978, is one of the largest and most respected hospital management companies in the United States. They are dedicated to providing superior quality healthcare services that patients recommend and physicians prefer.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: Universal Health Services operates over 400 facilities, including 26 acute care hospitals, with approximately 9,000 licensed beds across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Services Offered: Universal Health Services offers a broad range of services, including behavioral health, acute care, and ambulatory services. They prioritize patient safety, satisfaction, and clinical excellence in their pursuit of improved healthcare outcomes.
Sutter Health
Sutter Health, a not-for-profit health system founded in 1923, is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the communities they serve in Northern California. They strive to provide high-quality, accessible, and affordable care.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: Sutter Health operates 24 hospitals and over 200 clinics, with around 5,000 licensed beds in Northern California.
Services Offered: Sutter Health provides a wide array of services, including primary care, specialty care, urgent care, and home health services. They are focused on promoting preventive care, improving patient experience, and utilizing advanced technology to deliver top-notch healthcare.
UPMC
UPMC, established in 1990, is a world-renowned health system and insurer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care, as well as advancing research and education in the medical field.
Number of Hospitals and Beds: UPMC operates 40 hospitals, along with 700 doctors' offices and outpatient sites, offering more than 8,000 licensed beds across Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland.
Services Offered: UPMC provides a comprehensive range of services, including primary care, specialty care, surgical services, and emergency care. They are known for their cutting-edge research and innovation, offering advanced treatments and fostering a collaborative, patient-centered approach to healthcare.
How Do Large Health Systems Impact Patient Care?
Large health systems play a significant role in patient care by providing access to a wide range of services and expertise. Their extensive networks allow them to leverage technological advancements and innovations, leading to improved patient outcomes and more efficient care delivery.
Additionally, these health systems offer coordinated care, fostering a seamless patient experience across multiple care settings and ensuring that individuals receive the right care at the right time.
Wrapping Things Up
The top 10 largest health systems in the U.S. are vital components of the nation's healthcare infrastructure. These organizations offer extensive care options, ensuring that patients have access to the resources and expertise they need for optimal health outcomes.
By exploring the services provided by these health systems, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and find the right providers for their unique needs.
As healthcare continues to evolve, these large health systems will remain essential players in the ongoing pursuit of improved patient care and overall health and well-being.
Approaching Medical Device Sales for Large Health Systems
For medical device sales reps, navigating these large health systems can be challenging due to the sheer number of physicians and the vast array of specialties.
AcuityMD's software solution offers a unique combination of data and CRM workflow to help sales reps identify high-volume doctors and target their sales efforts more effectively.
By providing key insights into the procedures these doctors perform and the medical devices they currently use, AcuityMD enables reps to establish valuable connections with potential leads within these health systems.
Sources:
Hospital Merger Benefits: Views from Hospital Leaders and Econometric Analysis | AHA
100 of the largest hospitals and health systems in America | Becker Hospital Review 2023