WATERTOWN, S.D. – March 15, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) has once again been recognized as one of the Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals in the nation by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), for the seventh time since its inception eight years ago. In addition to this recognition, PLHS holds a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital designation, a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and received an achievement award in 2023 for outstanding care provided to heart attack patients.
“Being recognized on a national scale for our dedication to excellence in healthcare is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire team delivering exceptional care to our community every day,” said John Allen, Prairie Lakes CEO. “This accolade reaffirms our mission of making a positive difference in the health of our patients and communities we serve. We are grateful for the trust and support of our patients, staff, and partners that all play a part in our high quality of care with positive outcomes.”
The NRHA announced the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospitals are identified using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural PPS hospital performance. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will be recognized on May 9th during NRHA’s Rural Hospital Innovation Summit in New Orleans, LA.
About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Located in Watertown, S.D., Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent healthcare organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. The system is focused on meeting the needs of the rural region with a mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities they serve. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers exceptional care every day in 30 medical specialties/services with over 800 physicians, caregivers, and professionals on staff to serve their communities.
About NRHA
NRHA is a nonprofit organization working to improve the health and well-being of rural Americans and provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research. NRHA’s membership consists of diverse individuals and organizations, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health.
About the Chartis Group
Chartis is a comprehensive health care advisory firm dedicated to helping clients build a healthier world. Work is facilitated across the health care continuum with more than 600 clients annually, including providers, payers, health services organizations, technology and retail companies, and investors. Through times of change, challenge, and opportunity, Chartis advises the industry on how to navigate disruption, pursue growth, achieve financial sustainability, unleash technology, improve care models and operations, enhance clinical quality and safety, and advance health equity. Teams convened bring deep industry expertise and industry leading innovation, enabling clients to achieve transformational results and create positive societal impact. For more information, visit www.chartis.com.