ASPIRUS IRON RIVER HOSPITAL recently was named one of the Top 100 Critical-Access Hospitals in the U.S.

IRON RIVER — Aspirus Iron River Hospital recently was named one of the Top 100 Critical-Access Hospitals in the United States for 2018 by iVantage Health Analytics and The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

This is the second straight year Aspirus Iron River Hospital has made the list as being among the best of the approximately 1,300 rural safety-net hospitals in the nation, officials said.

Aspirus Ironwood Hospital and Aspirus Langlade Hospital also were selected to the list. Aspirus Iron River and Aspirus Ironwood were the only Michigan hospitals to receive the designation.

“This is such a rewarding achievement, and it’s a testament to the high-quality, patient-centered care we provide,” said Connie Koutouzos, CEO of Aspirus Iron River Hospital and Clinics. “This recognition also salutes the skill and dedication that is displayed daily by our medical staff and employees.”

“We’re also excited to see this designation come through as we prepare for the opening of the Aspirus Iron River Clinic in March,” Koutouzos said.

Aspirus Iron River Hospital scored in the top 100 of Critical Access Hospitals on iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength Index, a comprehensive and objective assessment of rural provider performance. The list of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals can be found at  www.ivantageindex.com/top-performing-hospitals/

The index measures eight pillars of hospital strength: inpatient share ranking, outpatient share ranking, cost, charge, quality, outcomes, patient perspective and financial stability.

Aspirus is a non-profit health system based in Wausau, Wis. With more than 7,000 employees, Aspirus serves communities throughout northern and central Wisconsin, as well as the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The system includes four hospitals in Michigan and four hospitals in Wisconsin, 50 clinics, home health and hospice care, pharmacies, critical care, medical goods, nursing homes and affiliated physicians.