(Atlantic) Cass Health in Atlantic, Iowa has once again been named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) for Overall Performance in the country. This milestone is a unique feat — Cass Health is the only CAH to have received this award for six consecutive years.
The Top 20 CAHs, including Cass Health, scored best among CAHs as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The rankings were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Top 20 CAHs represent the highest performing hospitals in the country based on results from the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX. Hospitals are evaluated across eight indices of strength: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance. Cass Health was selected from the 2026 Top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year.
“This recognition reflects the consistency, commitment, and excellence of our entire team,” said CEO Brett Altman. “With this recognition, Cass Health has achieved a significant milestone—earning the Top 20 designation for six consecutive years is a distinction unmatched among Critical Access Hospitals nationwide. To be named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital out of 1,381 hospitals is an honor in itself, but to achieve this distinction six years in a row speaks to something deeper. Our results as a Top 20 hospital mean our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future.”
Cass Health serves more than 36,000 unique patients annually across southwest Iowa and surrounding communities. This continued recognition reflects the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality care and an exceptional patient experience, supported by strong operational and financial performance that ensures services remain available for patients in the region.
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 is made up of diverse individuals and organizations from across the country, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health. Chartis is a comprehensive health care advisory firm dedicated to helping clients build a healthier world. For more information, visit www.chartis.com.
