independence

The Legacy of Independent Hospitals and TPC: Serving Communities with Dedication and Excellence

Independent hospitals have long been integral to the fabric of their communities, providing essential healthcare services, fostering close relationships, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the populations they serve. Through TPC, these hospitals collaborate to enhance their impact, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective healthcare remains accessible to all. Together, TPC and its Member hospitals have created a legacy of innovation, resilience, and profound community impact.

A Shared Commitment to Community Health

The legacies of independent hospitals and TPC are deeply intertwined, rooted in their shared mission of serving communities with compassion and excellence. TPC was founded to bring these institutions together, leveraging their collective strengths to amplify their ability to provide exceptional care. This partnership ensures that Member hospitals not only meet the needs of their patients today but are well-positioned to adapt to the healthcare challenges of tomorrow.

For TPC, the legacy is one of leadership and collaboration. Since 1985, TPC has empowered its Members to work together in key areas to improve their financial, operational and clinical performance, achieving exponentially more as a group than they could individually. This collaboration underscores TPC’s role as a visionary force in community-based healthcare.

Highlighting the Contributions of Member Hospitals

Baxter Health: Serving Since 1963
Since its opening in 1963, Baxter Health in Mountain Home, Arkansas, has been a pivotal healthcare provider for its region. Known for its personalized care and state-of-the-art facilities, Baxter Health continues to be a trusted institution for countless families. The hospital's commitment to improving health outcomes is evident in its range of services and community-focused initiatives.

Citizens Medical Center: A Legacy of Care Since 1956
Citizens Medical Center in Victoria, Texas, has been dedicated to serving its community since 1956. With a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, Citizens Medical Center offers a broad spectrum of medical services. The hospital's long-standing presence in the community highlights its role as a reliable healthcare provider and a vital community resource.

Hendrick Health: A Century of Excellence
Just celebrating its 100th anniversary, Hendrick Health in Abilene, Texas, exemplifies the enduring impact of independent hospitals. Established in 1924, Hendrick Health has been a cornerstone of its community, providing exceptional care and continually expanding its services. This century-long legacy is a powerful reminder of the vital role independent hospitals play in sustaining community health.

Medical Center Health System: Providing 75 Years of Healthcare
Founded in 1949, Medical Center Health System in Odessa, Texas, has been a beacon of health and hope as it celebrates 75 years of service. The hospital's comprehensive care includes advanced diagnostic services, specialized treatments, and a strong focus on community health. This enduring legacy underscores the importance of independent hospitals in providing sustained, high-quality care.

Midland Health: A Community Staple Since 1950
Midland Health in Midland, Texas, has been at the heart of its community since 1950. Known for its exceptional healthcare services and innovative programs, Midland Health has consistently prioritized the health and well-being of its residents. The hospital's long history of service reflects its deep connection to the community and its commitment to excellence.

Peterson Health: Celebrating 75 Years of Service
Peterson Health recently marked its 75th anniversary, a testament to its unwavering commitment to the community of Kerrville, Texas. Since its founding, Peterson Health has grown into a comprehensive health system, offering a wide variety of services from primary care to advanced surgical procedures.

Shannon Health: Over 90 Years of Healthcare Excellence
For over 90 years, Shannon Health in San Angelo, Texas, has been a pillar of healthcare in its region. With a broad range of services, Shannon Health is dedicated to improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for its patients. Its rich history underscores the hospital's role as a long-standing fixture in the region, deeply embedded in the community's fabric.

United Regional Health Care System: A Modern Healthcare Leader
While United Regional Health Care System officially formed in 1997, its legacy of care extends much further back. The hospitals that came together to form United Regional had been providing essential healthcare services to the Wichita Falls, Texas, community since the early 1900s. Today, United Regional continues to lead with comprehensive medical services.

TPC: 40 Years of Transforming Healthcare
This year, TPC proudly celebrates 40 years of empowering independent hospitals and transforming community healthcare. Founded in 1985 by a group of visionary healthcare leaders, TPC began as a simple yet powerful idea: hospitals working together to achieve more collectively than they could individually. Over the decades, TPC has evolved into a trusted partnership of community-based healthcare organizations, dedicated to preserving independence and enhancing the quality of care.

TPC: Building a Future of Healthcare Excellence

The legacy of independent hospitals and TPC is one of resilience, dedication, and progress. Together, they are not just preserving their rich histories but also shaping the future of healthcare—ensuring that every community has access to compassionate, exceptional care for generations to come.

Consolidation In The Healthcare Marketplace Is Driving Up Costs

Consolidation In The Healthcare Marketplace Is Driving Up Costs

In today’s healthcare climate it’s becoming more challenging for hospitals to remain financially viable. This is especially true for stand-alone, independent hospitals. According to Moody’s researchers, median operating cash-flow margins of 160 surveyed hospital systems dropped from 9.5% in 2016 to 8.1% in 2017.[1] What’s causing the decrease in profitability? Higher labor and supply costs, higher drug costs, and lower reimbursement from commercial and government payers. If you’re a small hospital with a tight budget, then you’ve probably entertained the idea of consolidating with a larger system with hopes of controlling costs and growing margins. But the data suggests that both financially and in terms of patient care, consolidation might not be the ideal solution. 

Community Hospitals Remain Resilient, Find Strength in Numbers

Community Hospitals Remain Resilient, Find Strength in Numbers

Healthcare is one of the largest employers in the U.S., especially in rural towns. Healthcare, even in times of economic upheaval, has been a job producer, employing medical staff, administrative personnel and facilities services providers.[i] As an employer and as a caretaker for its residents, these hospitals stand as an anchor for the community.

How Community-Based Hospitals Can Remain Independent and Continue to Serve

How Community-Based Hospitals Can Remain Independent and Continue to Serve

If you feel like there are fewer community hospitals today than there used to be, it’s not just your imagination. Statistics show that in 1975 there were 7,156 hospitals in the U.S.; today that number has fallen to under 5,600 facilities. While the American Hospital Association classifies 4,840 of these as community hospitals, many may still be affiliated with a larger network or system. Very few community hospitals are true standalone, independent facilities. Which begs the question, in an increasingly volatile healthcare marketplace, is further decline in the number of hospitals imminent, and are those standalone independents at risk of becoming obsolete? Let’s take a look. 

Mergers Have Defined Healthcare in Recent Years, but It Isn’t the Only Way 

Mergers Have Defined Healthcare in Recent Years, but It Isn’t the Only Way 

Merger announcements have dominated recent news in healthcare. Rumors abound that St. Louis-based Ascension Health is considering a merger with Renton, Washington’s Providence St. Joseph Health.[1] Together, they would make the nation’s largest system of hospitals. Merger deals were also announced between Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, and another between Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. All claim that uniting leads to more efficiency and overall better care. But the results are far from conclusive, and many independent hospitals simply don’t want to be acquired or part of a major merger.