JACKSON, Wyo. — St. John’s Health (SJH) has officially been named one of the Top 20 Prospective Payment System (PPS) hospitals in United States for 2026. This prestigious ranking, announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), is based on a rigorous evaluation conducted by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. Utilizing the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the assessment identifies elite institutions that serve as national benchmarks for rural healthcare. SJH was selected from a field of hundreds of rural and community hospitals, placing it in the top tier of healthcare providers across the country.
“I’m pleased to see that rural health systems are being recognized because it may help grow awareness of the unique challenges of operating in parts of our country with small populations. I’m proud of the SJH team for achieving this incredible recognition.”
St. John’s Health CEO Jeff Sollis
The determining factors for the top 20 rural and community hospitals are based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance.
Recognized as one of the most efficient, highest-quality, and financially stable rural healthcare institutions in the nation is something SJH doesn’t take for granted.
What is a PPS hospital?
In the world of rural health, hospitals are generally divided into two categories based on how they are paid by Medicare:
- Critical Access Hospitals (CAH): Smaller hospitals (25 beds or fewer) that receive cost-based reimbursement.
- Prospective Payment System (PPS) Hospitals: Larger “Rural & Community” hospitals that are paid a fixed, predetermined amount for services (similar to big city hospitals).
Because PPS hospitals do not get their costs automatically covered, they must be exceptionally efficient and well-managed to stay financially healthy while providing high-quality care.
What it means to the community?
This national recognition serves as a powerful validation of the dedication shown by the medical staff and leadership at SJH. For residents and visitors of Jackson, it reinforces that world class healthcare is available right in the heart of the Tetons. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, this inclusion in the Top 20 confirms its status as a resilient and innovative leader, committed to delivering top care without compromise for the unique community it serves.
