Sanford Bismarck recognized for “Best Equitable Access” by U.S. News & World Report
Sanford Bismarck Medical Center has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its success in caring for patients in historically underserved communities. Sanford Bismarck Medical Center is one of 53 hospitals and just one of two throughout the Dakotas selected on the inaugural Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access list.
According to U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News’ analysis of all current Best Regional Hospitals in the U.S. identified 53 hospitals in 26 states achieving excellent outcomes among disadvantaged communities. While the institutions selected are not the only U.S. hospitals providing access to socioeconomically vulnerable populations, the ones chosen do provide certain vulnerable populations with substantial access to high quality care.
“U.S. News' recognition of the Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access highlights the important and necessary work hospitals are doing to improve care for underserved communities,” said Tavia Binger, senior health data analyst at U.S. News. “This positive representation of community hospitals' dedication to equitable access across 26 states is promising. However, this recognition also underscores the need for continued focus on prioritizing health care among vulnerable populations who may face numerous social and economic challenges in receiving care.”
“We are honored to receive this recognition – it is a testament to our team's unwavering commitment to caring for underserved communities,” said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president and CEO of Sanford Bismarck. “Upholding the principle that every patient, without exception, receives equitable, high-quality care is at the core of our mission, driving us forward in our dedication to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.”
The criteria for selection requires that hospitals meet at least two of the following:
Have at least 40% of patients from a community of greater socioeconomic deprivation, according to the Area Deprivation Index.
Serve at least 20% racial/ethnic minority patients or was in the highest tier in at least one of five measures of racial and ethnic patient representation.
Serve at least 20% Medicaid patients or was in the highest tier in the measure of low-income patient representation.
The Sanford Bismarck region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 26 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.