SSM Health Care exists to care for the people of its communities regardless of their ability to pay. SSM Health Care owns 17 hospitals, has a minority interest in five hospitals, manages one hospital, has affiliations with several rural hospitals, owns two nursing homes, and has a variety of partnerships with physicians, including Dean Health Plan in Wisconsin. Our commitment to exceptional care has been recognized nationally and in each of the states where we operate. National and local recognition includes: quality awards, safety awards, clinical recognition, and employer of choice by AARP and others. Our patient satisfaction and clinical performance indicators routinely rank better than average.