SSM Health CEO Laura Kaiser details SSM Health’s success in an interview with Modern Healthcare, one of the most trusted voices in health care journalism.
The Q&A, published April 7, details that SSM Health recorded a $148.5 million operating gain in 2025 after a $70 million operating loss in 2024.
When Kaiser joined SSM Health nine years ago, the system was over 50% on debt-to-capital. “Now, we’re in the mid-30s,” Kaiser told reporter Caroline Hudson.
Some of the essentials for SSM Health’s success, Kaiser noted, include:
- Strengthening the workforce. Innovation and a partnership with Chamberlain University have expanded the pipeline for new nurses.
- Bringing revenue cycle operations in-house. After outsourcing the function for years, SSM Health transitioned it back internally in 2024, delivering stronger results.
- Modernizing the electronic health record. EHR improvements are already delivering benefits as the system prepares for upgraded workflows in 2027.
- Expanding the affiliate strategy. By partnering with smaller and rural hospitals, SSM Health helps preserve access to high-quality, affordable care in underserved communities.
That affiliate approach, Kaiser noted, is deeply aligned with SSM Health’s Mission.
“We can provide critical care and continuity that’s seamless for the patient,” she said. “Another benefit is the cost of shared services. There’s value to having access to a larger supply chain to get better pricing, for example. If we’re larger together, that’s good for SSM and for the smaller entity. It’s a win-win.”
The full article is available to Modern Healthcare subscribers.
