Fox Cities News

ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano has been recognized as one of the 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This recognition is part of Chartis' annual program that highlights exceptional performance among rural hospitals in the United States, based on the results from the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX.

"This designation is a testament of our dedication to providing comprehensive, compassionate and high-quality care for our communities," stated Kellie Diedrick, Vice President of Critical Access Hospitals. "We’re grateful to the patients and families who trust us with their health and care every day. We’re also proud of our team members who continue to deliver safe and specialized care for each person."

ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano is one of eight hospitals in Wisconsin to receive this honor. It serves Shawano and surrounding areas, offering nearly 15 specialty services including general surgery, obstetrics, physical therapy, and imaging.

The Chartis Center for Rural Health uses an objective assessment method to determine which hospitals are recognized. This involves analyzing publicly available data through the INDEX, which is used by rural hospitals across the nation to evaluate performance in various operational and financial areas.

"Rural hospitals are incredibly unique," explained Diedrick. "We must address the specific issues and needs of our small communities, which include a person’s medical background, risks, lifestyle, personal values and goals. We are proud to be in this community to empower our patients and families with the knowledge they need to help them live their unique, best lives through better health."

A Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation is given by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to eligible rural hospitals. Criteria include having no more than 25 acute care beds, maintaining an average length of stay of 96 hours per patient for acute inpatient care annually, being located 15 to 35 miles from another hospital depending on local highways, and providing round-the-clock emergency care.