Mid-sized healthcare providers in the U.S. – such as community hospitals with roughly 100–500 beds – form the backbone of local care delivery. There are over 5,100 U.S. community hospitals serving communities nationwide. These hospitals play a critical role in providing accessible care, yet 2025 finds them at a crossroads. Staff shortages and ongoing financial strain have reached critical levels in healthcare delivery, converging with rising patient expectations and regulatory pressures. In short, mid-size healthcare organizations are at a critical turning point where traditional approaches are struggling to keep up with modern challenges.