Logan Reid
Gundersen Health System (Gundersen Health) is a non-profit health system based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Gundersen Health has grown from a single clinic opened by Norwegian-born surgeon Adolf Gundersen in 1891 to a comprehensive health network of wholly owned and affiliated services. Gundersen Health has 7 hospitals and 65 clinics in neighbouring communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. In 2022, Gundersen Health merged with Bellin Health Systems, adding 4 more hospitals to the Gundersen Health network, for a total of 11 hospitals and more than 100 clinics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Hospitals | 7 (as Gundersen Health) and 11 (as Gundersen and Bellin Health Systems) |
| Number of Clinics | 65 (as Gundersen Health) and more than 100 (as Gundersen and Bellin Health Systems) |
| Number of Healthcare Providers | More than 1,400 (as Gundersen and Bellin Health Systems) |
| Number of Employees | 7,000 (as Gundersen Health System) |
| Locations | Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula |
| Headquarters | La Crosse, Wisconsin |
| Year of Founding | 1891 |
| Founder | Norwegian-born surgeon Adolf Gundersen, MD |
| Awards | Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award-Clinical Excellence (2008-2015), Outstanding Patient Experience Award (2022-2024), Healthgrades Five Stars excellence awards in Cardiac Care, Coronary Intervention, Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Surgery, Pulmonary Care, General Surgery Gastrointestinal (GI) Care, and Critical Care |
| Certifications | LEED certified |
| Achievements | First energy-independent hospital system in the country, Top 5% of healthcare organizations in the country, Top 100 Heart Care in the nation, Level II Trauma Center, Center of Excellence for breast cancer, Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals (Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics and Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics) |
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What You'll Learn
Gundersen Health's awards and recognition
Gundersen Health System is a comprehensive non-profit health system based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It has received numerous awards and recognition for its clinical excellence, patient experience, and sustainability initiatives.
Gundersen Health's flagship hospital, the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, has been recognised as one of Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals in 2014, 2015, and 2016, placing it in the top 1% of hospitals nationwide. From 2008 to 2015, the medical centre received the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence for eight consecutive years. Additionally, Gundersen Health has received Healthgrades Five Stars excellence awards in multiple specialties, including Cardiac Care, Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Surgery, and Critical Care.
Gundersen Health's commitment to patient experience has also been recognised. In 2024, Gundersen's La Crosse Hospital received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades for the seventeenth consecutive year. This award recognises hospitals in the top 15% for patient experience, as evaluated through patient surveys.
Beyond clinical achievements, Gundersen Health has been a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship. In 2014, Gundersen Health became the first energy-independent hospital system in the country through its investment in renewable energy projects. The health system has received prestigious environmental awards, including the Circles of Excellence in Leadership, Waste, Energy, and Climate. Gundersen Health has also been recognised as one of America's greenest hospitals for its commitment to sustainability.
Gundersen Health's network includes 7 hospitals and 65 clinics across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, delivering world-class medical care to its patients. The health system's achievements and awards reflect its dedication to providing exceptional healthcare and prioritising patient experience.
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Gundersen Health's history
Gundersen Health System (Gundersen Health) is a non-profit health system based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The health system was founded by Norwegian-born surgeon Adolf Gundersen, MD, in 1891. Gundersen opened his practice in La Crosse and later served as Lutheran Hospital's first medical director when it opened in 1902.
In 1930, Gundersen moved his office from downtown La Crosse to a new clinic next to the hospital to be closer to his patients. Gundersen had eight children, and four of his sons—Gunnar, Alf, Sigurd B. Sr., and Thorolf—joined their father in his first clinic. In 1944, three of the physician sons created the Gundersen Medical Foundation, now known as Gundersen Medical Foundation. The foundation helped attract specialists and sub-specialists from universities and large cities across the nation.
The Gundersen Clinic and Lutheran Hospital expanded over the years, leading to the construction of the main hospital, clinic, Founders Building, East Building, Inpatient Behavioral Health Center, and more. In 1995, the clinic and hospital formed Gundersen Lutheran, Inc. In 2013, the organization was renamed Gundersen Health System to reflect its growth outside of its traditional service area and to simplify its branding of properties and services.
Gundersen Health System has continued to expand and now includes 7 hospitals and 65 clinics in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. The health system is known for its commitment to environmental responsibility and became the first energy-independent hospital system in the country in 2014. Gundersen Health has also received numerous awards and recognitions for its medical care, including Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals designation in 2015 and 2017, placing it in the top 1% of hospitals nationwide.
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Gundersen Health's hospitals and clinics
Gundersen Health System (Gundersen Health) is a non-profit health provider based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Gundersen Health has 7 hospitals and 65 clinics in neighbouring communities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Gundersen Health's flagship hospital, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, is located in La Crosse and is a teaching hospital with 325 beds and a Level II Trauma and Emergency Center. The hospital has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals designation in 2015 and 2017, placing it in the top 1% nationally.
Gundersen Health's other hospitals include Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics and Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics, which are among the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals. Gundersen St. Elizabeth's Hospital and Clinics is another notable facility within the Gundersen Health System.
In addition to its hospitals, Gundersen Health also operates regional community clinics, affiliate hospitals and clinics, behavioural health services, vision centres, pharmacies, and air and ground ambulances. Gundersen Health prioritises bringing care close to home for its patients and is committed to relentlessly caring, learning, and innovating.
Gundersen Health has a rich history, dating back to 1891 when Norwegian-born surgeon Adolf Gundersen opened his practice in La Crosse. Over the years, Gundersen Health expanded, and in 1995, Gundersen Clinic and Lutheran Hospital-La Crosse formed Gundersen Lutheran, Inc. In 2013, the organisation was renamed Gundersen Health System to reflect its growth and expansion. Gundersen Health has continued to evolve and innovate, merging with Bellin Health in 2022 to provide patients and communities with access to 11 hospitals, over 100 local clinics, and more than 1,400 healthcare providers.
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Gundersen Health's merger with Bellin Health
Gundersen Health System is a comprehensive non-profit health system based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It includes multi-specialty group medical practices, a teaching hospital, regional community clinics, affiliate hospitals and clinics, behavioural health services, vision centres, pharmacies, and air and ground ambulances. Gundersen Health has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named among America's 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Bellin Health Systems, on the other hand, is based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Like Gundersen Health, Bellin Health also provides superior primary and specialized care in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Upper Michigan.
On June 1, 2022, Gundersen Health announced its intention to merge with Bellin Health. The merger was completed on November 30, 2022, and the combined entity is now known as Emplify Health. This merger brings together two well-respected and trusted health systems in the Upper Midwest, each with a long history of serving their respective communities.
The merger between Gundersen Health and Bellin Health is a strategic move to enhance patient-centred care and community-minded work. By combining their resources and expertise, the merged entity can offer expanded services, improved access to care, and enhanced patient experiences. Gundersen Health and Bellin Health share a patient-first culture and are committed to addressing the needs of their patients and communities.
The leadership of the merged entity reflects the equal partnership between Gundersen Health and Bellin Health. Scott Rathgaber, MD, former CEO of Gundersen Health, serves as the CEO of the new organization. Meanwhile, Chris Woleske, former CEO of Bellin Health, assumes the role of System Executive Vice President and Regional President of the Bellin Region.
With the merger, patients of both health systems can expect to benefit from increased access to resources and a broader network of top-tier clinical services, innovative medical education programs, state-of-the-art technology, and digital healthcare tools. The combined entity is well-positioned to advance population health initiatives and positively impact the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
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Gundersen Health's environmental initiatives
Gundersen Health System is a comprehensive non-profit health system based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It has 7 hospitals and 65 clinics in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. The health system has been recognised for its environmental initiatives and sustainability efforts.
In 2014, Gundersen Health System became the first energy-independent hospital system in the country, producing more energy than it consumed. This was achieved through the Gundersen Envision program, which has invested nearly $30 million in renewable energy projects, including biogas, geothermal, landfill gas-to-energy, solar, and wind power. As a result, the health system has saved millions of dollars in energy costs annually and received the U.S. Department of Energy award in 2019.
Gundersen has also been named one of the Top 25 hospitals for environmental excellence in healthcare by Practice Greenhealth, recognising its leadership in sustainability programs. The health system has set ambitious goals for its environmental initiatives, with its Emplify Health branch aiming to halve its energy consumption by 2027.
Gundersen Health System is committed to minimising the cost of healthcare while improving the world around it. It has implemented innovative programs and cutting-edge renewable energy projects, such as creating an all-renewable energy microgrid on the Gundersen Onalaska Campus. Additionally, Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics and Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics are among the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals, further showcasing their commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence.
Gundersen Health System's environmental initiatives have not only benefited the planet but also enriched the lives of people in the communities they serve. Their sustainability coordinator, Tom Thompson, emphasised their continuous strive for improvement, always coming up with new ideas and initiatives to enhance their environmental stewardship.
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Frequently asked questions
Gundersen Health has 7 hospitals and 65 clinics in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.
The flagship hospital of Gundersen Health is the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
The Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center has 325 beds and is a teaching hospital with a Level II Trauma and Emergency Center.
Gundersen Health System also includes Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics, Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinics, and Gundersen St. Elizabeth's Hospital and Clinics. In 2022, Gundersen Health merged with Bellin Health, bringing the total number of hospitals in the system to 11.
