Health Management Associates, Inc. (NYSE: HMA) was a premier operator of general acute care, non-urban hospitals located throughout the United States, primarily in the Southeast and Southwest. Health Management Associates, Inc. was founded in 1977 to own, lease and manage hospitals throughout the United States. In 1983, the company redirected its focus toward acquiring, improving and operating under-performing hospitals in attractive, non-urban areas. Health Management became a leading niche operator of acute-care medical hospitals in the U.S. Health Management , by and through it subsidiaries, operated 71 hospitals in 15 states with approximately 8,000 licensed beds. The Company employed approximately 32,000 dedicated associates and hosted a total medical staff of approximately 8,000 physicians. HMA.com PracticewithHealthManagement.com Health Management Associates sold to Community Health Systems of Franklin, TN in 2013.