Mark Twain Medical Center, an integral part of Dignity Health, has been a pillar of healthcare in Calaveras County since its founding in 1951. As the only hospital in the county, it holds a unique and critical position in serving the healthcare needs of the local community across a diverse geographic landscape, from valleys to alpine elevations of 1,000 to 8,000 feet. Spanning over 1,037 square miles, Calaveras County’s service economy is supported by tourism and agriculture, bringing a mix of residents and visitors from varied backgrounds.
The medical center, classified as a Critical Access Hospital, provides a wide range of essential services, including an Emergency Room that handles over 11,000 visits annually, inpatient care, and various surgical services such as orthopedics, gynecology, pain injections, and endoscopies. With over 50,000 annual clinic visits, Mark Twain Medical Center is highly engaged in outpatient care, offering specialized services through its six outpatient clinics and two specialty clinics. These clinics provide access to primary and specialty care, including oncology/hematology, behavioral health, and orthopedics, among others.
These features help ensure that CAHs can effectively serve rural communities by maintaining essential healthcare services close to home.
The center is committed to meeting local health priorities identified in its Community Health Needs Assessment, such as mental health, substance use, healthcare access, and housing. Mark Twain Medical Center places a high emphasis on quality, with patient satisfaction scores averaging 92%, and demonstrates strong outcomes in preventive health with screenings for conditions like hypertension and diabetes control.
Staff support is robust, with each clinic staffed by patient access representatives, medical assistants, licensed vocational nurses, referral coordinators, and scheduling representatives to ensure seamless patient care. The hospital also has Rural Health Clinics located in Angels Camp, Arnold, Copperopolis, and San Andreas, which provide critical primary care services and convenient hours of operation to accommodate the community’s needs.
In recent years, the hospital has seen significant growth in primary care and specialist services, backed by strong leadership support and high provider engagement. Its facilities reflect ongoing investment in healthcare excellence, fostering an environment that prioritizes collaboration, patient-centered care, and continual improvement, making it an ideal setting for healthcare professionals looking to contribute meaningfully to a close-knit community.
