Approximately 700 Rural Hospitals At Risk Of Closing, Report Says

Modern Healthcare (8/6, Devereaux, Subscription Publication) says, “Around 700 rural hospitals are at risk of closing, with more than half of those at a high risk of closing in the next several years due to steep debt levels and low revenue, according to a recent report [PDF] from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.” Since the start of 2023, 12 rural hospitals have closed “as a result of severe financial issues, and 28 eliminated inpatient services in order to qualify for higher pay under the rural emergency hospital program, the July report said.” According to experts, “the closures and loss of inpatient services have had detrimental impacts on vulnerable rural communities, in many cases eliminating jobs and causing patients to lose access to chemotherapy, surgery and obstetrics-gynecology services.”