UNC Researchers point to continued closure of rural hospitals
Rural hospitals, disproportionately serving the elderly and lower income persons, are hanging on by their fingernails. The rate of closure hits southern states the hardest.
Over 120 rural hospitals have closed since 2005 and the pace of closure is accelerating.
Why the closures? According to the authors (citation below):
* Insufficient patient populations;
*high rates of uninsured patients;
*dwindling cash flow; and
*physician shortages.
BRAND, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE
7 年Yup... sadly the system (ACA and CMS) is designed to do this. Not necessarily on purpose, but certainly on short-sightedness.