Trauma and Emergency Surgical Care at Rural Emergency Hospital-Eligible Facilities: Interstate Variation and Policy Implications for Rural Health Systems

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Explores trauma and emergency general surgery volumes at hospitals eligible to become Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs). Analyzes 2021 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data from California, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, and Wisconsin, to describe the volume of emergency general surgery and trauma care performed at REH-eligible hospitals. Examines the characteristics of the populations and communities served by hospitals eligible for REH designation compared with those served by REH-ineligible hospitals. Discusses the potential impact of converting to the REH designation on access to trauma and emergency general surgery.

Nina M. Clark, Alexandra H. Hernandez, Cody L. Mullens, et al.

Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 100(5), 768-776

01/2026

Access · Emergency department and urgent care services · Hospitals · Rural Emergency Hospitals · Statistics and data · Surgery · California · Florida · Iowa · Maryland · Wisconsin