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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Hospitals

Rural Hospital Participation in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations
Report explores the rates of rural hospital participation in Medicare Shared Savings Program (SSP) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Details some of the factors that correspond to participation and compares rates by region and by rural status.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
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Impact of CAH Participation in Flex Financial and Operations Improvement Activities on Hospital Financial Indicators
Explores the association between Critical Access Hospitals' (CAH) participation in financial and operational improvement activities between 2015 and 2018 with improved financial indicators. Compares CAH financial indicators and other variables including Rural Health Clinic operation, ownership type, and census region, by the number of years of participation in CAH improvement activities.
Author(s): Kathleen Knocke, Kristin Reiter, George H. Pink
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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Geographic Variation in the 2018 Profitability of Urban and Rural Hospitals
Compares the profitability of Critical Access Hospitals, other rural hospitals, and urban hospitals in 2018 by census region, census division, and state. Examines the reasons for geographic variation in the profitability of urban and rural hospitals.
Additional links: 2016‐18 Profitability of Urban and Rural Hospitals by Medicare Payment Classification, Rural Hospitals with Long‐Term Unprofitability, Understanding the Broader Context of Rural Hospitals and Profitability
Author(s): Andrew W. Maxwell, Ann Howard, George H. Pink
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
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2020 Rural Hospital Sustainability Index
Reports on an analysis of rural hospital financial viability. Identifies the number of hospitals by state at financial risk of closing and the number by state at high financial risk that are considered essential for community trauma access. Full report is available with email registration.
Additional links: State-Based Data
Author(s): David Mosley, Daniel DeBehnke
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: Guidehouse
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KSB Hospital Response for Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, Dixon, Ill.
Profiles a rural Illinois hospital's experience developing drive-through screening for COVID-19. Offers lessons learned early on in the process regarding the training of staff and partnering with county health departments.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Rapid Deployment of Telehealth Services for Rural Hospitals Fighting COVID-19
Profiles how a Critical Access Hospital in Minnesota implemented a telehealth network in preparation for COVID-19. Offers lessons learned for other healthcare providers looking to implement virtual healthcare models.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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CAH Medicaid Payer Mix in Expansion vs. Non-Expansion States
Examines the change in median Medicaid payer mix among Critical Access Hospitals between 2013 and 2018 and compares the change across states that adopted Medicaid expansion and those that did not.
Author(s): Savannah Stallings, George Pink, Kristin Reiter
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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Rural COVID-19 Case Study: Surviving a COVID-19 Surge
Profiles an Indiana Critical Access Hospital's early experience with COVID-19. Outlines lessons learned regarding testing and treating COVID-19 patients, as well as ongoing preparations for additional cases. Highlights partnerships with area healthcare providers to navigate the pandemic.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Rural Hospital Shifts Operations in Anticipation of COVID-19 Surge
Explores the strategic and operational changes made at King's Daughters Medical Center, a rural hospital in Mississippi, in anticipation of a surge of COVID-19 patients. Discusses supply conservation strategies, financial strain, and staffing changes.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Hospital Experiences Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a National Pulse Survey March 23–27, 2020
Reports on hospitals' challenges and needs in responding to the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Addresses access to testing, supplies, and equipment; workforce issues; facility capacity; the need for financial assistance; and information needs. Identifies strategies hospitals reported using the help protect staff and manage patient care. Includes information on rural hospitals' concerns.
Date: 04/2020
Sponsoring organization: Office of Inspector General (HHS)
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