To protect and strengthen rural healthcare, we must first address the systemic issues endangering it | Viewpoint

Chief Healthcare Executive August 12, 2024
Damond W. Boatwright

The head of the Hospital Sisters Health System says rising costs and inadequate reimbursements are leading to the closure of rural hospitals.

Alarmingly, access to care in rural communities is in real danger.

A new report by the nonprofit Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform shows more than 700 rural hospitals – over 30% of all rural hospitals in the country – are in danger of closing.

Another report, from healthcare consulting firm Chartis, estimates 167 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, with another 418 likely to follow unless they turn things around.

While the data is concerning, I am encouraged by the attention it is drawing to the dire situation facing nonprofit rural community hospitals like ours.

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