- One-third of Missouri’s rural hospitals face potential closure.
- 19 out of 57 rural hospitals are grappling with severe financial challenges.
- Eight of these hospitals are at immediate risk of shutting down within the next 2-3 years.
- Loss of federal COVID aid and other economic factors exacerbate the financial strain.
- Rural hospitals play a crucial role in providing diverse healthcare services to local communities.
Missouri’s Rural Hospitals on Shaky Ground
A recent report has sounded the alarm bells for Missouri’s healthcare landscape. According to data from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, a staggering one-third of Missouri’s rural hospitals are teetering on the brink of closure. These hospitals, 19 out of the state’s 57, are grappling with “serious financial problems.”
The Dire State of Affairs
While many of these hospitals could potentially sustain themselves for another six to seven years, eight are in particularly perilous situations. These eight are at an “immediate risk” of closure, potentially shutting their doors within the next two to three years. This is a significant increase from the previous year, where only two hospitals faced such immediate threats.
The center’s evaluation method involves assessing how long a hospital can sustain itself based on recent financial data. This includes examining whether hospitals are incurring losses on patient services and if they possess the reserves to counterbalance these losses.
The Bigger Picture
Harold Miller, the CEO and president of CHQPR, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He pointed out that many of these rural hospitals are often the sole healthcare providers in their communities. Their closure would mean the loss of a wide array of services, from emergency care to maternity care. The implications are clear: if these hospitals close, entire communities could be left without essential healthcare services.
Missouri has already witnessed the closure of ten rural hospitals since 2012. Those still operational but facing financial challenges often contemplate cutting services to stay afloat. For instance, Cox Monett Hospital announced plans to shut its inpatient labor and delivery services, forcing some patients to travel significant distances for obstetric care.
The Breezy Take
The potential closure of one-third of Missouri’s rural hospitals is a wake-up call for the state’s healthcare system. These hospitals are more than just medical facilities; they are lifelines for their communities. As the challenges mount, it’s crucial to find sustainable solutions that ensure continued access to essential healthcare services for Missouri’s rural residents. The state’s healthcare landscape hangs in the balance, and proactive measures are the need of the hour.
Original article: https://www.missouribusinessalert.com/industries/healthcare/one-third-of-missouri-s-rural-hospitals-at-risk-of-closure-new-data-shows/article_9511a0e0-3094-11ee-98d3-1780c68f2cf8.html?fbclid=IwAR2xuAVk78NOF9_5aHG1WN78d760uVyJnPgN8u3yjV5LkZx_zZEk708Lwd4
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