Public Health and Primary CareCommentary
Save Rural Health Care: Time for a Significant Paradigm Shift
J Osteopath Med; 119(9): 551-555
To remedy economic challenges facing rural hospitals, the Save Rural Hospitals Act/HR 2957 was proposed to Congress. However, the bill is not a sustainable solution for resolving economic challenges and the workforce shortage. Over time, there have been dramatic reductions in lengths of stay, decreased census, and an exodus of health care professionals among other changes in the current rural hospital infrastructure. This article examines current challenges rural hospitals face and offers potential solutions to improve the rural health care delivery model.