As we redesign our healthcare system, the unique role of rural hospitals must be front of mind for our policymakers. By Kerry Harvey Once again, the healthcare community finds itself waiting for dramatic change from policymakers in Washington. This is not new. Indeed, the one constant is that healthcare policy is always in a state…
Rural hospitals have to do more with less
In situations of tight staffing and limited resources, the concepts of Lean can play a huge role. By Sue Kozlowski There are no small hospitals in the eyes of the patients who come to them for care. People who need healthcare don’t care what your designation is, how many beds you have, or what the…
Up to 1/3 of rural hospitals in poor financial shape, auditor finds, calling report a baseline for local decisions that could be tough
As many as one-third of Kentucky’s rural hospitals are in poor financial shape, and the survival of some will likely depend on their willingness to adopt new business models, state Auditor Adam Edelen said Monday. Unveiling a nine-month study, Edelen said 15 of the 44 hospitals examined were in “poor financial health,” and warned, “Closure…