Growth in the U.S. population and changes in its demographics over the past 40 years have led to a disparity in care access. In 1980, 740 counties were considered “metro” areas while approximately 2,400 counties were considered “nonmetro.” That balance has now shifted; as of 2020, there are more than 1,250 metro counties and fewer than 2,000 nonmetro counties.
This reduction of the rural population, combined with a challenging payer mix, is leading to economic hardship and hospital closures in rural areas. According to a recent report from Chartis, 141 rural hospitals have closed since 2010,…
This reduction of the rural population, combined with a challenging payer mix, is leading to economic hardship and hospital closures in rural areas. According to a recent report from Chartis, 141 rural hospitals have closed since 2010,…
