CMS: As Much as a Third of Rural Patients Bypass Closest Available Care

26 Oct CMS: As Much as a Third of Rural Patients Bypass Closest Available Care

Rural residents, as many as 33 percent, may choose to seek inpatient care at hospitals located in urban areas, even though the service is available at nearby rural hospitals, according to a new report released by CMS. Additionally, the highest “bypass rate” was for critical access hospitals and tribal hospitals with 15 or fewer beds. And was significantly higher for rural Medicare beneficiaries less than age 75 years, males, Hispanic beneficiaries, and non-dual eligible beneficiaries. CMS concludes that avoidable bypass may result in reduced revenue for rural hospitals and contribute to a loss of revenue for other rural health care services, such as ancillary and primary care services. To review the report, click here.