The Rural Health Value team recently released a brief to help prepare stakeholders to respond to requests for public comment on REH proposed rules and to outline considerations related to REH conversation for local rural leaders.
The Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) and Value-Based Care
Created by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the REH is a new hospital designation to be effective January 1, 2023. An REH will be a rural hospital providing outpatient services (including emergency and observation services), but not providing inpatient care services. Medicare REH payment will be primarily fee-for-service. However, REHs may potentially have a role in value-based care by ensuring access to health care, or as a component of a regional health system participating in value-based care models. Anticipated REH proposed rules offer an important opportunity for stakeholder input and this brief outlines issues for consideration.