This statistical brief examines inpatient stays for adults 18 years and older related to opioid use disorder (OUD) and endocarditis, stays related to OUD but not endocarditis, and stays related to endocarditis but not OUD. It includes data by patient location for metropolitan, rural adjacent to metro, and rural remote areas. Read more here.
Geographic Variation in the 2018 Profitability of Urban and Rural Hospitals
This findings brief compares the profitability of Critical Access Hospitals, other rural hospitals, and urban hospitals in 2018 by census region, census division, and state. It examines the reasons for geographic variation in the profitability of urban and rural hospitals. Read more here.
Additional links: 2016‐18 Profitability of Urban and Rural Hospitals by Medicare Payment Classification, Rural Hospitals with Long‐Term Unprofitability, Understanding the Broader Context of Rural Hospitals and Profitability
Critical Access Hospital: 2020 National Patient Safety Goals
This resource identifies National Patient Safety Goals for the Joint Commission’s Critical Access Hospital Accreditation Program. It covers patient identification accuracy, staff communication, medication safety, infection prevention, suicide prevention, and more. Effective July 1, 2020. Read more here.
Additional links: Simplified Version
CAH Medicaid Payer Mix in Expansion vs. Non-Expansion States
This policy brief examines the change in median Medicaid payer mix among Critical Access Hospitals between 2013 and 2018 and compares the change across states that adopted Medicaid expansion and those that did not. Read more here.
Responding to Child Abuse During a Pandemic
This resource tips to help multi-disciplinary teams respond to cases of child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has the potential to increase child abuse. It includes some information specific to rural communities. Read more here.
Rapid Deployment of Telehealth Services for Rural Hospitals Fighting COVID-19
This case study profiles how a Critical Access Hospital in Minnesota implemented a telehealth network in preparation for COVID-19. It offers lessons learned for other healthcare providers looking to implement virtual healthcare models. Read more here.
An Older Population Increases Estimated COVID-19 Death Rates in Rural America
This issue brief examines the influence of age structure and other factors on the spread of coronavirus in rural areas of the U.S. It compares the incidence of the virus and the estimated mortality rates due to the virus in rural and urban areas. Read more here.
Infectious Agents Exposure Reduction Training for First Responders
This resource contains a video outlining protocols and strategies for mitigating exposure to infectious agents. Content focuses specifically on COVID-19, but information can be applied to situations involving other highly infectious pathogens. Find more information here.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Rural Hospitals
This resource examines how COVID-19 is impacting already vulnerable rural hospitals. It evaluates access to ICU beds, loss of outpatient revenue, and the number of days of cash on hand. Read more here.
Additional links: The Rural Health Safety Net Under Pressure: Understanding the Potential Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 Telehealth Resources
This resource is a collection of tools and resources for setting up a telehealth program to address COVID-19. It covers technology, implementation, and related topics. It includes both national resources and resources from the telehealth resource centers focused on serving specific states. Read more here.