In an era when rural hospitals across the country are closing their doors, Intermountain Health has taken the opposite approach – and the results are transforming patient outcomes.
Why it matters: Intermountain has maintained all ten of its rural facilities across Utah and Idaho, providing essential services that would otherwise force patients to travel hours for care.
The impact: For rural residents, the difference is often life-changing – and sometimes lifesaving.
Cancer patients can now receive infusion treatments close to home, eliminating exhausting travel that sometimes forced them to discontinue treatment entirely.
“I spoke to a patient who told me in tears that he’s so grateful to be getting that care at home,” said Susan Robel, President of the Canyon Region for Intermountain Health. Robel says this care has been “life-altering” for cancer patients.
Telehealth expands capabilities: Rural facilities are further enhanced through telehealth connections with specialists.
In one case, a stroke patient arrived at a rural Intermountain facility where the local team, guided by specialists via telehealth, administered time-critical medication. After stabilization and transfer, the patient walked out days later.
A similar story unfolded when a trauma patient in Park City received critical care after hitting a tree while skiing.
The bottom line: While many healthcare organizations have closed rural facilities due to financial pressures, Intermountain’s commitment to rural care demonstrates how local healthcare access can produce remarkable outcomes while serving communities where they live.