Rural communities across Utah depend on critical access hospitals for essential healthcare services. These specialized hospitals provide care that rural residents rely on, often operating as the only medical facility for miles.
What Makes a Critical Access Hospital?
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), critical access hospitals (CAHs) must meet specific criteria:
- Located more than 35 miles from another hospital (15 miles in mountainous terrain)
- 25 or fewer inpatient beds
- 24/7 emergency services
- Average length of stay under 96 hours
These facilities receive cost-based reimbursement from Medicare to help sustain operations despite their smaller patient populations.
Community-Driven Care
Each year, critical access hospitals conduct community health needs assessments to understand what services residents need most. Based on community feedback, many CAHs offer specialized care like pediatrics, general surgery, orthopedics, or labor and delivery—even when these services don’t generate revenue.
This approach ensures rural families don’t have to drive hours to receive necessary medical care.
Essential Services
Critical access hospitals provide vital services to their communities:
- 24/7 emergency care
- Patient stabilization before transfer to larger hospitals
- Close-to-home care for rural residents
The Impact on Rural Communities
Critical access hospitals deliver more than healthcare—they provide peace of mind and stability to rural communities throughout Utah. When local residents can access quality care without traveling long distances, entire communities benefit.
The Utah Hospital Association continues to advocate for policies that strengthen and sustain these vital healthcare institutions serving Utah’s rural communities.