The big picture:
While rural hospitals nationwide face closure risks, Utah’s 21 rural facilities are finding stability through consistent leadership and strategic partnerships, according to Matt McCullough of the Utah Hospital Association.
Why it matters
Rural hospitals are essential lifelines for the 10% of Utahns living in rural communities, providing critical healthcare services that would otherwise require hours of travel.
By the numbers
- Nearly 1,800 rural community hospitals operate across the United States, according to the American Hospital Association
- 21 of these facilities serve Utah’s rural communities, according to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute.
- Rural residents make up 10% of Utah’s population, per the Utah Governor’s Office
Key strengths
1. Leadership stability
Unlike many rural hospitals nationwide, Utah’s facilities benefit from remarkably low leadership turnover, creating consistency in management and strategic direction, McCullough explains.
2. Strategic partnerships
McCullough highlights how partnerships with major healthcare systems like Intermountain Health and University of Utah Health provide crucial support through:
- Telehealth services connecting rural patients to specialists
- Oncology care allowing patients to receive treatment locally
- Nearly a dozen specialty telehealth services including telestroke, teleburn, and tele-ICU
3. Community integration
Many rural Utah hospitals operate additional community services, as McCullough points out:
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for their counties
- Long-term care facilities
Challenges remain
Despite these strengths, McCullough says rural hospitals in Utah face significant challenges including:
- Potential Medicaid cuts that would disproportionately impact rural facilities
- Higher percentages of Medicare/Medicaid patients in rural communities
- Risk of service reductions if reimbursements decline
The bottom line
Utah’s rural hospitals have built a foundation of stability through consistent leadership and strategic partnerships that position them to weather healthcare challenges better than many of their counterparts nationwide.