Key Takeaways on What Is a Critical Access Hospital A critical access hospital, or CAH, is a small rural hospital that meets federal criteria to receive cost-based reimbursement from Medicare. These hospitals keep emergency and essential inpatient services available in…
What Is a Critical Access Hospital and Why They Matter Read more
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its CMS final rule 2026 policy changes for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) on October 31, 2025.1 Actual changes go into effect on or after January 1, 2026. Other recent…
Key CMS Final Rule 2026 Changes for Rural Healthcare Read more
In 2023, hospitals absorbed $130 billion in Medicare and Medicaid underpayments — a roughly 14% annual increase over 2019.1 And underpayments are one reason providers can benefit from knowing how to maximize reimbursements for rural health clinics (RHCs). Why? Because a higher…
How to Maximize Reimbursements for Rural Health Clinics Read more
Critical access hospitals (CAHs) get financial protection and access to government resources to support care in rural areas. Hospitals are only eligible for the CAH designation if they participate in the Medicare program. To earn the CAH designation, facilities also…
Critical Access Hospital Requirements for Care Centers in Transition Read more
Access to reliable high-speed Internet is missing from too many rural communities. And that limits access to essential healthcare services, which impacts patient care. It also plays a key role in connecting underserved communities to essential other resources and opportunities.…
Understanding Internet Options for Rural Areas Read more
The rural emergency hospital designation gives rural hospitals a way to stay open when inpatient care becomes unprofitable. Instead of running inpatient units, hospitals can shift to a model that relies on emergency and outpatient services. This arrangement provides more…
The Rural Emergency Hospital Designation: What to Know Read more
