Rural healthcare facilities frequently discontinue maternity services following mergers, according to a new study.
In the healthcare industry, a significant trend has emerged over the past few years - the acquisition of rural hospitals by larger health systems. This trend, which is accelerating, has reshaped the way Americans receive healthcare, particularly for mothers and babies.
According to the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform, less than half of rural hospitals in the U.S. still offer obstetric services. This statistic is concerning, as over the past five years, more than 100 rural hospitals have stopped delivering babies or have announced they will stop in 2025.
The acquisition of rural hospitals by larger health systems is a bid for financial stability by these systems. However, the outcomes for mothers and babies have been mixed.
On one hand, the larger health systems bring resources and expertise that can improve healthcare quality and access in rural areas. On the other hand, rural hospitals acquired by larger health systems are less likely to offer obstetric services. This trend has led to a decline in the number of hospitals where mothers can give birth in rural communities.
The largest health systems that have acquired rural hospitals with maternity services in the past five years include common U.S. entities like HCA Healthcare, Ascension Health, and CommonSpirit Health. Despite their best efforts, the acquisition of these hospitals has not ensured the continuation of obstetric services.
The loss of rural hospitals with maternity services has far-reaching implications. Women in rural areas may have to travel long distances to reach a hospital with maternity services, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
The mixed outcomes for mothers and babies as a result of the acquisition of rural hospitals by larger health systems include both positive and negative effects. While the trend has led to the closure of many rural hospitals, it has also brought resources and expertise to others.
As the trend of acquiring rural hospitals by larger health systems continues, it is crucial to address the decline in obstetric services in rural areas. Ensuring that rural women have access to quality maternity care is essential for the health and well-being of mothers and babies in these communities.
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