When you picture a hospital, what do you think of? Most people picture a large medical center that provides emergency care, surgeries, and inpatient services. While some hospitals look like that, it’s not true for all facilities. Different types of hospitals serve different roles in healthcare.
East Adams Rural Healthcare is an open-access hospital. It’s a model that helps people in the community access the care they need, regardless of their insurance coverage, referral status, or financial situation.
Learn more about the different types of hospitals and what makes open-access hospitals different from the rest.
What Are the Different Types of Hospitals?
There are many different types of hospitals. They are categorized by size, patient population, location, and ownership.
Knowing the different types of hospitals and their primary purpose can help you choose the best option for your healthcare needs. Some of the most common types of hospitals include:
- General hospitals provide a wide range of medical services, including surgery, maternity care, and emergency treatment.
- Specialty hospitals focus on specific medical fields such as orthopedics, cancer treatment, or psychiatry.
- Teaching hospitals combine medical care with education for future healthcare professionals.
- Children’s hospitals specialize in treating children and conditions primarily affecting younger patients.
- Open-access hospitals prioritize accessible, patient-centered care without restrictions that may delay treatment.
- Critical access hospitals are designed to provide 24-hour emergency care and inpatient services to underserved communities.
- Rehabilitation hospitals focus on physical therapy, occupational therapy, and recovery care for patients healing from injuries, illnesses, or surgery.
- Veterans’ hospitals serve those who have served in the Armed Forces and are funded by tax dollars.
Benefits of Open Access Hospitals
An open-access hospital provides care without limitations on insurance status, referrals, or financial circumstances. It’s a model of care designed to improve healthcare access, especially for people living in rural or medically underserved communities.
In an open-access hospital like East Adams Rural Healthcare, patients can receive care without a referral from a primary care provider, and they can access services even if they’re uninsured or facing financial challenges. That doesn’t mean the care is free, but it does mean the hospital won’t turn you away if you are uninsured.
Open-access care is vital in rural areas because it:
- Provides faster access to care. Without referral requirements, patients can seek medical attention immediately, reducing the risk of minor issues becoming serious health problems.
- Improves healthcare accessibility. Open-access hospitals ensure that care is available to everyone in the community, including those who are underinsured or uninsured.
- Addresses local health needs. These hospitals tailor services to regional health challenges, such as managing chronic conditions, filling healthcare gaps, or providing mental health support.
The ultimate goal of the open-access hospital is to ensure that everyone in the community has access to the medical care they need.
How EARH Supports Patients as an Open-Access Hospital
As an open-access hospital, EARH provides various services to ensure healthcare is accessible, reliable, and patient-focused.
Some of the services we offer include:
- Family doctors: Primary care services for routine check-ups, chronic condition management, and preventative care.
- Emergency room services: Open 24/7 to provide immediate care for urgent, life-threatening medical needs.
- Swing bed services: Transitional care to help patients recover safely after surgery, illness, or injury.
Healthcare is most effective when people can access it without delays. Our hospital wants to eliminate obstacles that prevent people from getting the care they deserve. You can trust East Adams Rural Healthcare to provide accessible, compassionate care when you need it.
Learn more about EARH’s services or schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare providers today.
