Want to learn more about your local critical access hospital? Contact East Adams today.
When a child takes a hard fall or someone needs immediate care for chest pain, a critical access hospital can make all the difference. Critical access hospitals (or CAHs) ensure rural communities like ours have reliable access to emergency and routine medical care without the need to travel long distances.
But what is a critical access hospital? Is it different from other hospitals? In this article, we’ll explore what makes a critical access hospital unique and the role these vital facilities play in keeping rural communities healthy.
What is a Critical Access Hospital?
The goal of the critical access hospital is simple: to maintain reliable healthcare access for rural communities. However, not every rural hospital qualifies as a critical access hospital. To earn this unique designation, a healthcare facility must meet specific criteria:
- Be located in a rural area and at least 35 miles from another hospital
- Provide essential healthcare services, including 24 hour emergency care
- Have no more than 25 inpatient beds
Critical care hospitals generally focus on short-term stays, outpatient services, and transitional care.
What Services Do Critical Access Hospitals Provide?
CAHs, including East Adams Rural Healthcare, offer comprehensive, patient-focused care supporting a range of medical needs, including:
24-Hour Emergency Care
Immediate care for injuries and severe medical conditions. A CAH often plays an essential role in an emergency, working to stabilize a patient and facilitate their transfer to a larger hospital.
Swing Bed Programs
Transitional care services that help patients fully recover after hospitalization, with access to skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
Lab Services
On-site lab testing and imaging services enable rural patients to receive a quicker diagnosis and start treatment sooner.
Preventive Care Services
Annual wellness exams, vaccinations, routine check-ups, and screenings to support overall health for patients of all ages.
Primary Care Services
Family doctors who can treat illnesses and injuries as well as help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
The Benefits of Having a CAH in Your Community
The important question may be less “what is a critical access hospital” and more “what is a critical access hospital to your community?”
Having a critical access hospital nearby is about much more than just convenience. For those of us who live out in the country, a CAH can be a contributing factor to a healthier, stronger community. For example, local emergency care means that when a medical crisis occurs, patients receive care right away without losing precious time traveling to a distant city. Quicker care leads to better health outcomes.
Critical Access Hospitals are also great at providing personalized care for patients. In a smaller community, local healthcare providers are more likely to be familiar with your health history, your family’s needs, and your lifestyle. At CAHs, doctors tend to get to know their patients and build lasting relationships that lead to more personalized care and treatment plans.
CAHs are also good for the local economy. They employ community residents, provide stable jobs, and attract skilled professionals to the area. Their presence indirectly supports local businesses, schools, and community programs. Many CAHs also lead health-focused community events, wellness initiatives, and educational programs to help the community stay healthy and strong.
East Adams: Your Local Critical Access Hospital
As the local critical access hospital in Adams County, we are dedicated to providing reliable, comprehensive healthcare services tailored to your needs. We offer a lot more than just medical services. We provide peace of mind and personalized care while working to build a healthier community for everyone.
Whether you need immediate care, ongoing health support, or routine wellness services, East Adams Rural Healthcare has the services you need. Experience our local, high-quality healthcare services by making an appointment today.
