What Is a Critical Access Hospital?

A critical access hospital is a small healthcare facility located in a rural area, typically far from larger hospitals, that provides emergency and short-term inpatient care. These hospitals have 25 or fewer inpatient beds and usually keep patient stays under 96 hours.

Why critical access hospitals matter

• Emergency care accessibility: They provide round-the-clock emergency services in rural areas where larger hospitals may be too distant to quickly reach.
• Supports rural communities: Critical access hospitals deliver essential healthcare to populations who otherwise might lack convenient medical services.
• Specialized funding: These hospitals receive special Medicare reimbursement rates to stay financially viable and maintain essential healthcare access for rural residents.

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help you find critical access hospitals nearby, assist in planning for emergency medical situations, and guide you through coverage details specific to these rural healthcare facilities. Advocates can also coordinate your transfer to specialized care if your medical condition requires advanced treatment at a larger facility.

What to do next

Need help finding or understanding your access to a critical access hospital? A Solace advocate can provide personalized guidance to make sure you’re prepared for healthcare in your area. Find an advocate today.