Factors Influencing Rural Residents’ Utilization of Urban Hospitals

In the 1980s, rural hospitals were closing at an alarming rate, and this trend continued, though at a slower pace, during the 1990s (1). Loss of a rural community’s hospital, particularly if it is the sole hospital, not only affects access to inpatient care, but also to outpatient, 24-hour emergency room, and long-term care, as well as other services the hospitals provide to community residents. The supply of physicians and other health care professionals may also dwindle in areas without hospitals.