Opinion: How we can build a healthier rural future together
In the realm of rural health care management, the concept of keeping patients local has emerged as a pivotal strategy with multifaceted benefits. But what kind of impact does this make? As a former rural hospital CEO, I have witnessed firsthand how this approach not only enhances the quality of care the hospital provides but also fortifies the institution's role as a cornerstone of the community.
One of the primary advantages of keeping patients local is its direct impact on community health. By ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive care within their own community, hospitals can foster continuity in treatment plans, promote regular health screenings, and facilitate preventive care measures. This proactive approach not only mitigates health risks but also empowers patients to actively manage their well-being, leading to healthier and more resilient communities overall.
Maintaining a strong presence within the community instills trust among patients and their families. Unsurprisingly, I have often heard patients express their desire to be treated locally, where they can be better supported and surrounded by their family and loved ones while battling through illness. When individuals receive consistent, high-quality care close to home, they are more likely to develop long-term relationships with health care providers and facilities. As a result, patient loyalty increases, leading to higher patient retention rates and improved satisfaction levels. This trust is invaluable in cultivating a positive reputation for the hospital and enhancing its standing as a health care leader within the region.
From an economic standpoint, keeping patients local stimulates the economy by supporting health care jobs and businesses within the community. Hospitals serve as economic anchors, generating employment opportunities and contributing to the overall financial stability of the region. By retaining patient volume locally, hospitals can also optimize resource allocation and operational efficiencies, thereby achieving sustainable growth and financial resilience over time.
Every community has unique health care needs and preferences shaped by demographic, cultural, and socioeconomic characteristics. By keeping patients local, hospitals can tailor their services to align with these specific requirements, ensuring health care delivery remains responsive and relevant. This approach allows hospitals to introduce targeted health initiatives, educational programs, and outreach efforts that address prevalent health concerns and promote proactive health management within the community.
I appreciate the physicians, advanced practice providers, and surgeons at Rural Physicians Group who work tirelessly to help carry out our vision – to help rural hospitals better fulfill their community charters by providing local access to high-acuity care. By prioritizing local patient care, we not only strengthen hospitals’ foundations but also contribute to the overall health and vitality of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a healthier future across rural America.
NRHA adapted the above piece from Rural Physicians Group, a trusted NRHA partner, for publication within the Association’s Rural Health Voices blog.
 | About the author: Michael Patterson is the chief executive officer at Rural Physicians Group and has been focused on bringing great health care to rural communities for almost 20 years. He understands the needs of rural communities and rural hospitals with 3 decades of business experience including being a staff accountant in the health insurance industry, chief financial officer of a small rural hospital and chief executive officer in rural hospital settings. |