Industry
59 Hospitals Close Departments or End Services Since January
Becker's Hospital Review reports that 59 healthcare organizations have closed medical departments or ended services at facilities since January 1. The closures are attributed to financial pressures, shifts toward higher-demand services, and staffing shortages. The report includes Catholic Health facilities in Buffalo, N.Y., among the affected organizations. The specific departments closed and effective dates vary by facility.
Why it mattersHospital department closures and service reductions affect Medicaid beneficiary access to care, particularly in safety-net hospitals that serve high Medicaid populations, and may require managed care plans to adjust provider networks and ensure adequate access to affected services.