Rural Health Facts

Rural Health Care … A Few Facts

Rural hospitals have long been an integral part of the culture of rural America. Today, rural hospitals are facing enormous challenges in order to remain financially viable so that they can continue providing necessary care to the citizens in their towns. 

¨     In 1998, approximately 54 million people lived in the country; the average rural household earned $29,000;
 

¨    Approximately 16% of the population in rural America is over the age of 65, compared to 13% of the non-rural population;
 

¨    While 20-25% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, less than 11% of the nation’s physicians practice in rural communities;
 

¨     Recruitment of physicians, other medical professionals and management is often more difficult and time-consuming in rural markets;
 

¨     Medicare is the most important source of payment for rural hospital patients in the U.S. and it represents 47.2% of their gross revenue;
 

¨     Almost one in three adults living in rural America is in poor to fair health

Home | Back to Top