Following recent changes to the qualification guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), St. Anthony Regional Hospital leadership has decided to pursue a “critical access” designation to solidify the hospital’s fiscal position further. A critical access designation is designed to reduce rural hospitals’ financial vulnerability while also preserving essential services in smaller communities. CFO Eric Salmonson says, “Healthcare facilities across the country are facing significant financial obstacles, and St. Anthony is feeling those same pressures. A Critical Access Hospital Designation would reduce financial vulnerability and allow St. Anthony to continue to be responsive to the healthcare needs of the region we serve” CEO and President Allen Anderson notes hospital services will not be substantially impacted by the designation. He says, “Being a Critical Access Hospital would not limit any services offered, in fact, St. Anthony has identified many growth opportunities and is working towards recruitment of those identified services. This designation would be a positive for St. Anthony and keep healthcare local in our rural communities.” The application process is currently underway and is expected to take a significant amount of time before completion. Once approved, St. Anthony would be required to follow CMS participation conditions, such as limiting acute care inpatient beds to 25 or fewer and maintaining an average length of stay to 96 hours or less.
