rural hospitals closing

The measure stems from a federal law that allowed the designation of rural emergency hospitals and made them eligible for Medicare payments.

Under the measures, facilities designated as rural emergency hospitals could provide emergency services, observation care and outpatient services that do not exceed an average length of stay of 24 hours.

A new rural hospital payment model shifts the focus of services away from overnight stays to outpatient and emergency care. Still, experts say the law needs to be amended to provide the right mix of care for rural communities.

After 45 years of providing health care in rural western Missouri, Sac-Osage Hospital is being sold piece by piece.Ceiling tiles are going for 25 cents,…