A recent analysis reveals that mergers, acquisitions, and affiliations with larger health systems significantly improve the financial stability of rural hospitals, with nearly half moving out of high-risk categories post-transaction. The report highlights that while 110 rural hospitals closed between 2011 and 2021, those that aligned with larger systems saw average total margins increase from 1.8% to 2.2%. This integration not only enhances financial viability but also addresses staffing shortages and improves patient care quality.
