The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released updated guidance for hospitals interested in becoming rural emergency hospitals (REHs). This guidance provides details on the conditions of participation and the conversion process for eligible hospitals.
REHs are a new provider type established to address concerns about rural hospital closures and access to care in rural communities. The REH designation offers benefits such as an additional 5% payment over the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System rate.
To be eligible for the REH designation, hospitals must meet specific requirements, including having a transfer agreement with a trauma center and providing only emergency department services, observation care, and limited outpatient medical services.