Rural hospitals build scale to stay independent: Commonwealth Fund

Independent rural hospitals in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Ohio are forming regional networks to better compete against larger health systems. This move is crucial as these hospitals aim to maintain their independence and provide quality care in an environment where consolidation often favors bigger players. By pooling resources, they hope to achieve economies of scale, which can help keep their doors open and services affordable for local communities. This strategy highlights the ongoing challenges rural healthcare faces in the face of broader industry trends.