Hospitals that decide to convert to a new type of rural provider won’t have to report quality metrics next year, but they also won’t qualify for a popular drug discount program — a likely dealbreaker for some.
That’s according to Medicare’s final rule laying out the parameters for so-called Rural Emergency Hospitals, a designation that takes effect Jan. 1, 2023 for facilities that opt in. These facilities will run emergency rooms, but not inpatient care. They’ll get higher Medicare reimbursement and additional facility payments of about $3.3 billion annually.
Medicare has said it will require Rural Emergency Hospitals to report on certain quality metrics, but its final rule says that won’t happen next year. In 2023, hospitals that convert will just have to sign up for the government’s quality reporting portal and designate an official to oversee reporting. The agency said it plans to release specific quality reporting rules in a future year.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.
Already have an account? Log in
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
STAT encourages you to share your voice. We welcome your commentary, criticism, and expertise on our subscriber-only platform, STAT+ Connect