A new model‐based approach for estimating rural hospital markets

• DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12924
• Publication Date: 2025-01-24T03:59:54Z
• Authors: Tyler L. Malone; George H. Pink; George M. Holmes
• Keywords: Acute care; Zip code

Abstract Purpose To provide a new approach for defining rural hospital markets. Methods First, we estimated models of choice. We defined hospitals in the choice set using nationwide data from Healthcare Cost Report Information System (HCRIS). modeled conditional logit regression and 2019 Medicare Fee‐for‐Service (FFS) claims Centers & Medicaid Services (CMS) Virtual Research Data Center. Next, calculated inpatient emergency department utilization by patient ZIP code. then total FFS volume each as well percent hospital's attributable to sorted codes given (from most least volume) added market until at 50% was represented. Findings The average included three codes, an population 37,221, 5385 beneficiaries. Furthermore, had share 29%. A lower found Critical Access Hospitals, unaffiliated with system, smaller number acute beds, fewer staff. Conclusions developed This can be used inform health services researchers, policymakers, communities about key predictors financial distress, populations adversely affected closure, more.