CMS extends reimbursement programs for rural hospitals

Two CMS programs benefitting small rural hospitals have been extended through the second half of the 2014 fiscal year.

The Medicare Dependent Hospital (MDH) and Low-Volume Hospital (LVH) programs provide special reimbursement rates for qualifying hospitals. To qualify for the MDH program, a hospital must be located in a rural area, have no more than 100 beds, and have Medicare cover 60% of discharges and inpatient days.

Hospitals qualifying for the LVH program must be 15 road miles from another comparable hospital and have fewer than 1,600 discharges a year covered by Medicare.

CMS extended both programs back in March to cover the first half of the 2014 fiscal year after they expired in October 2013.
 

Source: Becker’s Hospital Review