Ely (Minn.)-Bloomenson Community Hospital's critical-access status has been restored after CMS ordered the hospital to reapply for the designation in mid-December due to county population changes.
This was the first time the hospital had been asked to reapply for CAH status since it was instated in 2001. The 21-bed hospital, which immediately reapplied, had 60 days to do so after receiving the Dec. 11 letter from CMS.
The CAH designation ensures the hospital will receive reimbursement rates that reflect the challenges of running a hospital in a rural area, according to a Jan. 13 news release shared with Becker's.
"We are grateful for the support of our staff, patients, local, state and federal lawmakers, and the local community throughout this process," Patti Banks, CEO of Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, said in the release.