Hospitals play a large economic role in every community they reside, but in Rhode Island, hospitals have oversaturated their markets, according to a report from Rhode Island's Health Care Planning & Accountability Advisory Council.
The report found Rhode Island has an excess of approximately 200 staffed beds — or the equivalent of one of the state's average community hospitals. If Rhode Island eliminated the excess inpatient capacity, it is estimated to save $100 million in total hospital costs.
The council said most of the state's inpatient overcapacity is due to declining patient utilization and a falling state population, among other factors. Most of the excess beds were found in obstetrics, pediatrics, adult psychiatrics and intensive care units.
The report found Rhode Island has an excess of approximately 200 staffed beds — or the equivalent of one of the state's average community hospitals. If Rhode Island eliminated the excess inpatient capacity, it is estimated to save $100 million in total hospital costs.
The council said most of the state's inpatient overcapacity is due to declining patient utilization and a falling state population, among other factors. Most of the excess beds were found in obstetrics, pediatrics, adult psychiatrics and intensive care units.
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