Helping rural hospitals thrive together
North Dakota’s rural hospitals are sharing resources while keeping decisions local. On this episode of The Backstory, Alfred Sams explains what that means for patients and the hospitals they depend on.
When a rural hospital struggles, the effects can reach beyond its balance sheet. And that could leave residents with fewer options for care close to home.
Listen here:
On this episode of The Backstory, Sabrina Halvorson talks with Alfred Sams, president and CEO of North Dakota’s Rough Rider High Value Network, about how rural hospitals are pooling resources while maintaining local control.
“They have the ability to have economies of scale. And yet, maintain that fierce independence at the same time.” — Alfred Sams, president and CEO, Rough Rider High Value Network
Sams explains how shared care coordinators help patients get follow-up appointments, screenings and other care.
He also discusses the results of a pilot program in Rolla and explains how hospitals can benefit financially by helping patients stay healthier.
Read the full article here:
Michael Standaert
The Backstory is produced by the North Dakota News Cooperative, a nonprofit newsroom providing in-depth reporting to newspapers across the state. If you value this kind of journalism, consider making a donation to support our work.
The North Dakota News Cooperative is a nonprofit news organization providing reliable and independent reporting on issues and events that impact the lives of North Dakotans. The organization increases the public’s access to quality journalism and advances news literacy across the state.
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