What type of facility is identified as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH)?

A Critical Access Hospital (CAH) is specifically defined as a small rural hospital that meets certain criteria set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). These facilities are designed to provide essential medical services to patients in rural communities, thereby ensuring access to healthcare for populations that may be underserved or face geographic barriers to obtaining care.

The designation as a CAH allows these hospitals to receive cost-based reimbursement for services provided to Medicare patients, which helps maintain their financial viability. The CAH model is intended to offer a range of emergency, outpatient, and inpatient services, albeit on a smaller scale, to support the health needs of the local population.

The other facility types listed do not fit the definition of a Critical Access Hospital. Urban medical centers, specialized treatment clinics, and emergency care facilities have different operational structures and are typically not classified as CAHs, focusing instead on serving broader or specialized patient needs. Thus, being a small rural hospital is the distinguishing characteristic that defines a CAH.