Merger Cure? Rural Hospitals Try Networks
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By
September 9, 2025
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7 min
Retta Jacobi utilized a mobile MRI unit in Bowman, North Dakota, to identify shoulder pain, avoiding a 40-minute trip otherwise necessary for care. The unit is part of the Rough Rider Network, which helps rural hospitals afford advanced medical technologies collaboratively. This network structure is essential for maintaining independent operations and improving patient care amidst rising healthcare costs. As many rural hospitals face closure and consolidation, initiatives like the Rough Rider Network offer critical support and resources, allowing them to remain viable and serve their communities effectively.
1. The mobile MRI unit provides access for residents in Bowman, ND. 2. The Rough Rider Network aids rural hospitals in resource sharing. 3. Rising healthcare costs compel rural hospitals to form collaborative networks. 4. Independent hospitals can remain viable without merging into larger health systems. 5. Preventive care outreach is crucial for patient health management. 6. Networks can enhance negotiating power with healthcare vendors.
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