{"id":546833,"date":"2026-03-26T17:42:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:42:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/546833\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T17:42:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:42:12","slug":"sheridan-memorial-hospital-might-transition-to-a-critical-access-hospital-sheridan-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/546833\/","title":{"rendered":"Sheridan Memorial Hospital Might Transition To A Critical Access Hospital \u2013 Sheridan Media"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Sheridan Memorial Hospital works to continue strengthening local healthcare, it has begun exploring a transition to a critical access designation as part of its long-term strategy for supporting its mission of providing excellent, patient-centered care.<\/p>\n

Over the past decade, SMH has experienced significant changes, including increased demand for behavioral health services, a growing senior population and the need for expanded access to specialty care. <\/p>\n

Following a review of patient volumes and community needs, hospital leadership has begun exploring a transition from a prospective payment system (PPS) hospital to a critical
access hospital (CAH).<\/p>\n

Over the years, SMH has seen a dramatic change in how it is reimbursed for providing care to the community. <\/p>\n

The hospital system receives payment from commercial insurance companies as well as fixed payers such as Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans Affairs. <\/p>\n

In 2005, fixed payers represented 40% of the payer mix. <\/p>\n

Today, fixed payers make up 67% of SMH\u2019s payer mix.<\/p>\n

The challenge with such a substantial percentage of fixed payers is that the payments from these sources do not cover the cost of providing care. <\/p>\n

Medicare reimbursements, for example, have covered approximately 75% of SMH\u2019s cost to provide care.<\/p>\n

The change to a CAH would align with SMH\u2019s ongoing commitment to provide high-quality, patient-centered care while ensuring long-term sustainability as a rural healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

Critical access designation would support more stable reimbursement for the cost of care, allowing the hospital to continue reinvesting in its people, facilities and technology.<\/p>\n

\u201cImportantly, all current services at SMH would continue if Sheridan Memorial Hospital were to become a critical access hospital,\u201d healthcare system CEO Mike McCafferty said. \u201cThe hospital would maintain its full scope of care and continue adapting to meet the needs of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n

SMH leadership is working closely with clinical teams and staff to evaluate opportunities and ensure any changes are implemented thoughtfully, with a continued focus on patient experience and quality care.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a community hospital, our responsibility is to ensure we are positioned to serve Sheridan and the surrounding region for years to come,\u201d McCafferty said. \u201cThese efforts are about
strengthening that foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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