Port Angeles, Wash.-based Olympic Medical Center is considering converting to a smaller critical access hospital, according to a report from Radio Pacific.
The potential designation could increase Medicare reimbursement rates, but it would limit the hospital to 25 beds. Olympic Medical Center currently has 67 beds and an average patient count of 47.
“In converting to a 25-bed hospital, if we’re going to do that, we’ve got to account for all the things that we do as a 67-bed hospital,” Gerald Stephanz, MD, an Olympic Medical Center commissioner, said. “And how are we going to do that? It’s about the total care for the community. It’s not just about producing beds.”
Consultants are evaluating options for the hospital, including separate rehabilitation or psychiatric units, hospice care and partnerships with nursing facilities.
No decision has been made yet, though a final comparison of options is expected later this month.
Becker’s has reached out to Olympic Medical Center for comment and will update the story should more information become available.
