Department of Health and Human Services 
OFFICE OF 
INSPECTOR GENERAL 
HOSPITAL CLOSURE: 1998 
JUNE GIBBS BROWN 
Inspector General 
JULY 2000 
OEI-04-99-00330  OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL 
The mission of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), as mandated by Public Law 95-452, as 
amended by Public Law 100-504, is to protect the integrity of the Department of Health and 
Human Services programs as well as the health and welfare of beneficiaries served by them.  This 
statutory mission is carried out through a nationwide program of audits, investigations, 
inspections, sanctions, and fraud alerts.  The Inspector General informs the Secretary of program 
and management problems and recommends legislative, regulatory, and operational approaches to 
correct them. 
Office of Evaluation and Inspections 
The Office of Evaluation and Inspections (OEI) is one of several components of the Office of 
Inspector General.  It conducts short-term management and program evaluations (called 
inspections) that focus on issues of concern to the Department, the Congress, and the public.  The 
inspection reports provide findings and recommendations on the efficiency, vulnerability, and 
effectiveness of departmental programs. 
OEI's Atlanta Regional Office prepared this report under the direction of Jesse J. Flowers, 
Regional Inspector General, and Christopher H. Koehler, Deputy Regional Inspector General. 
Principal OEI staff included: 
Graham Rawsthorn, Team Leader  Greg Jones, Program Analyst 
Kristy Buchanan, Intern  Linda Moscoe, Program Analyst 
Tricia Davis, Program Specialist  Seth Rosenblatt, Program Analyst 
Allison Grablowsky, Program Analyst  Glen Thomas, Program Analyst 
Scott Horning, Program Analyst 
To obtain copies of this report, please call the Atlanta Regional Office at 404-562-7723.  Reports 
are also available on the World Wide Web at our home page address: 
http://www.dhhs.gov/progorg/oei  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 
PAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

INTRODUCTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3

FINDINGS

Extent and Characteristics of Closed Hospitals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

How Many Closed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Effect on Bed Supply  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Where They Were  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What They Were Like  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Reasons for Hospital Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Impact of Hospital Closure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10

How Many Patients Were Affected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

What Inpatient Care and Emergency Services Are Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11

What the Building Is Used for Now  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

APPENDICES 
A. Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13

B.  Number of Hospital Closures by State  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

C.  Hospital Closures by Hospital Name and Location  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
 EXECUTIVE  SUMMARY 
PURPOSE 
To describe the extent, characteristics, reasons for, and impact of hospital closure in 1998. 
BACKGROUND 
The closure of hospitals in past years has generated public and congressional concern.  We 
released a report in May 1989 describing the nationwide phenomenon of hospital closure 
in 1987.  Subsequently, we issued annual reports for hospital closures from 1988 through 
1997. 
The findings from all the OIG studies of hospital closures are similar.  The hospitals that 
closed were small and had low occupancy rates.  When the hospitals closed, few patients 
were affected.  Most patients could get medical care nearby. 
FINDINGS 
Our inspection of hospital closures in 1998 produced findings similar to those previously 
reported for 1987-1997. 
!	 Forty-three general, short-term, acute care hospitals closed in 1998 -- 0.9 percent 
of all hospitals. 
!	 Five more hospitals closed in 1998 than closed in 1997, however, the additional 
closings were offset by the fourteen hospitals that opened or reopened in 1998, 
eleven more than in 1997. 
!	 Fifteen of the closed hospitals were rural and 28 were urban.  A higher percentage 
of urban hospitals (1.1%) closed in 1998 than did rural hospitals (0.7%). 
!	 Closed hospitals in both rural and urban areas were smaller on average than the 
national averages. 
Rural hospitals that closed had an average of 48 beds as compared to an 
average of 73 beds for all rural hospitals nationally. 
Urban hospitals that closed had an average of 125 beds as compared to an 
average of 223 beds for all urban hospitals nationally. 
!	 Occupancy rates for closed rural and urban hospitals were lower on average than 
the national averages. 
1 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  Rural hospitals that closed had an average occupancy rate of 28 percent as 
compared to an average of 33 percent for all rural hospitals nationally.  The 
average daily census in the year prior to closure was about 14 patients. 
Urban hospitals that closed had an average occupancy rate of 34 percent as 
compared to an average of 49 percent for all urban hospitals nationally. 
The average daily census in the year prior to closure was about 42 patients. 
!	 Medicare utilization in closed hospitals was lower than the national average for 
rural and urban hospitals. 
In rural areas, the average Medicare utilization among hospitals that closed 
was 55 percent compared to an average of 59 percent for all rural hospitals 
nationally.  About eight Medicare patients were in the hospital on an 
average day in the year prior to closure. 
In urban areas, the average Medicare utilization among hospitals that 
closed was 39 percent compared to an average of 46 percent for all urban 
hospitals nationally.  About 16 Medicare patients were in the hospital on an 
average day in the year prior to closure. 
!	 Medicaid utilization in closed hospitals was higher than the national average for 
rural and urban hospitals. 
In rural areas, the average Medicaid utilization among hospitals that closed 
was 12 percent as compared to an average of 11 percent for all hospitals 
nationally.  About two Medicaid patients were in the hospital on an average 
day in the year prior to closure. 
In urban areas, the average Medicaid utilization among hospitals that 
closed was 22 percent as compared to an average of 14 percent for all 
urban hospitals nationally.  About nine Medicaid patients were in the 
hospital on an average day in the year prior to closure. 
!	 Many factors and events caused hospitals to close.  The most often reported 
reasons for closures, in order, were low census, financial problems, outdated 
facilities, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement reductions, and increased 
competition.  Many of these reasons for closure were interrelated. 
!	 Although residents in a few communities had to travel greater distances for 
hospital care, most had emergency and inpatient medical care available within 10 
miles of a closed hospital. 
!	 At the time of our inspection, 20 of the 43 closed hospital facilities (47 percent) 
were being used for health-related services.  Also, plans were being made to use 6 
of the remaining 23 closed hospitals for health-related services. 
2 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  INTRODUCTION 
PURPOSE 
To describe the extent, characteristics, reasons for, and impact of hospital closure in 1998. 
BACKGROUND 
In the late 1980s, closure of general, acute care hospitals generated public and 
congressional concern.  Numerous questions were raised about the impact of hospital 
closure in the United States, as well as implications for public policy.  A number of studies 
predicted that more hospitals would close in coming years. 
In response to these concerns, the Office of Inspector General released a report in May 
1989 describing the phenomenon of hospital closure during 1987 in the United States.  We 
found that the hospitals that closed were small and their closing did not severely affect 
access to care.  Many users of our 1987 hospital closure study encouraged us to continue 
year-by-year analyses of the phenomenon to detect differences in the rate of hospital 
closure, and in the characteristics and circumstances of hospitals that close. 
Similar inspections on hospital closures in 1988 through 1994 showed a downward trend 
in the number of closures.  Hospital closures in 1995, 1996, and 1997 more than doubled 
those of 1994, but were still less than in any other year since we began this series of 
reports. 
3 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  The findings from the 1987 through 1997 inspections were similar.  The hospitals that 
closed were small and had low occupancy rates.  When the hospitals closed, few patients 
were affected.  Most could get medical care nearby. 
METHODOLOGY 
We examined hospitals that closed in calendar year 1998.  For purposes of this study, we 
use the following definitions. 
Hospital:  A facility that provides general, short-term, acute medical and surgical 
inpatient care. 
Closed Hospital:  A facility that stopped providing general, short-term, acute 
inpatient care in 1998.  If a hospital merged with or was sold to another hospital 
but the physical plant continued to provide inpatient acute care, it was not 
considered a closure.  If a hospital both closed and reopened in 1998 in the same 
physical plant, it was not considered a closure. 
To determine the extent, reasons for, and impact of hospital closures, we obtained 
information from State licensing and certification agencies, State health planning agencies, 
State hospital associations, Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) data bases, 
officials associated with closed and nearby hospitals, and local public officials. 
We obtained information on the characteristics of all hospitals, including those that closed 
in 1998 from the Hospital Cost Report Information System (HCRIS) maintained by 
HCFA. 
Appendix A describes our methodology in further detail. 
____  ____  ____  ____ 
We conducted our inspection between August 1999 and May 2000.  We conducted this 
inspection in accordance with the Quality Standards for Inspections issued by the 
Presidents Council on Integrity and Efficiency. 
4 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  FINDINGS 
Our analysis shows that: 
!	 Forty-three general, short-term, acute care hospitals closed in 1998 -- 0.9 percent 
of all hospitals. 
!	 Five more hospitals closed in 1998 than closed in 1997, however, the additional 
closings were offset by the fourteen hospitals that opened or reopened in 1998, 
eleven more than in 1997. 
!  Most hospitals that closed were small and had low occupancy rates. 
!	 The characteristics, reasons for, and impact of 1998 closures were similar to the 
1997 closures. 
!	 Although residents of a few communities had to travel greater distances for 
hospital care, most had emergency and inpatient medical care available within 10 
miles of a closed hospital. 
Extent and characteristics of closed hospitals 
How many closed 
In 1998, there were 4,785 general, short-term, acute care hospitals in the United States 
entered on HCFA's HCRIS data base as participating in the Medicare program.  Forty-
three hospitals closed in 1998 -- 0.9 percent of all hospitals nationally. 
Number of hospitals in the U.S.  4,785 
Number of hospitals that closed in 1998  43  (0.9) 
% 
While 43 hospitals closed in 1998, 12 new hospitals opened and 2 previously closed 
hospitals reopened.  In comparison, 38 hospitals closed in 1997, 2 new hospitals opened 
and 1 previously closed hospital reopened.  The net effect was a decrease in 1998 hospital 
closures (29 hospitals) over the 1997 closures (35 hospitals). 
The effect on bed supply 
Closure of the 43 general, acute care hospitals reduced 1998 inpatient bed supply by 4,221 
beds, or 0.6 percent. 
Number of inpatient beds in the U.S.  746,544 
Inpatient beds in hospitals that closed in 1998  4,221  (0.6)% 
5 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  The 14 hospital openings and reopenings, however, added 1,413 beds and 193 beds 
respectively.  Therefore, the net reduction to the 1998 inpatient bed supply was 2,615 
beds.  In comparison, the net reduction to the 1997 inpatient bed supply was 3,641 beds. 
Hence, the inpatient bed supply decreased less in 1998 than in 1997. 
Where they were 
The closed hospitals were located in 18 States.  California had the greatest number of 
closures (10), followed by Texas (4), Minnesota (3), Ohio (3), Tennessee (3), and Virginia 
(3).  The remaining 12 States had 1 or 2 closures each.  Appendix B lists the number of 
hospital closures by State.  Appendix C lists the closures by location. 
A higher percentage of urban hospitals (1.1%) closed in 1998 than did rural hospitals 
(0.7%). 
URBAN  RURAL 
Hospitals in the U.S.:  2,657  2,128 
Closed in 1998  28 (1.1)%  15 (0.7)% 
What the closed hospitals were like 
Size:  Both rural and urban hospitals that closed in 1998 were smaller, on average, than 
the national average size.  The average number of beds for hospitals nationwide is 156. 
About 84 percent of the hospitals that closed had fewer beds than the national average. 
Furthermore, over half (58 percent) of the hospitals that closed had fewer than 100 beds. 
In contrast, 16 percent of the closed hospitals, all of which were urban hospitals,  had 
more beds than the national average. 
SIZE OF CLOSED HOSPITALS 
Number of Closed Hospitals 
Rural  Urban  Total  Percent 
Number of Beds 
0 - 30  7  3  10  23% 
31 - 50  1  6  7  16% 
51 - 100  5  3  8  19% 
101 - 150  2  8  10  23% 
151 - 200  0  3  3  7% 
201 - 300  0  3  3  7% 
301 >  0  2  2  5% 
Totals  15  28  43  100% 
6 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  Rural hospitals that closed had an average of 48.4 beds as compared to an average of 72.7 
beds for all rural hospitals nationally.  Urban hospitals that closed had an average of 124.8 
beds as compared to an average of 222.8 beds for all urban hospitals nationally. 
Occupancy:  Occupancy rates for closed rural and urban hospitals were lower on average 
than the national averages.1 
Rural hospitals that closed had an average occupancy rate of 28.3 percent as compared to 
an average of 32.7 percent for all rural hospitals nationally.  The average daily census in 
the year prior to closure was about 14 patients versus the national average of 24 patients. 
Urban hospitals that closed had an average occupancy rate of 33.6 percent as compared to 
an average of 49.3 percent for all urban hospitals nationally.  The average daily census in 
the year prior to closure was about 42 patients versus the national average of 110 patients. 
1 Hospital occupancy rate is defined as the actual number of patient days divided by the total bed days 
available. National average occupancy rate is defined as the sum of all hospitals occupancy rates, divided by the 
number of hospitals. 
7 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  Medicare Utilization:  The average Medicare utilization among rural and urban hospitals 
that closed was lower than the national average.2 
In rural areas, the average Medicare utilization among hospitals that closed was 55.2 
percent compared to an average of 59.3 percent for all rural hospitals nationally.  About 
eight Medicare patients were in the hospital on an average day in the year prior to closure. 
In urban areas, the average Medicare utilization among hospitals that closed was 38.8 
percent compared to an average of 46.4 percent for all urban hospitals nationally.  About 
16 Medicare patients were in the hospital on an average day in the year prior to closure. 
Medicaid Utilization:  The average Medicaid utilization among rural and urban hospitals 
that closed was higher than the national average.3 
In rural areas, the average Medicaid utilization among hospitals that closed was 12.3 
percent as compared to an average of 11.3 percent for all hospitals nationally.  About two 
Medicaid patients were in the hospital on an average day in the year prior to closure. 
In urban areas, the average Medicaid utilization among hospitals that closed was 22.4 
percent as compared to an average of 14.4 percent for all urban hospitals nationally. 
About nine Medicaid patients were in the hospital on an average day in the year prior to 
closure. 
2 Average Medicare utilization in closed hospitals is defined as the percent of Medicare patient days compared 
to the total patient days for each hospital, summed and divided by the number of hospitals. National average Medicare 
utilization is the percent of Medicare utilization of each hospital, summed and divided by the total number of hospitals. 
3 Medicaid utilization is calculated in the same way as Medicare utilization. 
8 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  Reasons for hospital closure 
The health care professionals we interviewed reported many reasons for hospital closure. 
The most often reported reasons for closures, in order, were low occupancy, financial 
problems, outdated facilities, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement reductions, and 
increased competition.  These reasons for closure were interrelated. 
Officials in eight of the 43 hospitals that closed included Medicare and Medicaid 
reimbursement reductions as a reason for closure.  However, only one claimed it to be the 
sole reason.  In this instance, the hospitals occupancy was significantly lower than the 
national average and two larger hospitals were located within four miles.  Therefore, 
competition contributed as a factor to closure. 
The other seven hospitals claimed low census, competition, and mergers were contributing 
reasons for closure.  For example, a hospital that closed in Texas was one of three local 
hospitals bought out by a corporation.  The corporation closed one of the three hospitals 
in 1997 and another in 1998 in order to maximize the occupancy and efficiency of the 
remaining hospital. 
Eleven hospitals reported outdated facilities as reason for closure.  The 11 hospitals closed 
and opened eight new facilities.  For example, one hospital in California suffered 
earthquake damage in 1989.  Hospital management determined that it would be more cost 
effective to build a new facility rather than renovate the existing facility.  The new hospital 
is located 1.5 miles from the old hospital.  In Minnesota, three local hospitals closed and 
were replaced by one new regional hospital. 
9 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  Impact of hospital closure 
In communities where hospitals closed in 1998, we determined the 
!  number of patients affected by closure of hospitals, 
!  availability of inpatient care and emergency medical services, and 
!  current use of closed hospital facilities. 
How many patients were affected 
For rural hospitals that closed in 1998, the average daily census in the year prior to closure 
was about 14 patients.  The urban hospitals that closed had an average daily census of 
about 42 patients. 
WHEN HOSPITALS CLOSED, 
HOW MANY PATIENTS WERE AFFECTED? 
Rural Hospitals  Urban Hospitals 
Average Number of Beds  48.4  124.8 
Average Occupancy Rate  x 28.3%  x 33.6% 
Average Number of Patients  13.7  41.9 
We analyzed Medicare utilization data to determine the number of elderly patients affected 
by hospital closure in 1998.  In rural hospitals that closed, about eight Medicare patients 
were in the hospital on an average day in the year prior to closure.  In the urban hospitals 
that closed, about 16 Medicare patients were in the hospital on an average day. 
WHEN HOSPITALS CLOSED, 
HOW MANY MEDICARE PATIENTS WERE AFFECTED? 
Rural Hospitals  Urban Hospitals 
Average Patient Census  13.7  41.9 
Average Medicare Utilization Rate  x 55.2%  x38.8% 
Average Number Medicare Patients  7.6  16.3 
10 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  What inpatient care and emergency services are available 
Inpatient Care:  In most communities where a hospital closed in 1998, inpatient hospital 
care was available nearby.4 
NEAREST INPATIENT CARE TO CLOSED HOSPITALS 
NUMBER OF CLOSED 
HOSPITALS 
DISTANCE  RURAL  URBAN 
Within 3 Miles  3  20.0%  11  39.3% 
4-10 Miles  5  33.3%  12  42.9% 
11-20 Miles  2  13.3%  2  7.1% 
21-30 Miles  3  20.0%  3  10.7% 
More than 30 Miles  2  13.3%  0  0.0% 
Totals  15  100.0%  28  100.0% 
Rural Areas:  Residents in 10 of the 15 rural communities (67 percent) where a hospital 
closed could get inpatient hospital care within 20 miles of the closed hospital.  Residents 
of Mountain City, Tennessee, had to travel 40 miles to obtain inpatient hospital care in 
Tennessee.  In addition, residents of Hot Springs, South Dakota had to travel 60 miles to 
obtain inpatient hospital care.  The Hot Springs community was considering converting 
their closed hospital into a Critical Access Hospital.5  Critical Access Hospitals provide up 
to four days of limited inpatient services. 
Urban Areas:  In 23 of the 28 urban communities (82%) where a hospital closed in 1998, 
residents could get inpatient hospital care within 10 miles of the closed hospital.  Residents 
in all 28 urban communities where a hospital closed could get inpatient care within 30 
miles of the closed hospital. 
Emergency Services:  When a hospital closed, the community lost not only inpatient 
beds, but also 24-hour emergency services.6 
4 We assessed availability of inpatient medical care in miles from a closed hospital to the nearest inpatient 
facility. 
5 The 1997 Balanced Budget Act changed Medical Assistance Facilities (MAF) to Critical Access Hospitals 
(CAH) as part of the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program. 
6 We assessed availability of emergency medical care in miles from a closed hospital to the nearest emergency 
facility. 
11 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  Rural Areas:  In 11 of the 15 rural communities (73 percent) where a hospital closed in 
1998, emergency care facilities were available within 20 miles of the closed hospital.  Of 
the remaining four rural communities where a hospital closed, three had emergency care 
within 24 miles.  The residents of Hot Springs, South Dakota had to travel 60 miles to 
obtain 24-hour emergency care. 
Urban Areas: Emergency care facilities were available within 10 miles of the closed 
hospital in 25 of the 28 urban communities where a hospital closed in 1998.  Residents of 
Rush City, Minnesota, Paterson, California, and Wetumka, Oklahoma had to travel 18, 25, 
and 30 miles respectively for 24-hour emergency care. 
NEAREST EMERGENCY SERVICES TO CLOSED HOSPITALS 
NUMBER OF CLOSED 
HOSPITALS 
DISTANCE  Rural  Urban 
Within 3 Miles  4  26.7%  12  42.9% 
4-10 Miles  5  33.3%  13  46.4% 
11-20 Miles  2  13.3%  1  3.6% 
21-30 Miles  3  20.0%  2  7.1% 
More than 30 Miles  1  6.7%  0  0.0% 
Totals  15  100.0%  28  100.0% 
What the building is used for now 
At the time of our inspection, 20 of the 43 closed hospital facilities (47 percent) were 
being used for health-related services.  For example: 
!	 Legend Buttes Health Services in Crawford, Nebraska along with seven other 
closed hospitals became health clinics. 
!	 South Pittsburg Municipal Hospital in South Pittsburg, Tennessee became an 
assisted living facility. 
!	 Chisago Health Services in Chisago City, Minnesota and Lifecare Medical Arts 
Hospital in Dallas, Texas are now long-term care facilities. 
Of the 23 closed hospital facilities that were not being used for health-related services, 
plans were being made to use 6 for health-related services.  In addition, two facilities had 
been demolished. 
12 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  APPENDIX A 
METHODOLOGY 
Extent of Hospital Closure 
To determine how many hospitals closed in 1998, we contacted State licensing and certification 
agencies, State hospital associations, and State health planning agencies.  We also compiled 
Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) data on terminated hospitals in 1998.  When a 
closed hospital met the study definition or when questions arose, we surveyed officials associated 
with the closed hospitals, officials associated with hospitals nearest to the closed hospital, and 
local public officials. 
To quantify the number of hospitals in the United States, we used the Hospital Cost Report 
Information System (HCRIS) maintained by HCFA.  We included only general, short-term, acute 
care hospitals under Medicare's Prospective Payment System (PPS) in the universe.  There were 
4,785 hospitals listed on HCRIS as short-term, acute care, general hospitals for 1998. 
Characteristics of Hospital Closure 
To analyze characteristics of closed hospitals, we used HCRIS data.  We used the latest pre-
closure cost reports.  For example, if a hospital closed in May 1998 and its accounting year was 
on a January-December cycle, we used the hospital's January 1, 1997 to December 31, 1997 
report. 
Reasons for and Impact of Hospital Closure 
We limited our "impact" analysis to the distance from a closed hospital to the nearest still-
operating hospitals and to emergency services.  In addition to the HCRIS, we obtained data for 
our analysis from interviews with the following sources. 
!  Former hospital administrators, board members, and/or staff of closed hospitals 
!  Hospital administrators and/or staff at the nearest hospitals 
!  Local fire, health, and government officials 
!  State health planning agencies 
!  State certification and licensing agencies 
!  State hospital associations 
13 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  APPENDIX B 
1998 HOSPITAL CLOSURES - RANKED BY STATE 
State  Total Closures  Rural Closures  Urban Closures 
California  10  1  9 
Texas  4  1  3 
Minnesota  3  0  3 
Ohio  3  1  2 
Tennessee  3  1  2 
Virginia  3  1  2 
Connecticut  2  0  2 
Florida  2  1  1 
Nebraska  2  2  0 
Oklahoma  2  1  1 
Wisconsin  2  1  1 
Louisiana  1  1  0 
Michigan  1  1  0 
Missouri  1  1  0 
New Mexico  1  1  0 
New York  1  0  1 
Oregon  1  0  1 
South Dakota  1  1  0 
18 States  43  15  28 
14 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330  APPENDIX C 
1998 HOSPITAL CLOSURES BY NAME AND LOCATION 
Rural/ 
Hospital Name  City  State  Urban 
Bloss Memorial Hospital  Atwater  CA  Rural 
Del Puerto Hospital  Patterson  CA  Urban 
Friendly Hills Regional Medical Center  La Habra  CA  Urban 
Long Beach Doctors Hospital  Long Beach  CA  Urban 
North Hollywood Medical Center  North Hollywood  CA  Urban 
Pacifica Hospital  Huntington Beach  CA  Urban 
Riverside General Hospital - University  Riverside  CA  Urban 
South Bay Medical Center  Redondo Beach  CA  Urban 
Watsonville Community Hospital  Watsonville  CA  Urban 
Woodruff Community Hospital  Long Beach  CA  Urban 
St. Joseph Medical Center  Stamford  CT  Urban 
Veterans Memorial Medical Center  Meriden  CT  Urban 
Everglades Regional Medical Center  Pahokee  FL  Rural 
Florida Medical Center South  Plantation  FL  Urban 
Welsh General Hospital  Welsh  LA  Rural 
Morenci Area Hospital  Morenci  MI  Rural 
Chisago Health Services  Chisago City  MN  Urban 
District Memorial Hospital  Forest Lake  MN  Urban 
Rush City Hospital  Rush City  MN  Urban 
Capital Region Medical Center S.W.  Jefferson City  MO  Rural 
Community Memorial Hospital  Humboldt  NE  Rural 
Legend Buttes Health Services  Crawford  NE  Rural 
Plains Regional Medical Center - Portales  Portales  NM  Rural 
Union Hospital of the Bronx  Bronx  NY  Urban 
People's Hospital  Mansfield  OH  Rural 
Piqua Memorial Hospital  Piqua  OH  Urban 
Stouder memorial Hospital  Troy  OH  Urban 
Seminole Municipal Hospital  Seminole  OK  Rural 
Wetumka General Hospital  Wetumka  OK  Urban 
Cottage Grove Health Care Community  Cottage Grove  OR  Urban 
Southern Hills Hospital  Hot Springs  SD  Rural 
Johnson County Hospital  Mountain City  TN  Rural 
South Pittsburg Municipal Hospital  South Pittsburg  TN  Urban 
St. Joseph's Hospital  Memphis  TN  Urban 
Lakes Regional Medical Center  Jasper  TX  Rural 
Columbia Doctors Hospital - Airline  Houston  TX  Urban 
Lifecare Medical Arts Center  Dallas  TX  Urban 
Palo Duro Hospital  Canyon  TX  Urban 
Wise Appalachian Regional Hospital  Wise  VA  Rural 
Norfolk Community Hospital  Norfolk  VA  Urban 
Richmond Memorial Hospital  Richmond  VA  Urban 
Northwoods Hospital  Phelps  WI  Rural 
Sinai Semaritan Medical Center - West Campus  Milwaukee  WI  Urban 
15 
Hospital Closure: 1998  OEI-04-99-00330