By HFT Staff

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has earned Critical Access Hospital designation, strengthening its ability to provide patient-centered care while supporting the hospital's long-term sustainability and access to services close to home. 

The Critical Access Hospital program was established to help rural hospitals maintain local access to care by providing additional flexibility through a cost-based Medicare reimbursement model. 

With this designation, Van Wert Hospital joins other OhioHealth rural hospitals operating under the Critical Access Hospital model, including OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital and OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital. 

Critical Access Hospitals are designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and must meet specific operational and regulatory requirements. As part of the designation process, Van Wert Hospital successfully completed a comprehensive Joint Commission survey assessing its compliance with nationally recognized standards for quality and patient safety through on-site observations and reviews of clinical and operational processes.