COLUMBUS, Ind. – Columbus Regional Health (CRH) released a statement Monday saying that it has made the difficult decision to close its Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, its outpatient practice, and CRH Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. It will also no longer provide the athletic trainer program for IU-Columbus, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, and Flatrock-Haw Creek School Corporation. The closures will take place over the coming months.
The organization is actively supporting those inpatient and practice workforce members affected in considering alternative employment options within CRH when and where possible. The hospital is working with the school corporations to provide a smooth transition for the athletic trainer program.
Columbus Regional Health executive leadership and its Board of Trustees determined that it can no longer cost-effectively provide inpatient rehab services. Outpatient rehabilitation services, such as physical and occupational therapy, will continue.
Like many other hospitals and provider-based healthcare systems, CRH stated, “We are facing unprecedented challenges and financial hardships, most of which are caused by outside factors. Rising costs in supplies, legislative scrutiny, and federal and state funding cuts pose massive hurdles. Simply getting paid for the services provided is becoming increasingly difficult. Health insurance companies delay or deny reimbursement to hospitals and providers for services already rendered, and/or provide reimbursement at rates far too low to cover the cost incurred by the organization.”
In conclusion, Columbus Regional Health said, “While we prioritize and maintain our high quality and the way we care for those we serve, CRH aims to balance efficiency when needed and smart growth when appropriate. As our organization’s leadership evaluates these goals, we are committed to transparency and keeping our workforce, patients, and community informed.”
You can view the complete CRH statement about the closures here.
