Report: Lewis County Health System retains its Critical Access Designation

LOWVILLE- Lewis County Health System says it has successfully retained its critical access designation status.

The announcement by hospital officials this week stems from a recent move by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalizing a modification in defining what is a primary road of travel for rural hospitals to apply for and maintain a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation.

"The CAH designation is vital for Lewis County General Hospital to maintain financial viability and ensure residents have local access to health care today, tomorrow and for the next generation,” said CEO Gerry Cayer.

The CAH designation provides hospitals, like Lewis County General, with cost-based reimbursement rates from Medicare to keep essential healthcare services in rural communities.

The amendment redefines the definition of a primary road of travel for determining the driving distance of a CAH and its proximity to other providers. It is expected to be in effect on January 1, 2023.

Cayer says advocacy and active engagement by many over the last three years were critical to the successful redefining of the primary road, which led the way for a federal policy that will benefit rural communities across the country.

Image courtesy via Lewis County Health System.