Study Reveals Impact of Hospital Closures on Vulnerable Communities

A recent study has unveiled that the closure of surgical hospitals is occurring at a markedly higher rate compared to the establishment of new facilities, with these closures disproportionately affecting communities characterized by economic disadvantage and social vulnerability. This alarming trend raises significant concerns regarding access to surgical care in the United States.

The findings were presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2025, highlighting the pressing issue of hospital availability in socioeconomically challenged areas. Researchers analyzed data from the American Hospital Association, focusing on hospitals that conducted a minimum of 100 surgeries annually in the years 2010 and 2020. The analysis revealed a net loss of 298 surgical hospitals nationwide, indicating a troubling decline in access to essential surgical services.

Utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), the study compared the socioeconomic profiles of regions experiencing hospital closures to those that maintained or opened new hospitals. The results were striking, showing a significant concentration of closures in areas with lower median incomes and higher social vulnerability scores.

Key findings from the study include:

• Reduced Access: The geographic areas within a 15-minute travel radius of a surgical hospital decreased by 6.2%, while those within a 30-minute radius diminished by 3.7%.
• Targeted Closures: The hospitals that closed were located in census tracts with notably lower income levels and higher social vulnerability, with such areas being over twice as likely to experience closures compared to more affluent regions.
• Increased Strain on Remaining Facilities: The influx of patients from closed hospitals to neighboring facilities is projected to overwhelm emergency and surgical departments.

One critical issue associated with hospital closures is the potential loss of patients' medical records. When a hospital shuts down, individuals who received care there may find it challenging to access their health records, which are crucial for continuity of care. This loss can lead to unnecessary repetitive testing and complications in managing ongoing health issues.

While the study did not directly investigate the specific causes behind the hospital closures, it is suggested that economic factors play a significant role. Many smaller hospitals, particularly those serving a larger proportion of patients reliant on government insurance, face substantial challenges in remaining financially viable.

The implications for patients and healthcare systems are profound:

• Loss of Medical History: Patients may permanently lose access to their medical histories, complicating future care and leading to potential health risks.
• Strain on Healthcare Systems: Remaining hospitals will have to accommodate a surge in new patients, many of whom lack established medical histories, which may lead to stretched resources and longer wait times.
• Potential for Delayed Care: Increased travel distances and the difficulty in finding new healthcare providers may deter patients from seeking necessary medical attention, leading to potentially serious health consequences.

This study underscores the urgent need for policymakers and healthcare leaders to address the growing disparities in access to surgical services, particularly for vulnerable populations. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, ensuring equitable access to care remains a critical challenge that must be urgently addressed.