After much consideration, Columbus Regional Health has made the difficult decision to close its Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, as well as outpatient practice, CRH Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. In addition, Columbus Regional Health will no longer provide the athletic trainer program for Indiana University-Columbus, Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, and Flatrock-Haw Creek School Corporation.

The changes associated with these closures will take place over the coming months, and these decisions have been communicated to the workforce members, providers, and community partners directly affected.

The organization is actively supporting those inpatient and practice workforce members affected in considering alternative employment options within CRH when and where possible. We are also committed to working with our partners in the school corporations with the goal of providing a smooth transition for the athletic trainer program.

Why these services?

Columbus Regional Health executive leadership and our Board of Trustees considered many factors in the thoughtful decision-making process. As it was determined that we can no longer cost-effectively provide inpatient rehab services, CRH is committed to making sure those patients identified as needing rehabilitative services during a hospital stay receive the care they need with a close-by facility and making that transition as smooth as possible. Outpatient rehabilitation such as physical and occupational therapy remain intact and services will continue as normal.

As it was identified that CRH can no longer cost-effectively provide orthopedic and sports medicine services, it was determined that these services are readily available in this area and nearby through other providers, and in some instances, more comprehensively. We understand the importance of athletic trainers in our schools for the benefit of student athletes, and CRH was pleased to implement and grow an athletic trainer program throughout the last several years. We are committed to working with the schools to provide a smooth transition for the program.

Why is this happening?

Columbus Regional Health, like many other hospitals and provider-based healthcare systems, is facing unprecedented challenges and financial hardships, currently, most of which are caused by outside factors. Rising costs in supplies, legislative scrutiny, along with federal and state funding cuts pose massive hurdles, especially for non-profit county hospitals. Simply getting paid for the services Columbus Regional Hospital and Columbus Regional Health Physicians provide patients is becoming more and more difficult. Health insurance companies increasingly 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.

The vital role of hospitals and health systems like Columbus Regional Health extends beyond the medical services we provide into the direct and indirect economic contributions our organizations weave into the fabric of the communities we serve. CRH is committed to maintaining our high-quality care while remaining a local, independent health system, and as such, must make these difficult decisions in order to continue as a viable organization long-term. 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.