Pagosa Springs, Colorado: Hospital Availability And Healthcare Options

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is home to the Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC), a critical access hospital, rural health clinic, and ambulance/emergency medical service provider. The medical center has 11 private patient rooms and offers a range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, primary care, a cancer center, and specialty services. With a team of board-certified medical professionals, PSMC provides excellent and compassionate personal care to all residents and visitors, regardless of their ability to pay.

Pagosa Springs Medical Center

PSMC has 11 private patient rooms used for patients requiring hospitalization. The medical center also has a board-certified cardiologist, echo sonographer, dedicated nurse practitioner, and support staff who diagnose and treat various heart conditions. The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at PSMC provides diagnostic and medical care for patients with cancer. Additionally, PSMC offers diagnostic imaging services with high-quality imaging and radiology equipment, including a newly installed GE system.

PSMC's Emergency Department is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the medical center is a leader in rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS). It serves as the sole 911 EMS ambulance provider for the area. PSMC also has an experienced surgical team that offers general surgical care for patients who have suffered traumatic injuries or require other surgical procedures.

The medical center's infusion team works with primary care physicians and specialists to provide infusion treatments, including intravenous, intravesicular, and injectable methods. PSMC's integrated behavioral healthcare services offer a comprehensive approach to caring for patients' physical and mental health. The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Interventional Pain Management team at PSMC cares for patients living with chronic pain.

PSMC's board-certified neurologists provide diagnosis and treatment of brain and nervous system conditions using advanced, state-of-the-art technologies. The Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team provides comprehensive care for degenerative conditions and injuries of the upper and lower body. The primary care team at PSMC adopts a team-based approach to provide comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare. Additionally, PSMC provides interventional emergent stroke care, acute neurology consultation, and assessment and care for patients with emergent neurological conditions.

Critical access hospital

Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC) in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is a critical access hospital, rural health clinic, and ambulance emergency medical service provider. The medical center provides healthcare and wellness services to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay. PSMC has 11 private patient rooms and offers a range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, primary care, cancer center, and specialty services.

A Critical Access Hospital (CAH) is a designation given to eligible rural hospitals by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CAHs are designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare in rural communities. To achieve this, CAHs receive certain benefits, such as cost-based reimbursement for Medicare services.

Conditions for CAH Designation

To obtain the CAH designation, hospitals must meet specific conditions. These include being located more than 35 miles from the nearest hospital or 15 miles in areas with challenging terrain or secondary roads. CAHs must also comply with Hospital Conditions of Participation and other federal requirements.

CAH Benefits and Challenges

CAHs have flexible staffing and services and access to educational resources and grants through the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Flex Program). However, CAH status does not guarantee improved finances. Hospitals must assess their financial situation to determine if CAH status will result in better financial returns.

CAH Locations

Rural health clinic

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is home to the Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC), a critical access hospital, rural health clinic, and ambulance/emergency medical service provider. The facility is located at 95 South Pagosa Boulevard and serves all of Archuleta County and parts of Hinsdale and Mineral counties.

As a rural health clinic, PSMC offers a range of services to residents and visitors of the area, regardless of their ability to pay. These services include 24/7 emergency care, primary care, specialty services, and a cancer centre. The centre also provides diagnostic imaging and radiology services, as well as cardiac and neurology care with board-certified specialists. PSMC's integrated behavioural healthcare services take a comprehensive approach to patients' physical and mental health. The centre also has an infusion team that works with primary care physicians and specialists to provide infusion treatments.

The PSMC hospital has 11 private patient rooms and is a Level IV trauma centre. The facility is committed to serving the community and providing first-class medical services in the picturesque mountains of Pagosa Springs. Reviews for the hospital are generally positive, with patients praising the compassion and kindness of the staff.

Ambulance/emergency medical service

Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC) in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is a critical access hospital, rural health clinic, and ambulance/emergency medical service provider. The center provides a range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, primary care, specialty services, and a cancer center. PSMC serves as the sole 911 EMS ambulance provider for the community and is dedicated to offering healthcare and wellness to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.

The medical center is a special district hospital that was formed in 1981, and the current building opened in early 2008. It is a Level IV trauma center with 11 private patient rooms. PSMC's emergency department is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and individuals are instructed to call 911 immediately in case of an emergency.

PSMC offers a comprehensive range of medical services. The center has board-certified specialists in various fields, including neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, and sports medicine. They also provide interventional emergent stroke care, acute neurology consultation, and cancer care through their Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Additionally, PSMC has an integrated behavioral health care team that addresses patients' physical and mental health needs.

The center's ambulance/emergency medical service is an integral part of its offerings. While specific details about the ambulance service's coverage area, response times, and capabilities are not readily available, it is safe to assume that it plays a crucial role in providing timely emergency medical care to the Pagosa Springs community and surrounding areas.

PSMC's commitment to serving the community is evident in their dedication to providing first-class medical services in the picturesque mountains of Pagosa Springs. The center's team of healthcare professionals works together to deliver excellent and compassionate personal care to both residents and visitors of the area.

Patient experience ratings

Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC) is a non-profit healthcare facility in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, offering emergency care, primary care, and specialized outpatient services. The centre is committed to providing patient-centred care and has a solid reputation for its dedication to quality care and community well-being. With its affiliation with reputable healthcare networks, PSMC adheres to high standards of medical excellence.

Nestled in the serene San Juan Mountains, PSMC offers a calming environment for patients and visitors. The facility features modern treatment rooms, comfortable waiting areas, and community-oriented services. With a range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department, primary care, cancer centre, and specialty services, PSMC delivers excellent personal care to all its patients. The centre has earned praise for its compassionate and dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Patient testimonials speak to the high level of care provided by PSMC. One patient shared their experience of undergoing a vasectomy, describing the staff as "great and answering any questions or concerns I had." Another patient highlighted the efficiency and kindness of the team, who quickly alleviated their husband's terrible pain on a Sunday. The centre's small size is also advantageous for patients, allowing for more personalised care.

However, not all reviews are positive. One patient shared their experience of seeking treatment for COVID, expressing frustration with the centre's handling of their insurance information, which resulted in issues with their insurance provider. Despite this, the majority of patient experiences reflect a high level of satisfaction with the care received at PSMC.

U.S. News provides extensive information on doctor profiles and hospital rankings to help patients find the best healthcare options. Healthgrades, another resource, allows patients to compare hospital ratings, research physician information, and make informed decisions about their healthcare. These platforms empower individuals to make informed choices about their medical care.

Frequently asked questions