Jordan Ellis
Short-term acute care hospitals are the most common type of hospital in the United States, with 3,888 facilities across the country. These hospitals provide short-term emergency or non-urgent inpatient medical care for injuries, illnesses, or other conditions. Long-term acute care hospitals are also prevalent in the US, with 384 active facilities. These hospitals specialize in treating patients with serious medical conditions requiring extended hospital-level care, often transitioning from intensive care units. Other types of hospitals in the US include psychiatric, rehabilitation, children's, and religious non-medical health care institutions, each serving specific patient populations and providing specialized care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of short-term acute care hospitals in the US | 3,888 |
| Most common type of hospital in the US | Short-term acute care hospitals |
| Second most common type of hospital in the US | Critical access hospitals |
| Number of critical access hospitals in the US | 1,363 |
| Number of rehabilitation hospitals in the US | 457 |
| Number of long-term acute care hospitals in the US | 384 |
| Number of religious non-medical healthcare institutions in the US | 13 |
| Number of hospitals in the US | 8,214 |
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What You'll Learn
Short-term acute care hospitals are the most common type in the US
Short-term acute care hospitals are the most common type of hospital in the United States. These hospitals provide a traditional model of healthcare, treating patients who require short-term emergency or non-urgent medical care for an injury, illness, or other health conditions within an inpatient setting. As of 2024, there were 3,888 short-term acute care facilities across the country, accounting for more than half of all hospitals in the US.
Short-term acute care hospitals are distinct from long-term acute care hospitals, which specialize in treating patients with serious or complex medical conditions requiring extended hospital-level care. Long-term acute care hospitals have an average length of stay of 25 days or more and provide services such as respiratory therapy, head trauma treatment, and pain management. They are the fifth most common type of hospital in the US, with 384 active facilities as of 2024.
Critical access hospitals (CAHs) are the second most common type of hospital in the US, with over 1,300 hospitals nationwide as of 2024. CAHs are small, rural hospitals that provide essential healthcare services to underserved communities. They typically have fewer than 25 inpatient beds and maintain an average stay of 96 hours or less.
Other types of hospitals in the US include psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, children's hospitals, and religious non-medical health care institutions. Psychiatric hospitals provide inpatient services for the diagnosis and treatment of severe mental disorders under the supervision of a physician. Rehabilitation hospitals specialize in helping patients recover from debilitating injuries, illnesses, or surgeries through intensive therapy and medical care. Children's hospitals offer treatment specifically for children, taking into account their unique physical and cognitive needs, and also serve as regional centers for research and preventive care. Religious non-medical health care institutions are the least common type of hospital in the US, with only 13 active facilities as of May 2025. These institutions provide 24-hour non-medical care to patients whose religious beliefs prevent them from accepting medical examinations, diagnoses, or treatments.
The classification of hospitals in the US can vary based on industry consolidation, healthcare mergers, and changes in reimbursement structures. Additionally, hospitals inaccessible to the general public, such as prison hospitals or college infirmaries, are excluded from the standard classifications.
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Critical access hospitals are the second most common type
Short-term acute care hospitals are the most common type of hospital in the United States. Critical access hospitals (CAHs) are the second most common, with over 1,300 hospitals of this type across the country. CAHs are small, rural hospitals that provide healthcare services to underserved communities. They are defined as hospitals that are located in rural areas, which is any area outside of a Metropolitan Statistical Area as outlined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). CAHs must also be more than a 35-mile drive on primary roads from another hospital, or more than a 15-mile drive away in areas with mountainous terrain or only secondary roads.
CAHs play an essential role in improving healthcare access for individuals living in rural areas. They offer more affordable and accessible healthcare, which is crucial as these individuals are more likely to face poverty and are more susceptible to preventable illnesses. CAHs receive most of their payer reimbursements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). They are also eligible for allowable cost plus 1% reimbursement from traditional fee-for-service Medicare. CAHs can also access technical help, educational resources, and grants.
To be certified as a CAH, hospitals must meet certain conditions and comply with the CAH Conditions of Participation (CoPs) found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 42 CFR 485 subpart F. These regulations include maintaining an annual average length of stay of 96 hours or less per patient for acute inpatient care and furnishing 24-hour emergency care services 7 days a week. CAHs may also operate a psychiatric and/or rehabilitation unit of up to 10 beds each, in addition to the 25 inpatient beds required for CAH certification.
CAHs are an important part of the healthcare system in the United States, ensuring that individuals in rural and underserved communities have access to affordable and accessible healthcare services.
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Long-term acute care hospitals are the fifth most common type
There are a total of 8,214 hospitals in the United States. Of these, short-term acute care hospitals are the most common, with 3,888 facilities across the country. Critical access hospitals are the second most common, with over 1,300 hospitals, followed by psychiatric hospitals in third place. Rehabilitation hospitals are the fourth most common type, with 457 active facilities.
The specific services provided by long-term acute care hospitals vary, but they generally focus on treating patients with serious medical conditions requiring ongoing care. These hospitals are equipped to handle patients who require more specialised care than what is typically offered at rehabilitation centres or skilled nursing facilities. This includes patients who have been in an ICU and require further intensive treatment.
Long-term acute care hospitals are considered specialty hospitals due to the specific patient populations they serve and the nature of the care they provide. They are distinct from other types of hospitals, such as short-term acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and rehabilitation hospitals, in terms of the duration and intensity of care provided.
The number of long-term acute care hospitals in the US reflects the need for specialised healthcare services for individuals with complex and serious medical conditions. These hospitals play a crucial role in providing extended care and treatment for patients who require more intensive and prolonged medical attention than what is typically offered in other healthcare settings.
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Rehabilitation hospitals are the fourth most common type
There are over 8,000 hospitals in the United States, with short-term acute care hospitals being the most common type. Critical access hospitals are the second most common, followed by psychiatric hospitals in third place. Rehabilitation hospitals are the fourth most common type of hospital in the country.
Rehabilitation hospitals are specialized facilities that focus on helping patients recover from debilitating injuries, illnesses, or surgeries. They provide intensive therapy and medical care with the goal of restoring function, promoting independence, and enhancing patients' quality of life. These hospitals play a crucial role in the healthcare system by offering tailored services to those who need assistance in regaining their physical and functional abilities.
As of 2024, there were approximately 457 active rehabilitation hospitals across the United States. These facilities are classified as specialty hospitals due to the specific patient populations they serve and the specialized nature of the care they provide. Rehabilitation hospitals often cater to individuals who require intensive therapy and medical attention to overcome physical challenges and regain their independence.
The length of stay in rehabilitation hospitals can vary depending on the patient's condition and progress. Some patients may require extended stays to ensure they receive the necessary care for their specific needs. The average length of stay in long-term acute care hospitals, which are similar in nature to rehabilitation hospitals, is typically 25 days or more. However, the duration of a patient's stay in a rehabilitation hospital can be shorter or longer depending on their individual circumstances and recovery trajectory.
In addition to rehabilitation hospitals, other specialty hospitals include obstetrics and gynecology, eye, ear, nose, and throat, long-term acute care, orthopedic hospitals, and more. These hospitals cater to specific medical needs and patient populations, offering tailored services and expertise in their respective fields.
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Psychiatric hospitals are the third most common type
Short-term acute care hospitals are the most common type of hospital in the United States, with 3,888 facilities across the country. These hospitals typically provide short-term emergency or non-urgent medical care for injuries, illnesses, or other conditions within an inpatient setting. Critical access hospitals are the second most common, with over 1,300 hospitals serving rural communities.
Psychiatric hospitals are distinct from other types of hospitals in their focus on mental health and the specific patient population they serve. They are considered specialty hospitals due to their dedicated inpatient services and specialized care for individuals with mental illnesses. The specific nature of psychiatric care sets these hospitals apart from general hospitals, which offer a broader range of services.
The number of psychiatric hospitals in the US reflects the recognition of the importance of mental health care. These hospitals play a crucial role in providing treatment and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues. They offer a safe and supervised environment for patients to receive the necessary care and management of their mental health conditions.
While psychiatric hospitals hold a significant position in the US healthcare system as the third most common type of hospital, there are also other types of hospitals that cater to specific needs. Rehabilitation hospitals, for example, are ranked as the fourth most common type, with 457 active facilities. These hospitals specialize in helping patients recover from debilitating injuries, illnesses, or surgeries through intensive therapy and medical care.
The distribution of hospital types in the US, with psychiatric hospitals being the third most common, highlights the country's dedication to addressing the mental health needs of its population. These hospitals are essential in providing specialized care and ensuring that individuals with mental disorders receive timely and appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 3,888 short-term acute care hospitals in the US, making them the most common type of hospital in the country.
Acute care hospitals are what most people picture when they think of a hospital. They provide short-term emergency or non-urgent inpatient medical care for an injury, illness, or other health conditions.
Short-term acute care hospitals include community hospitals, such as academic medical centres or other teaching hospitals. They exclude hospitals not accessible by the general public, like prison hospitals or college infirmaries.
Other types of hospitals in the US include critical access hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, children's hospitals, VA hospitals, and religious non-medical health care institutions.
Long-term acute care hospitals provide ongoing treatment for patients with serious medical conditions requiring extended hospital-level care. They offer acute care services, including respiratory therapy, head trauma treatment, and pain management.
