The number of public (i.e., state and local government) community hospitals has declined by about one-fifth (22%) over the past decade, from 1,444 in 1990 to 1,121 hospitals in 2003. Facility consolidation, mergers, and privatization have all contributed to this decline. Public community hospitals typically provide more care to uninsured and low-income patients than do other types of hospitals. The number of admissions to public community hospitals has also declined, from 5.2 million in 1990 to 4.6 million in 2003 (a 12% decrease).

Notes: Includes state and local government community hospitals. Community hospitals represent 85% of all hospitals. Federal hospitals, long term care hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, institutions for the mentally retarded, and alcoholism and other chemical dependency hospitals are not included.

Source: Health Forum LLC, an affiliate of the American Hospital Association: Hospital Statistics, 2002, Table 1 (1990-2000 data); American Hospital Association Annual Surveys (2000-2003 data) at www.hospitalconnect.com.