One Horse Town: Randy Barymon

Wonks at Work

Arkansas hospitals continue to face financial challenges coming out of the pandemic as inflation outpaces revenue. Earlier this year, the state established a new designation, the rural emergency hospital, following a move by Congress in late 2020. The new designation could make financial sense for some hospitals with lower inpatient volume, but there are tradeoffs. At least one Arkansas hospital has already taken up the option — St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center in Pocahontas. In this episode, host Craig Wilson speaks with the hospital’s administrator, Randy Barymon, about right-sizing the hospital for the community.