Disproportionate share hospital

Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) is a term used in the United States to describe hospitals that provide a large amount of care to low-income, uninsured, and vulnerable populations. These hospitals receive additional funding from the government to help offset the costs of providing care to these populations.

Overview

Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSHs) are hospitals that serve a significantly disproportionate number of low-income patients and receive payments from the Medicaid program to cover the costs of providing care to uninsured patients. The DSH adjustment assumes that low-income patients are more likely to be uninsured or Medicaid recipients, and that hospitals serving them would have higher uncompensated care costs.

Calculation of DSH Payments

DSH payments are calculated based on a hospital's Medicaid inpatient utilization rate, low-income utilization rate, and Medicaid revenue. The formula for calculating DSH payments is complex and varies by state.

Impact of DSH Payments

DSH payments play a critical role in supporting hospitals that provide care to low-income and uninsured populations. These payments help to offset the costs of providing care to these populations, which can be significantly higher than the costs of providing care to insured patients.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite the important role that DSH payments play in supporting hospitals that serve low-income and uninsured populations, there have been criticisms and controversies surrounding the DSH program. Some critics argue that the formula for calculating DSH payments is too complex and lacks transparency. Others argue that DSH payments do not adequately compensate hospitals for the costs of providing care to low-income and uninsured patients.

See Also

• Medicaid
• Uninsured in the United States
• Healthcare in the United States