Availability of Higher-Level Neonatal Care in Rural and Urban US Hospitals, 2010-2022 | Synapse
February 14, 2026Open Access
Availability of Higher-Level Neonatal Care in Rural and Urban US Hospitals, 2010-2022
Key Points
This study aims to assess changes in the access to higher-level neonatal care in rural versus urban hospitals over a twelve-year period.
Cohort study design
Comparison of neonatal care availability between rural and urban hospitals
Data collection from hospitals with childbirth services
Increased availability of higher-level neonatal care in urban hospitals over time.
Rural hospitals show limited improvements compared to urban counterparts.
Significant disparities in neonatal care accessibility remain between rural and urban settings.
Abstract
This cohort study examines changes in the availability of higher-level neonatal care between 2010 and 2022 at rural and urban hospitals with childbirth services in the US.