OPELIKA, Ala.—Officials from East Alabama Health have submitted an application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting that EAMC-Lanier be designated as a Rural Emergency Hospital.
Upon designation, EAMC-Lanier will continue to provide local access to emergency care, nursing home services and outpatient services including lab work, radiology, infusion services, physical therapy, cardiac rehab, and procedures at its Ambulatory Surgery Center.
“Our organization is committed to serving the needs of our community, and designation as a Rural Emergency Hospital would allow EAMC-Lanier to further meet those needs,” said Greg Nichols, executive vice president and EAMC-Lanier administrator. “This change will ensure that residents of our community have continued access to critical health services locally.
“We are fortunate to be part of a strong health care system with East Alabama Health. Not every community has that advantage, so it is nice to know we are not alone on an island and inpatient services are available just down the road in Opelika.”
About East Alabama Health
East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth.org