Neshoba General Announces Intent to Apply for Critical Access Hospital Designation

Philadelphia, MS – 5/19/25 – Neshoba County General Hospital (“Neshoba General”) announces its intent to apply for designation as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH), a step that will enhance our ability to continue providing high-quality, essential healthcare services to the residents of Neshoba County and surrounding areas.

The Critical Access Hospital designation, administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is designed to support small, rural hospitals by improving access to healthcare in underserved areas. With this designation, Neshoba General will be better positioned to keep and expand services including emergency care, inpatient hospitalization, outpatient procedures, surgery, clinic care, and long-term skilled nursing.

“This is an important milestone for our hospital and the community we serve,” said Lee McCall, Chief Executive Officer of Neshoba General. “Becoming a Critical Access Hospital will allow our hospital the greatest opportunity moving forward to meet our Mission of serving all by providing access to safe, quality health care, while continuing to meet the growing needs of our patients.”

To qualify for CAH designation, a hospital must meet certain criteria, including:

• Being in a rural area
• Designation as a Medically Underserved Area (MUA) or a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)
• Compliance with specific Medicare regulations
• Offering 24/7 emergency care services
• Operating no more than twenty-five acute care beds, including swing beds
• Providing patient referrals when appropriate
• Meeting distance requirements from other comparable hospitals

Neshoba General’s planned conversion date is October 1, 2025.

Community members seeking other information on this program is available in the Office of the Administrator at Neshoba General during inquiry hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. More details are also available on the hospital’s website at www.neshobageneral.com.

About Neshoba General

Neshoba County General Hospital is a comprehensive healthcare provider found in Philadelphia, Mississippi, serving Neshoba and surrounding counties. NCGH, the only hospital in Neshoba County, provides the communities we serve with an array of healthcare services including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, surgical procedures, oncology, and has the largest long-term care facility in the area at 145 beds. NCGH operates three clinics, including urgent care. Our Mission is: Serving all by providing access to safe, quality healthcare.