What are the two types of community hospitals?

Community hospitals are primarily categorized into general and special hospitals based on the services they provide. General hospitals typically offer a broad range of services, including emergency care, maternity services, internal medicine, and surgery, catering to a wide variety of medical needs. They are designed to handle the majority of common health issues and emergencies that may arise in the community.

Special hospitals, on the other hand, focus on specific populations or types of care, such as pediatric hospitals, psychiatric facilities, or rehabilitation centers. These hospitals specialize in particular areas of healthcare and may offer advanced treatment and support for specific conditions or patient groups.

Understanding this classification helps in recognizing how hospitals serve different needs within a community. While other classifications, like urban versus rural or nonprofit versus for-profit, provide insights into operational structures and geographical location, the distinction between general and special hospitals is crucial for understanding the range of care available to the community.