DFD Russell Medical Center will close its Bridgton, Maine, clinic on Aug. 28 due to financial pressures, Maine Public reported May 30.
In a statement to the publication, health system leaders cited several challenges, including the loss of a community grant, difficulties recruiting providers, low reimbursement rates and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Medicare and Medicaid.
The Bridgton Health Center, one of four sites operated by Turner, Maine-based DFD Russell, serves approximately 1,700 patients. Those patients will be transitioned to other area practices.
“This is not a decision we made lightly, and it is not a reflection of our commitment to the Bridgton community,” the leadership team said in a joint statement. “Rather, it is a decision rooted in responsibility — responsibility to quality care, our patients, our staff and the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare.”
