title: The mecca of care.
abstract: Large regional medical centers have traditionally been viewed as a one way conduit of patients from outlying geographic areas to the metropolitan "mecca" of care. In reality, this perception is not far from the truth. The larger center saw smaller rural hospitals as "feeders" for referrals often resulting in resentment and strained relationships.
authors.affiliation: Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise, ID, USA.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Bruce
mesh_terms: D017732:Air Ambulances; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D006752:Hospital Planning; D006755:Hospital Shared Services; D006780:Hospitals, Rural / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007061:Idaho; D015205:Northwestern United States; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D012040:Regional Health Planning; D012042:Registries; D019112:Teleradiology; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000458:organization & administration