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Trends indicate that the overall number of hospital beds in the U.S. is decreasing. In 1975, there were about *** million hospital beds in the country. Despite fluctuations, by 2024 there were just ** hospital beds in the U.S. There is a growing trend towards consumer use of outpatient services, which tend to be less costly for patients. However, this may be only one reason why hospital bed numbers are decreasing in the United States. 

Hospital occupancy

Despite seeing a decrease in the number of hospital beds in the U.S., the hospital occupancy rate has also generally decreased compared to 1975. The number of hospital admissions, however, has been fluctuating. 

Hospital costs

Costs also may be an important factor in the reduction of the number of hospital beds in the U.S.; however, costs do not appear to be on the decline. Inpatient stays in U.S. community hospitals have been steadily increasing. In fact, the United States has the highest daily hospital costs in the world. While hospital costs depend heavily on the condition that is being treated, the U.S. had consistently the highest costs for inpatient treatments such as a hip replacement or coronary bypass surgery.