A National Study of Lodging Organizations Supporting Patient and Caregiver Access To Care in the U.S

To document the characteristics, costs, and services of lodging organizations that support domestic medical travelers and introduce a publicly accessible, geocoded national dataset to inform health services research and policy. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study of lodging organizations serving patients and caregivers traveling for medical care across the United States between April 2023 and May 2024. Structured data collection and geospatial mapping were performed. We used chi-square tests to compare characteristics of pediatric-only versus adult- or all-age-serving facilities. Primary data were collected through systematic review of publicly available websites, national directories, and direct outreach to facilities. The analytic sample included 502 U.S.-based lodging organizations meeting eligibility criteria: providing temporary accommodations to patients and caregivers traveling for care. Data were geocoded and analyzed using ArcGIS and R (version 2024.04.2). Among the 502 organizations, 52.4% offered free lodging and 84.7% advertised financial assistance. Pediatric-only facilities (40.8% of the sample) were significantly more likely to offer support services (99.0% vs. 77.1%) and lower-cost accommodations than those serving adults or all ages. Services varied: 53% offered meals, 41% transportation, and 33% domestic activity support (e.g., laundry or kitchens). Organizational affiliation also varied, with 44.4% being independent or hospital-based. A geocoded national map of all facilities was developed and made publicly available at https://www.umaryland.edu/navigator . Lodging organizations form a decentralized but vital support system for patients and caregivers navigating medical travel. This study reveals structural variation in access and highlights equity gaps, particularly for adults and patients with less common diagnoses. Findings support recognition of lodging as a health-related social need and its potential integration into value-based care, Medicaid waivers, and hospital community benefit strategies.