Rural Health
News by Topic: Access
Apr 14, 2026 - EMS crews in rural Hawkins County, Tennessee can now carry antibiotics in ambulances. This allows them to treat sepsis, one of the leading causes of hospitalization in Hawkins County, before reaching the emergency room.
Source: WPLN
Apr 14, 2026 - Though Vermont placed third in the 2025 America's Health Rankings, this is based on averages bolstered by a few counties that are not representative of the state's geography or its working-age population. Discusses significant gaps between various health metrics in urban and rural areas of Vermont.
Source: Compass Vermont
Apr 12, 2026 - Describes psychiatry workforce shortages in Iowa where agriculture is a significant industry and farmers are in need of mental healthcare. Discusses expansion of a psychiatry residency program with a rural practice focus in hopes of retaining more workforce.
Source: KCRG
Apr 10, 2026 - Highlights 4 forensic healthcare programs from Indian Health Service providers in South Dakota, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and New Mexico for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Includes resources and information for healthcare providers and the general public.
Source: Indian Health Service
Apr 9, 2026 - Discusses using technology to increase access to healthcare for rural Utah residents. Highlights healthcare professionals using technology and training for rural practice.
Source: Fox 13
Apr 9, 2026 - Describes cardiovascular health disparities in rural Oklahoma, driven in part by limited access to healthcare facilities, specialists, and transportation.
Source: KOKH
Apr 8, 2026 - Describes challenges for family caregivers in rural communities where support and resources are limited. Discusses stress and financial strain for caregivers as well as funding needs.
Source: IW Features
Apr 7, 2026 - Describes a free Arkansas farmer mental health support program utilizing both telehealth and on-the-farm visits, addressing access and stigma associated with receiving mental health support. Highlights how the program was created.
Source: Delta Farm Press
Apr 6, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing a delay in the implementation of two services from the list of Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) model items and services. The two services for which the prior authorization or pre-payment review process are delayed are 1) Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease (NCD 160.24) and 2) Percutaneous Image-Guided Lumbar Decompression for Spinal Stenosis (NCD 150.13). This notice is effective April 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 6, 2026 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making typographical and technical corrections to the July 1, 2025 notice titled "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model." Corrections are effective April 6, 2026.
Source: Federal Register