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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Physicians

Jul 23, 2024 - Highlights two programs created by the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine to address physician shortages in rural Michigan. Describes how the programs - in which students spend the last two years of medical school at sites in rural northern Michigan - offer students hands-on experiences with patients and exposure to life in a rural community.
Source: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Jul 22, 2024 - Features the perspectives of rural doctors on the positive aspects of rural practice, including high quality of life, a varied caseload, and supportive community relationships. Provides overview of rural health disparities and efforts to address provider shortages through loan forgiveness programs.
Source: BU Today
Jul 9, 2024 - Profiles the rural family medicine residency program in Winnemucca, Nevada. Describes the process through which physicians become connected to rural communities in which they practice.
Source: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Jul 8, 2024 - A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that 46.3% of U.S. counties, many of which are rural, lack a cardiologist. Features a county-level map with shadings showing counties with at least one cardiologist.
Source: NBC News
Jul 1, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) implementing the provision of the 21st Century Cures Act specifying that a healthcare provider determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General to have committed information blocking shall be referred to the appropriate agency to be subject to appropriate disincentives. This rule also establishes disincentives for certain healthcare providers that have been determined to have committed information blocking. This rule is effective July 31, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 28, 2024 - Explores the Three Sisters Rural Track Program, which is a three-year family medicine program serving Central Oregon. Details the program's efforts to locate graduates from Oregon Health & Science University into residency positions at rural hospitals in Central Oregon with the aim of increasing rural physician retention.
Source: MyCentralOregon.com
Jun 20, 2024 - Highlights proposed legislation in Virginia and nationally to recruit obstetric and gynecology physicians and increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for labor and delivery services.
Source: Virginia Mercury
Jun 12, 2024 - The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is accepting nominations for appointment to the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), which provides comments and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on physician payment models. Nominations are due by July 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 11, 2024 - Outlines factors contributing to a shortage of primary care physicians in rural Idaho, including medical debt. Provides overview of the Rural Physician Incentive Program (RPIP), which offers loan repayment over the course of four years for physicians practicing in rural communities. Notes that 114 physicians have participated in the program since 2013, with 91% continuing to practice in a rural community after program conclusion.
Source: Idaho Capital Sun
Jun 1, 2024 - Highlights a report calling for increased involvement by primary care doctors in addressing high rates of social isolation and loneliness. Notes the significant health impacts of social disconnection and features perspectives from doctors on screening and referrals. Discusses the need for rural partnerships including healthcare, churches, and community-based organizations.
Source: ABC News