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Rural Health
News by Topic: Service delivery models

Mar 26, 2024 - Describes virtual occupational therapy services offered by 2 Veterans Affairs facilities to reach rural veterans. Notes that the program is able to address social determinants of health issues such as home safety evaluations and fall risk assessments. Discusses how the program integrates with other virtual VA services.
Source: VA News
Mar 20, 2024 - Highlights the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Study, a 6 year study investigating risk and protective factors for lung and heart disease for rural residents in 4 Southern states. Discusses the under-representation of rural residents in research and their recruitment strategies. Notes early results from the study as well as the role large public health studies can play in developing a new generation of researchers.
Source: UVM Today
Mar 19, 2024 - Announcement of a new model from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid for primary care providers in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). The model offers participating providers advanced payments for flexibility and access to resources for optimal primary care delivery. The model will incorporate health equity and address health disparities by targeting low revenue ACOs. The model begins January 1, 2025 for approximately 130 ACOs. Interested organizations much apply for or renew their ACO status between May 20 and June 17 in order to participate in the model.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Mar 18, 2024 - Highlights a proposed project to put telehealth centers in rural Washington fire stations. Discusses the impact this would have on healthcare access for remote communities.
Source: WSU Insider
Mar 14, 2024 - Offers highlights from a recent Committee on Ways and Means hearing discussing the benefits of receiving healthcare at home. Notes issues such as quality of life, social networks, rural access to care, technology and telehealth, decreasing emergency room visits, and Medicare barriers to care.
Source: U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means
Mar 14, 2024 - Announces proposed bipartisan legislation aiming to reduce burdens on rural Medicare patients seeking healthcare in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). The bill expands the ability of Medicare beneficiaries to be assigned to an ACO by allowing assignments based on primary care visits performed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or clinical nurse specialists.
Source: Office of Representative Suzan DelBene
Mar 14, 2024 - Summarizes a recent study investigating the impact of billing models for telehealth for palliative care on rural caregivers, healthcare teams, and patients. Discusses finding strategies for healthcare workers that engage with family caregivers in ways that are reimbursable.
Source: Mayo Clinic News Network
Mar 13, 2024 - A new mobile crisis response program is launching in rural Oregon, aiming to bring mental healthcare access to residents that may be far from services or without transportation. Discusses current and planned future funding, workforce challenges, and support for other first responders.
Source: KLCC, NPR
Mar 13, 2024 - Highlights the history of telehealth use by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Describes how access to specialists, behavioral healthcare, and prescription medication in particular has been improved by telehealth. Discusses how rural healthcare access is managed for veterans without reliable internet access.
Source: Cronkite News
Mar 12, 2024 - Highlights a telehealth cart being used in a rural Nebraska hospital to offer behavioral health services. The service began when the emergency room saw an increase in mental health crises. The cart is also used for virtual substance abuse counseling.
Source: KTIV