Rural Health
News by Topic: Telehealth
Dec 10, 2019 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces its partnership with Walmart to provide healthcare to veterans in five rural communities. Patients will be able to meet with a VA provider in a private room via video technology, services may include primary care, nutrition, mental health, and social work.
Source: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Dec 9, 2019 - Several states consider ways to boost mental health services for rural and agricultural populations and address the rising suicide rates among farmers. Discusses the different state approaches, such as increasing the number of mental health specialists in rural areas, expanding telehealth, and creating programs that offer counseling vouchers and workshops.
Source: Stateline, Pew Charitable Trusts
Dec 2, 2019 - Telemedicine has expanded its way into Indiana's hospitals, clinics, and schools, but rural homes face barriers to implementation due to poor internet access and a lack of insurance reimbursement. Discusses the proposed Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act that aims to make telemedicine more affordable and accessible.
Source: Tribune Star
Nov 27, 2019 - Blog article examines what it is like to be a doctor in rural America, particularly in the Midwest. Describes how rural doctors usually have a wider scope of practice, may work longer hours, and prioritize technology.
Source: Muncie Voice
Nov 25, 2019 - Opinion piece discussing the importance of modernizing IT infrastructure in rural areas so there is equal access to online healthcare services, such as telehealth. Highlights funding programs that have contributed to broadband expansion in rural America and addresses challenges to closing the gap.
Source: Fierce Healthcare
Nov 22, 2019 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces findings of a 17 percent increase in the use of telehealth among veterans in fiscal year 2019. Includes information on the VA's Anywhere to Anywhere initiative, the VA Video Connect app, and the ATLAS program, which were implemented to increase access to healthcare for veterans, no matter their location.
Source: The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Nov 20, 2019 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces its investment of $42.5 million in 37 states and 2 territories through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program. The funds will benefit programs implementing telehealth in rural areas, providing access to educational opportunities and healthcare without having to travel long distances.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Nov 18, 2019 - Highlights a telehealth program at a school in rural Indiana that provides mental health services to students, regardless of insurance status. Discusses the barriers to implementing telehealth in schools, such as upfront costs and health insurance, but explains the positive impact these programs can have on students' grades, behavior, and mental health.
Source: Side Effects Public Media
Nov 16, 2019 - Explores the job of physicians located at the Avera eCare telemedicine center in South Dakota who provide on-screen emergency care to rural facilities across the country. Describes the need for emergency telemedicine as rural communities struggle with provider shortages, hospital closures, and an increase in patients.
Source: The Washington Post
Nov 15, 2019 - Addresses the shortage of rural healthcare providers and explains how training programs can adapt and develop strategies that promote practicing in rural areas. Features programs across the country that are exposing medical students to rural areas, leveraging telemedicine, and creating mutually beneficial partnerships to decrease the gap.
Source: Xtelligent Healthcare Media