Rural Health
News by Topic: Telehealth
Feb 19, 2026 - Summarizes recent research finding that multimodal, telehealth delivered mind-body and exercise interventions are effective for rural veterans experiencing chronic pain. Notes that the program could be easily accessed by rural veterans due to the use of nonclinicians. Describes planned modifications for future programs iterations.
Source: NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory
Feb 12, 2026 - Announces a bipartisan bill to permanently extend COVID-era Medicare telehealth flexibilities for rural areas.
Source: Office of Representative Zach Nunn
Feb 10, 2026 - The Teledermatology Serving Georgia program offers primary care providers hands-on training in dermatology procedures. The project will lead to timely interventions and improved patient outcomes, especially for those living in rural and medically underserved areas.
Source: Jagwire
Feb 5, 2026 - Describes proposed bipartisan legislation permanently authorizing telescreening mammography services in rural and other areas for veterans.
Source: The Office of Representative Glenn Thompson
Feb 3, 2026 - Summarizes new research finding that rural Arkansans with type 2 diabetes had improved health outcomes following virtual delivery of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES). The study also compared standard and family-centered models DSMES and discusses the benefits of the family model for the patient and others in their support network.
Source: UAMS News
Feb 3, 2026 - Discusses the rural-focused work at a primarily rural health system. Highlights the use of telehealth and artificial intelligence to tackle common rural health challenges.
Source: Health Leaders Media
Jan 14, 2026 - Describes various rural healthcare-focused investments across Oklahoma. Discusses long-term investment strategies, telehealth, workforce training and retention, cancer care access, and preventive care.
Source: News 9
Jan 12, 2026 - Describes increasing rates of suicide among children between 10 and 17 in Tennessee and highlights a program being expanded into rural communities to address the crisis. Notes rural-specific issues driving poor outcomes including stigma and less mental healthcare access. Discusses telehealth and school-based services as opportunities to improve outcomes.
Source: WJHL
Jan 3, 2026 - Describes the disparate risk for suicide among rural farmers and offers recommendations for addressing that risk including telemedicine, farming support, developing hobbies, and more. Includes Iowa-focused resources for farmers.
Source: Iowa Capital Dispatch
Jan 2, 2026 - Announces that the COVID-19 public health emergency telemedicine flexibilities have been extended until December 31, 2026. Notes that the flexibility increases access to prescriptions for controlled medications for rural residents and others.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services