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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

The Health of US Primary Care: 2024 Scorecard Report — No One Can See You Now
Second annual scorecard exploring primary care in the United States across measures in four categories: access, financing, workforce/training, and research. Identifies five factors contributing to increased challenges in accessing primary care. The appendix includes data on the number and percentage of physician residents trained in an MUA, rural county, or both between the 2012-2013 and 2021-2022 academic years.
Additional links: Appendix, Full Report
Author(s): Yalda Jabbarpour, Anuradha Jetty, Hoon Byun, et al.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Milbank Memorial Fund, Robert Graham Center, The Physicians Foundation
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Rural Communities and Building Social Connection for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Discusses social isolation in rural contexts for older adults and people with disabilities. Notes opportunities and resources for social engagement in the areas of transportation, access to healthcare, technology, and community partnerships. Includes examples of social engagement programs.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Commit to Connect
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Beneficiary and Clinician Perspectives on Medicare and Other Issues: Findings from 2023 Focus Groups in Select States
Summarizes findings from 24 focus groups of Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible) beneficiaries, and clinicians conducted between May and July 2023, including three virtual focus groups of rural Medicare beneficiaries. Highlights themes that emerged across the focus groups covering Medicare coverage options, access to care, telehealth, organization of care, and prescription drugs.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, NORC at the University of Chicago
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Mobile Units and Your RHC - Is It a Good Fit?
Recording of a February 21, 2024, webinar reviewing current regulations and guidance regarding Rural Health Clinic (RHC) mobile units. Explores operational considerations regarding whether a mobile unit is a good fit for an RHC. Profiles the experiences of Baptist Health opening a mobile RHC unit in rural Kentucky. Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: Presentation Slides
Date: 02/2024
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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Comparative Effectiveness of Two Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening among Females Living in the Rural Midwest
Compares the effectiveness of tailored interventions using audiovisual media and patient navigation versus usual care on colorectal screening rates for women in the rural Indiana and Ohio. Discusses the implication of findings on access to care for rural residents. Includes breakdown of participant level of rurality and other demographic characteristics.
Author(s): Eric A. Vachon, Mira L. Katz, Susan M. Rawl, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 2024
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
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Medicare Advantage: It's Here, Now What?
Slides from a presentation at the 2024 National Rural Health Association's Policy Institute conference that discuss Medicare Advantage, with data on eligibility and enrollment percentages depicted for select states as well as by metro versus nonmetro location.
Author(s): Keith J Mueller
Date: 02/2024
Type: Presentation Slides
Sponsoring organizations: Iowa College of Public Health, Rural Policy Research Institute
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Understanding Historically Marginalized & Minoritized Populations in the Forgotten Middle: Chart Pack & Case Studies
Chart pack and case studies from a project on current and future disparities in finances, housing, and health among middle-income older adults. Highlights barriers experienced by Black, Hispanic, and rural populations, including discussion of service availability, transportation, income, and other aspects of access to care.
Additional links: Project Overview
Author(s): Sarah Rayel, Dianne Munevar, Ryan Murphy, et al.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: NORC at the University of Chicago
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Assessing the Acceptability and Feasibility of Remote Spirometric Monitoring for Rural Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease: A Multimethod Approach
Examines the acceptability and feasibility of utilizing telemonitoring for rural lung disease patients who have limited access to hospital-based tests. Analyzes home-based spirometry use of 20 rural patients and provides patient feedback on satisfaction of using telehealth to complete remote monitoring of lung disease.
Author(s): Ryan D. Boente, Sydney Schacht, Rebecca Borton, et al.
Citation: Respiratory Research, 25, 92
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
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Georgia Department of Community Health Annual Report: Fiscal Year July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Reports on the Georgia Department of Community Health's efforts to improve healthcare access, services, and workforce during the 2023 fiscal year. Provides an overview of the Georgia State Office of Rural Health and its programs supporting rural health facilities, primary care workforce, farmworker health, and more.
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Georgia Department of Community Health
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Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) Model: Evaluation Report 2
Presents findings from the first year of the implementation of the Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) Model, which aims to improve health outcomes for Medicaid-enrolled children with complex physical and behavioral health needs. Provides an overview of the InCK Model and profiles each InCK award recipient's model, community context, approach to assessing beneficiary needs, and alternative payment model design. Identifies models serving rural areas and service gaps in these areas.
Additional links: Findings at a Glance
Date: 02/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Abt Associates, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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