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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Healthcare business and finance

Solving Georgia's Healthcare Staffing Crisis Locally
A recorded podcast featuring Jim Matney, president and CEO of Colquitt Regional Health System in rural Georgia. Discusses workforce development and rural healthcare pathways, focusing on physician residency programs, a high school practical nursing program, and collaboration with local colleges.
Author(s): Tom Haederle, Elisa Arespacochaga, Jim Matney
Date: 11/2026
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Differential Effects of Social Determinants on Cancer Survival by Age at Diagnosis: A Population-Based Study in Alabama
Examines whether the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on cancer survival differs by age at diagnosis. Utilizes 2010-2019 Alabama Statewide Cancer Registry data on adults diagnosed with breast, prostate, colorectal, or lung cancers and analyzes survival rate alongside social vulnerability, rurality, and insurance status.
Author(s): Mackenzie E. Fowler, Geetanjali Saini, Elizabeth Baker, Mahak Bhargava, Ritu Aneja
Citation: Journal of Geriatric Oncology, 17(8), 103094
Date: 11/2026
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Aligning Payment Strategy with Community Need: A Framework for Rural Healthcare Leaders
Describes a framework for rural health providers to build partnerships with payers. Discusses what payers need, knowing the true cost of access, defining services needed for each community, and using data and transformation planning as contracting tools.
Date: 10/2026
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Redesign Center
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Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS): 2025 Performance Year/2027 MIPS Payment Year - Payment Adjustment User Guide
Provides information on Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) payment adjustments for calendar year 2027. Describes how 2025 MIPS scores relate to 2027 payment adjustments and how payment adjustments are applied. Offers answers to frequently asked questions.
Date: 10/2026
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Paying for Clinical AI: Principles for Policymakers
Provides an overview of clinical applications of artificial intelligence (clinical AI) tools and use cases. Describes payment challenges related to the use of clinical AI. Outlines seven principles that should guide payment policies for clinical AI.
Author(s): Allison Kwon, Maya Sandalow
Date: 10/2026
Sponsoring organization: Bipartisan Policy Center
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Rural Value-Based Care and Payment: From Payment Fundamentals to Rural Design
Slides presented to Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) staff during a two-day seminar in October 2026. Provides an overview of Medicare payment systems and mechanisms for rural healthcare providers. Explores the difference between fee-for-service and value-based payment systems and the applicability of value-based care and payment (VBC/P) models to rural providers. Discusses factors that influence whether a rural VBC/P approach is likely to succeed.
Date: 10/2026
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Value
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January 2027 Annual Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Monthly Facility Payment Amount
Presents the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) monthly facility payment amount for Calendar Year 2027.
Date: 10/2026
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Program Legislative Quarterly Report: Q3 July 1 - Sept. 30, 2026
Provides a brief overview of the 29 programs that comprise Oklahoma's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), including budget allocation, obligated funds, and implementation status through September 30, 2026. Includes highlights of activities conducted with RHTP funding between July 1 - September 30, 2026.
Date: 10/2026
Sponsoring organization: Oklahoma State Department of Health
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Rural Health Transformation Program State Programmatic Snapshots: 2026 Release
Provides an overview of each state's Rural Health Transformation Program initiatives and focus areas, as well as policy action commitments outlined in states' applications.
Date: 10/2026
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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Rural Health Transformation Program Planned State Initiatives: Budget Period 1
Presents an overview of initiatives planned by states as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program organized across eight categories: population health, workforce, payment and service models, health system innovation, accessible care, technology, disease prevention and care, and health promotion.
Date: 10/2026
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
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