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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Healthcare needs and services

Improving Chronic Disease Self-Management by Older Home Health Patients through Community Health Coaching
Describes a pilot study using community volunteers trained as health coaches to assist rural older adults with chronic diseases discharged from home health services in effectively managing their chronic condition, with the intent to reduce their hospital readmission and emergency department use.
Author(s): Cheryl Dye, Deborah Willoughby, Begum Aybar-Damali, Carmelita Grady, Rebecca Oran, Alana Knudson
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(4), 660
Date: 04/2018
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Bridging Population Health & Behavioral Health in Rural New Mexico
Reports on regional forums held in New Mexico to prioritize strategies for improving behavioral health in rural areas of the state. Also offers definitions of population health from the forums.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Center for Health Innovation, New Mexico Public Health Institute
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Patterns of Opioid Prescribing in Minnesota: 2012 and 2015
Describes opioid prescription patterns among Minnesota residents with private or public insurance coverage in 2012 and 2015. Discusses opioid use in rural areas and provides statistics on the number of opioid prescriptions by metropolitan, micropolitan, small town, or rural settings. Includes insights and opportunities to inform policymakers on reducing the use and overuse of prescription opioids.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: Minnesota Department of Health
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North Dakota Behavioral Health System Study Final Report, April 2018
Reports findings from the North Dakota Comprehensive Behavioral Health Systems Analysis, which includes a review of the existing behavioral health system, an analysis of utilization and payment patterns by payer source, and recommendations to improve the behavioral health system to meet the needs of the community. Discusses the benefits and challenges of providing behavioral health services in rural areas.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organizations: Human Services Research Institute, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
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Market Characteristics Associated with Rural Hospitals' Provision of Post-Acute Care
Findings brief summarizing hospital- and market-level factors related to post-acute care (PAC) provided in rural hospitals from 2012-2015. Features statistics from 2012-2015 rural Medicare cost reports, PAC provision by census region in 2015, and percent of hospitals in frontier and remote areas in 2015 with breakdowns by type and PAC provision.
Author(s): Abby F. Hoffman, Randy K. Randolph, Alex R. Schulte, George H. Pink
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
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Rural and Urban Provider Market Share of Inpatient Post-Acute Care Services Provided to Rural Medicare Beneficiaries
Findings brief examining rural patients' access to rehabilitation and skilled nursing care, using claims data from January 2013 through March 2014. Features statistics including numbers of patient days and discharges and average length of stay, with breakdowns by type and location of facility and type of care.
Author(s): Alex R. Schulte, Denise A. Kirk, Randy K. Randolph, George H. Pink
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
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Combating the Opioid Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare and Medicaid to Provide Care for Patients
Presents the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the role of Medicare and Medicaid in combating the opioid crisis. Features testimony from representatives of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Boston Medical Center, the Centene Corporation, Centerstone America, Geisinger Health System, and Magellan Healthcare.
Additional links: Mr. David Guth Testimony, Mr. Toby Douglas Testimony
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
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Opioid White Paper: Analysis of Responses to Committee Request for Information
Details an analysis of the information received by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee regarding the opioid crisis. Discusses the current state of the crisis and the measures currently in place regarding prevention and treatment.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: House Ways and Means Committee
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The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018
Presents the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing on the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018. Features testimony from representatives of the Delaware Office of the Child Advocate, the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, and the Addiction Policy Forum.
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
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Critical Access Hospital Swing-Bed Quality Measures: Findings from Key Informant Interviews
Results of a study to examine how Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are assessing the quality of care given to swing bed patients. Uses data from interviews with representatives from CAH networks, consultants, and staff members responsible for swing bed services at 10 CAHs and 2 rural PPS hospitals in 10 states.
Author(s): Michelle Casey, Ira Moscovice, Henry Stabler
Date: 04/2018
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
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