This website is being reviewed for updates. Some information is offline. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

Innovations and Workforce Challenges for CAHs during COVID-19
Presents results from a survey of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) on hospital operation and workforce adaptations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discusses innovative practices adopted by CAHs related to hospital processes and clinical care. Describes how CAHs overcame workforce challenges during COVID-19.
Author(s): Madeleine Pick, Megan Lahr, Keelia Silvis, Ira Moscovice
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
view details
2021 RHC Billing and Coding Update
Recording of a March 9, 2021, webinar providing an overview of coding and billing changes relevant to Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). Discusses guidelines for reporting COVID-19 immunizations and monoclonal antibody infusions, telehealth coding and billing during the COVID-19 public health emergency, ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding for COVID-19, and RHC lab billing and COVID test reporting. Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: AMA Code & Guideline Changes, COVID Vaccine Log, Presentation Slides, Transcript
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
view details
CAH Partnerships During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Presents findings from a survey of Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in eight states on how they partnered with communities and public health agencies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discusses the type of support CAHs received from their State Flex Program (SFP).
Author(s): Madeleine Pick, Megan Lahr, Keelia Silvis, Ira Moscovice
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
view details
Rural and Urban Differences in COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors
Examines the influence of political ideology, demographic factors, and COVID-19 experiences on COVID-19-related preventive health behaviors in rural and urban communities, based on a survey of 5,009 adults. Features demographics and statistics on various behaviors and attitudes, with breakdowns by urban and rural location.
Author(s): Timothy Callaghan, Jennifer A. Lueck, Kristen Lunz Trujillo, Alva O. Ferdinand
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 37(2), 287-295
Date: 03/2021
view details
Nonmetropolitan COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality Rates Surpassed Metropolitan Rates Within the First 24 Weeks of the Pandemic Declaration: United States, March 1 – October 18, 2020
Compares COVID-19 cases and death rates in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas across three 11-week periods in 2020. Features state-level maps providing a visual assessment of the changing impact that COVID-19 had on nonmetropolitan populations.
Author(s): Kevin A Matthews, Fred Ullrich, Anne H. Gaglioti, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 37(2), 272-277
Date: 03/2021
view details
Urban-Rural Differences in COVID-19 Exposures and Outcomes in the South: A Preliminary Analysis of South Carolina
Examines confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina from March 1 - September 5, 2020. Compares data between urban and rural counties and their relationship to mitigation strategies and social vulnerability. Includes figures that show space-time analysis of COVID-19 impacts.
Author(s): Qian Huang, Sarah Jackson, Sahar Derakhshan, et al.
Citation: PLoS One, 16(2)
Date: 02/2021
view details
Racial/Ethnic Heterogeneity and Rural-Urban Disparity of COVID-19 Case Fatality Ratio in the USA: a Negative Binomial and GIS-Based Analysis
Examines racial heterogeneity in COVID-19 case fatality ratio, using data from January-December 2020. Features statistics with breakdowns by urban, completely rural, and mostly rural locations.
Author(s): Ayodeji E. Iyanda, Kwadwo A. Boakye, Yongmei Lu, Joseph R. Oppong
Citation: Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 9(2), 708-721
Date: 02/2021
view details
Society of Behavioral Medicine Statement on COVID-19 and Rural Health
Highlights the position of the Society of Behavioral Medicine on rural health disparities as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. Addresses shortages in rural health research, healthcare infrastructure, and other systemic disparities. Makes both short- and long-term recommendations to policymakers.
Author(s): Pamela Behrman, Marian L Fitzgibbon, Akilah Dulin, et al.
Citation: Translational Behavioral Medicine, 11(2), 625-630
Date: 02/2021
view details
Social Isolation and Loneliness in Rural Communities and the Role of Cross-Sector Partnerships
Discussion with Carrie Henning-Smith around social isolation and loneliness in rural communities and obstacles to address these issues. Profiles how two Minnesota communities took steps to improve accessibility and social cohesion. Describes how cross-sector partnerships can promote recovery of rural communities after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: Build Healthy Places Network
view details
OBGYNs and the Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care: Key Findings from a National Survey
Reports on a nationwide survey of obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) regarding sexual and reproductive healthcare, covering screening practices; provision of contraception, abortion, and sexually transmitted infection care; and the effects of policy on healthcare access and quality. Analyzes survey data from 1,210 OBGYN participants on contraception provision and other services, access to specific services based on regional and urban/rural location, provider characteristics and experiences, Medicaid coverage, and more.
Author(s): Gabriela Weigel, Brittni Frederiksen, Usha Ranji, Alina Salganicoff
Date: 02/2021
Sponsoring organization: KFF
view details