Mobile Mammography Participation Among Medically Underserved Women: A Systematic Review
Describes the effect of mobile programs in promoting mammographic screening participation among medically underserved women. Examines 4 studies conducted in rural areas and 3 studies conducted in both urban and rural areas, through articles published from 2010-2018.
Author(s): Suzanne Vang, Laurie R. Margolies, Lina Jandorf
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 15
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
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Rural Residents with Higher Educational Attainment Were More Likely to Engage in Telehealth Activities
Bar chart showing use of telehealth for health monitoring, health maintenance, and health research by education level for rural residents.
Date: 11/2018
Type: Chart/Graph
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Information on Medicare Telehealth
Examines how Medicare patients are using telehealth, particularly in rural areas, with breakdowns by race/ethnicity, age group, and primary diagnoses including mental health issues. Includes an analysis of Medicare claims data regarding high volume services that could be delivered through telehealth, an overview of telehealth models funded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, and state-level breakdowns of Medicare telehealth data. Discusses who may benefit from telehealth expansion and barriers to expansion.
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Finalized CY 2019 Physician Fee Schedule
Fact sheet describing calendar year 2019 changes to Medicare's telehealth reimbursement policy as a part of the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule, a new interpretation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirements for reimbursement of remote communication technology as distinct from telehealth, and new services eligible for reimbursement. Includes a section on changes specific to Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Center for Connected Health Policy: The National Telehealth Policy Resource Center
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Rural Individuals’ Telehealth Practices: An Overview
Compares rural and urban use of online health monitoring, online health research, and online health maintenance, which includes communication with healthcare providers. Provides breakdowns by level of education, age, race/ethnicity, income, and other factors. Briefly addresses access to technology, including internet availability.
Additional links: Report Summary
Author(s): Peter L. Stenberg
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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Survey Snapshot: Rural Health Innovations Born from Challenges
Describes ways in which several large health care systems in South Carolina, Illinois, Texas, and Indiana have found creative solutions for expanding access for patients in rural areas and for improving recruitment and retention rates among their rural providers.
Author(s): Sandra Gittlen
Citation: NEJM Catalyst
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
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Community-based Palliative Care: Scaling Access for Rural Populations
Explains the role palliative care plays in meeting the needs of patients with serious illness and chronic medical conditions. Discusses challenges to accessing palliative care in rural areas and highlights work in Alaska, California, and Kansas to help address this need.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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States Focus on Quality and Outcomes Amid Waiver Changes: Results from a 50-State Medicaid Budget Survey for State Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019
Reports on a survey of Medicaid directors and staff regarding state Medicaid programs and possible policy changes for 2019, including some challenges for rural areas throughout. Addresses Section 1115 waivers, expansion proposals, corrections-related enrollment, payment and delivery models, home and community-based care, social determinants of health, and plans to address the opioid epidemic.
Author(s): Kathleen Gifford, Eileen Ellis, Barbara Coulter Edwards, et al.
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Kaiser Family Foundation, National Association of Medicaid Directors
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Northern Maine Medical Center – Fort Kent, Maine: Purchase of Retail Pharmacy Enhances Services to the Community
Profiles a hospital in rural Maine that purchased a community pharmacy to offer prevention and wellness services, reduce readmissions, and improve medication adherence.
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Addressing Social Determinants of Health Needs of Dually Enrolled Beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage Plans: Findings from Interviews and Case Studies
Examines structures and approaches used by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for dually enrolled and other high-cost beneficiaries. Includes case studies showcasing care models and how organizations are addressing social determinants of health for these beneficiaries. Discusses some challenges for rural areas and small community partnerships.
Author(s): Melony E. Sorbero, Ashley M. Kranz, Kathryn E. Bouskill, et al.
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
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