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: Specialty care

Models of Tribal Promising Practices: Tribal Opioid Overdose Prevention Care Coordination and Data Systems
Presents models of tribal care coordination promising practices that address opioid use disorder (OUD) in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Discusses barriers to treatment and the need for culturally competent healthcare for AI/AN persons with OUD.
Author(s): Maya Magarati, Raquel Aviles, Christina E. Oré, et al.
Date: 11/2020
Sponsoring organization: Seven Directions - A Center for Indigenous Public Health
view details
Development and Implementation of a Telenephrology Dashboard for Active Surveillance of Kidney Disease: A Quality Improvement Project
Explores a study on the use of telehealth for early detection and intervention in cases of kidney disease among rural veterans. Evaluates a telenephrology consultation program run by the VA Health Care System at a number of locations in rural Iowa.
Author(s): Melissa L. Swee, M. Lee Sanders, Kantima Phisitkul, et al.
Citation: BCM Nephrology, 21, 424
Date: 10/2020
view details
Anesthesia Services: Differences between Private and Medicare Payments Likely Due to Providers' Strong Negotiating Position
Examines trends in differences between Medicare and private payments for anesthesia services, as well as the the supply of anesthesia providers for Medicare beneficiaries. Includes a discussion on the availability of anesthesia providers in rural areas.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 10/2020
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
view details
A Comparison of Rural and Urban Specialty Hospitals
Results of a study examining differences in long-term acute care hospitals, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities in urban and rural areas. Features statistics on ownership type, location, number of beds, percent of inpatient days for rural residents, percent of inpatient days for Medicare beneficiaries, operating expenses, percent of Medicaid days, and profitability.
Author(s): George H. Pink, Andrew Osgood, Pranathi Sana
Date: 09/2020
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
view details
Obstetric Emergencies in Rural Hospitals: Challenges and Opportunities
Describes challenges faced by rural hospitals in offering emergency obstetric care and highlights resources that help rural hospitals respond to obstetric emergencies effectively. Includes a summary of concerns, based on responses to a survey of rural hospitals that do not routinely provide obstetric care.
Author(s): Mariana Story Tuttle, Mary Gilbertson, Julia D. Interrante, Katy Kozhimannil
Date: 09/2020
Sponsoring organization: University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
view details
MedPAC Comment on CMS's Proposed Rule on the ESRD PPS for CY 2021
Comments on a July 13, 2020, Federal Register proposed rule related to Medicare payment policies for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Includes comments addressing the ESRD Quality Incentive Program and changes to geographic area delineations.
Date: 09/2020
Sponsoring organization: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
view details
ECHO Diabetes in the Time of COVID-19
A series of 16 free Continuing Medical Education (CME) accredited webinars offering specialty support for primary care providers when addressing the needs of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Date: 09/2020
Sponsoring organization: Stanford University School of Medicine
view details
Experiences of Community Health Centers in Expanding Telemedicine
Presents an overview of the experiences of nine health centers in California that received funding to increase their telemedicine services. Describes barriers to implementing and sustaining expanded services, including reimbursement policies and other regulatory restrictions. Includes recommendations for health centers and policymakers to promote the use of telehealth services.
Author(s): Lori Uscher-Pines, Jessica Sousa, Alina I. Palimaru, et al.
Date: 07/2020
Sponsoring organization: RAND Corporation
view details
Expect Delays: Poor Connections Between Rural and Urban Health Systems Challenge Multidisciplinary Care for Rural Americans with Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Investigates communication barriers between rural and urban health systems to identify factors that may be contributing to higher risk of major amputation among rural patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) compared to urban patients with DFUs. Barriers for rural providers include time-consuming referrals; poor interactions with urban providers; and data sharing issues due to multiple, disconnected electronic health records.
Author(s): Bryn L. Sutherland, Kristen Pecanac, Christie M. Bartels, Meghan B. Brennan
Citation: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 13(1), 32
Date: 06/2020
view details
MedPAC Report to the Congress: Medicare and the Health Care Delivery System, June 2020
Evaluates Medicare payment issues and offers recommendations to the U.S. Congress. Includes chapters on value-based payment in Medicare, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), the Medicare Advantage quality bonus program, the impact of changes in the 21st Century Cures Act to risk adjustment for Medicare Advantage enrollees, Medicare Part D, separately payable drugs in the hospital outpatient prospective payment system, and the Medicare end-stage renal disease prospective payment system. Examines the current payment policy for low-volume and rural dialysis facilities and proposes changes.
Additional links: Executive Summary
Date: 06/2020
Sponsoring organization: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
view details