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Rural Health Information Hub

The Rural Monitor

EMS Leaders Speak

September 7, 2016
With the recent changes in healthcare delivery, many rural clinics and hospitals are concerned about the future of their communities' healthcare, especially their emergency medical services. Will EMS in rural areas survive these changes, and is there an opportunity to thrive in a volume-to-value system? We asked five rural EMS leaders to explore the possible challenges and opportunities in the transformation of rural healthcare delivery.

Expecting More Services for Less Compensation

September 7, 2016
Diane Calmus, Government Affairs and Policy Manager at the National Rural Health Association, explores the need for a new hospital model to help rural communities gain and maintain access to emergency medical services.

Being Forward-Thinking as EMS Agencies Plan for the Future

September 7, 2016
Don Wood, Director of the Utah Office of Primary Care and Rural Health and Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Rural EMS Care (JCREC), discusses the effects of hospital closures on rural EMS and the role telehealth might play in the future delivery of emergency care.

Opportunities to Provide Better Healthcare and Better Value

September 7, 2016
Tom Nerhing, Co-chair of the Joint Committee on Rural EMS Care (JCREC) and Division Director at the North Dakota Department of Health, Division of EMS and Trauma, shares how the changes in healthcare delivery can be an opportunity for emergency medical services to provide an even greater service to rural communities.

Building Rural Environments for Active Living

July 27, 2016
Built environments significantly influence community health and individual behaviors of physical activity. Rural communities may face infrastructure barriers to active living, but a little innovation can get an entire town moving.

An Interview with David Schmitz

July 13, 2016
NRHA president-elect David Schmitz, MD, shares his thoughts on the recruitment of healthcare providers, training rural physicians, and the challenges and rewards of rural practice.