Facilitators and Barriers to Mobile Healthcare Programs in Rural Areas

Rural communities can leverage multiple strengths to advance and expand mobile healthcare programs. Rural communities should also consider potential barriers that may be experienced when designing and implementing mobile healthcare initiatives.

Rural Facilitators and Assets

Facilitators of mobile healthcare delivery in rural communities may include:

Strong Community Networks: Rural areas with strong existing community partnerships can help educate about and advertise the services of mobile health clinics and other mobile programs provide through networking, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration. For example, strong networks can coordinate outreach events, such as vaccine days for local residents. These events can help community members seek preventive healthcare services collectively. Similarly, mobile healthcare programs can collaborate to tailor services and needs to the rural communities they serve.

Rural Innovation and Adaptability: Many rural communities have developed innovative solutions to navigate limited access to healthcare services and improve health outcomes, including a lack of reliable transportation and lower numbers of healthcare providers. Using technology and other mobile solutions, rural areas have found new and often improved ways to meet local needs. Many of these communities have learned to be adaptable and to stretch available resources to overcome access challenges.

Leveraging Existing Programs and Resources: Several programs, resources, and grants exist to help rural communities meet their unique needs. Similarly, some government programs can support rural providers and assist rural healthcare. For example, the Health Resources & Services Administration has several grant opportunities to support rural areas by expanding health services.

Rural Barriers and Challenges

Rural communities face unique barriers to accessing healthcare. When integrating mobile health resources and services, rural communities should consider these barriers. Some of the common barriers and challenges to implementing mobile healthcare programs in rural areas may include:

Funding Constraints and Reimbursement Challenges: Delivering healthcare services in less traditional ways, such as through telehealth and mobile programs, can result in potential challenges for reimbursement. Each state has different regulations and rules that dictate what services qualify for reimbursement. Congress has taken steps to expand mobile healthcare access by passing the MOBILE Health Care Act (P.L. 117-204) in 2022. This law ensures that HRSA-funded health centers serving rural and hard-to-reach communities can apply for New Access Points (NAP) funding to establish a mobile unit with or without a permanent site. As a result, the Mobile Health Care Act may expand mobile health unit reimbursement opportunities in some states through Medicaid.

Lack of Access to Broadband: A lack of high-speed internet access in many rural communities can impact implementation and use of mobile healthcare services that embed remote patient monitoring and other technology. Broadband availability is a predictor of telehealth use.

Staffing Challenges: Rural areas may rely more heavily on a volunteer workforce for mobile healthcare programs, including EMS professionals and community health workers. Low call volumes, long distances traveled, and staff shortages can make it difficult to maintain profitable operations that offer lifesaving access to healthcare services, particularly when EMS is the sole safety net provider in rural communities. Rural communities often experience widespread healthcare staffing shortages, which can impact mobile healthcare program implementation.

For additional information on rural healthcare workforce issues, see these topic guides:

Less Complex and Limited Services: Mobile healthcare programs may offer a smaller range of services compared to traditional healthcare settings. For some, this may make it less appealing to use these services, especially if someone aims to address several health concerns during their visit with a provider. Mobile healthcare programs may also have limited access to certain diagnostic equipment and other specialized services, such as minor surgical procedures, which may be available in more typical healthcare settings. Mobile units in some instances are specialized to focus services in just one area or for one patient population, for example mobile units that provide dental screening and oral healthcare services, or home visiting programs focused only on serving new mothers and young children. For more information on mobile health models for specific rural health needs, see Module 2.

Resources to Learn More

Health and Economic Impact of Rural Mobile Clinics
Presentation Slides
Provides slides to showcase the health and economic impact of rural mobile clinics, including exhibiting the Mobile Health Map and relevant statistics.
Organization(s): Mobile Health Map
Date: 03/2023