Mobile Health Units

Mobile health units, also known as mobile health clinics or clinics on wheels, are specially equipped vans, buses, or trucks that provide healthcare services directly to rural communities.

Mobile health units are a promising model for care delivery because they directly address the barriers of transportation and access that often prevent rural populations, including older adults and homebound populations, from seeking care. By eliminating the need to travel to a clinic or hospital, mobile units can increase use of and access to vital services.

Mobile health units can provide a wide range of services, including:

Primary, preventive, and specialty care, such as reproductive health and oral healthcare
Chronic disease management services
Health promotion and disease prevention health education

While mobile units may have a primary focus, they often integrate multiple types of care, making them versatile tools for addressing a range of community health needs. Additionally, mobile units can serve as an important source of referrals to other health and social services within the community.

To be a reliable source of care, mobile units typically establish a fixed schedule of operating sites. For example, programs funded under Section 330 of the Public Health Services (PHS) Act often use fixed-site health centers, mobile units, and voucher programs to extend care to communities with limited access to traditional health services. Mobile health units are particularly effective because they can travel to multiple locations and can offer care outside of regular business hours, meeting people where they are.

Examples of Rural Mobile Health Units

The Heritage College mobile clinic has been operating in southeast Ohio since 1994. The two 40-foot vans that house the mobile units provide medical care services throughout 24 counties each year. Some of its services include free immunization, primary care, and women’s health screenings for uninsured and underinsured people.
The Health Wagon provides mobile health services to residents of rural Southwest Virginia. The mobile unit travels to multiple counties on a regular schedule, providing screenings and treatment for people at risk of diabetes and other chronic health conditions. Other services include medication management, eye and dental care, immunizations, and facilitation of telemedicine consultations with specialists.
The Hospital Cooperative’s Mobile MRI unit travels between six Critical Access Hospitals in rural Idaho to deliver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services to patients who would otherwise have to travel to access these services.
Northeast Montana Health Service’s Mobile MRI trucks provide MRI services to patients, reducing travel costs and increasing the availability of services delivered in the community.
The Choptank Mobile Health Unit provides a range of mobile health services across rural communities in Maryland’s Mid-Shore. Services include urgent and sick care, chronic condition management, physical exams and preventive care, dental screening, health education, and behavioral health services.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has implemented a full-service Mobile Community Services Office (CSO) with eight trucks across the state. Rural residents can visit the CSO to apply for cash, food, childcare subsidy benefits, and certain Medicaid and Medicare programs. The Washington State DSHS developed a video demonstrating the layout of the Mobile Office and describing the services provided.

Implementation Considerations

Common considerations for rural communities implementing mobile health units include startup costs, licensure, operating costs, equipment, and telehealth.

Startup Costs. Programs should consider the cost of starting a mobile health unit. Upfront costs include the purchase of a vehicle, materials, and systems to modify or build out the vehicle, medical equipment and supplies, and operating and administrative costs such as staffing, licensing, and fees.

Licensure. Mobile health units require similar licensing to that of a traditional medical facility but may be subject to additional guidelines regarding vehicle registration and maintenance, medication and equipment storage, waste disposal, and emergency protocols. Guidelines and regulations for the licensure of mobile health units vary by state and the type of services provided.

Operating Costs. Ongoing costs of running a rural mobile health unit include staff and personnel, such as medical providers, nurse care managers, and outreach workers, and non-personnel expenses like vehicle insurance, gas, maintenance, and medical supplies. Annual costs of a mobile health unit will vary depending on the type and number of services provided. The average annual operating cost of mobile units registered for the Mobile Health Map are $275,000.

Equipment. In addition to acquiring a vehicle, mobile units will need other equipment and portable health devices to provide a variety of services. Specialized equipment can range from portable blood pressure monitors, scales, and stethoscopes to mobile X-ray units and ultrasound. Other portable devices such as smartphones and tablets can be used to access electronic health records, conduct telehealth consultations, and deliver remote health education.

Telehealth. Rural mobile units may choose to use telehealth to enhance the provision of services. Implementing telehealth on mobile units requires planning and investment in specialized equipment, secure installation, reliable power sources, and consistent Wi-Fi connectivity for virtual consultations. In areas where Internet connectivity is unavailable or inconsistent, staff workplans should include contingency plans to allow buffer time for manual documentation.

Program Clearinghouse Examples

Resources to Learn More

Everything You Need to Know About the MOBILE Health Care Act
Document
Highlights common questions surrounding the MOBILE Health Care Act that went into effect on January 1, 2024. Under this law, a mobile unit will no longer require a permanent location.
Organization(s): National Association of Community Health Centers
Date: 1/2023

Mobile Health Clinics Association
Website
Supports the development and sustainability of mobile health units. Provides a forum for communication between providers, such as webinars, tools to support budgeting, guidance for developing a business plan for a mobile unit, and an annual meeting.