NRHA's Rural Health Voices blog offers informed commentary on the latest news in rural health care from NRHA staff and editorials from selected contributors.

Mammoth Hospital's journey to revolutionizing health care with population health

In 2020, Mammoth Hospital’s population health team hit a brick wall. While EHR and revenue cycle systems are core to clinical and administrative staff operations, Mammoth’s population health and quality teams relied on numerous Excel spreadsheets to support cumbersome manual processes. Juggling several quality programs and payment processes to meet specific timelines, Mammoth was at risk of falling short in performance goals and losing meaningful reimbursement dollars. Manual data...

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Small health system uses proactive digital outreach to triple vaccine performance

With cooler weather also comes the influenza season.  As any health care professional knows, flu can cause serious illness, driving up hospitalizations and even leading to death for vulnerable populations, especially older adults. Getting more patients vaccinated is critical to reducing the number of hospitalizations and deaths and is strongly tied to getting the word out on vaccination events, especially among seniors. In recent years, it’s estimated that 70 to 85 percent of...

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NRHA announces 2024 rural health awardees

NRHA is proud to announce the recipients of association’s 2024 Rural Health Awards, given each year to individuals and organizations who have dedicated their time and talents to improving the health and well-being of others. The awardees will be honored during NRHA’s 47th Annual Rural Health Conference May 9 in New Orleans, La.  

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Harnessing telehealth for rural critical access hospitals

Critical access hospitals (CAH) administrators face unique challenges, particularly during the seasonal rush when respiratory illnesses strain bed capacity. Despite their crucial role in local health care, rural hospitals often face resource or infrastructure constraints and workforce shortages. Recent metrics underscore the nationwide infectious disease doctor deficit, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. Telehealth technology allows for real-time consultation not bound by...

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NRHA Statement Regarding Congressional Appropriations for Rural Health in the March 8 Spending Package

NRHA enthusiastically commends lawmakers in both chambers of Congress for reaching a bicameral, bipartisan agreement that will address many critical priorities for rural health. In recent years, rural health systems have encountered some of the toughest challenges they have ever faced. More than 160 rural hospitals have closed, and over 50 percent of rural hospitals are currently operating in the red. These problems are coupled with historic workforce shortages that have compounded...

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2024 cybersecurity predictions for rural hospitals, part 1

Last year brought a substantial amount of change to the health care industry. From the introduction of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its subsequent challenges, the regulatory landscape shaping cybersecurity requirements and funding, and the increasing recognition that security is a shared responsibility across all departments, each facet reflects the dynamic nature of rural health care in the face of evolving challenges and opportunities. These trends will continue to accelerate...

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Shape the future of rural health: 2024 provider compensation survey

In 2023, NRHA partnered with Stroudwater Associates and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health to conduct the first-ever rural provider compensation survey. More than 6,000 rural providers lent their voices to create a comprehensive picture of the compensation landscape in rural health care.

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What CAHs need to consider when planning capital investments

Many facilities require significant reinvestment to modernize and address current healthcare needs. Rising interest rates and construction costs are challenges that CAHs need to consider when planning capital investments. The most important factor in feasibility is the change in cash flow available for debt repayment, followed by project size and cost-based payer mix. It is crucial to size the project according to community needs and available resources to accommodate potential...

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340B Drug Pricing Program news and updates

In November, several key updates to the 340B Drug Pricing Program were published for covered entities to review and make appropriate updates to their program operations. It is important to note that none of these updates include changes to 340B law or eligibility requirements; rather they provide clarification to covered entities regarding how to address recent changes and events that are direct results of external parties’ involvement in the 340B Program. These updates include...

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Empowering effective revenue cycles in rural health care

With so many small hospitals on the brink of closure, now is the time to debunk outsourcing myths and consider new operation possibilities to ensure long-term revenue cycle business continuity. Three hospital leaders recently shared their current challenges, flexible best practices, and community rationale to deploy revenue cycle outsourcing in their organizations.

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