Rural Health
News by Topic: Health screening
HHS: Notice for Public Comments on Potential Viral Hepatitis Quality Measures in Medicaid
Federal Register
May 8, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) is seeking public comments on potential viral hepatitis quality measures for implementation at the state and territory level. Specifically, HHS requests comments on the clinical significance, usability, feasibility, and likely uptake of hepatitis C screening and hepatitis C treatment initiation quality measures, as well as recommendations on other feasible viral hepatitis measures. Comments are due by June 7, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 5, 2024 - Covers the ongoing syphilis epidemic in South Dakota and the state's efforts to intervene through increased education, screening, and prenatal care. Highlights disproportionate impacts on Indigenous populations and the launch of a mobile outreach program designed to increase testing and treatment availability in rural communities.
Source: South Dakota Searchlight
May 2, 2024 - Highlights disproportionate rates of American Indian/Alaska Native women and girls who are victims of homicide and sex trafficking. Offers recommendations for healthcare providers, including increased training, safety screenings, and culturally-responsive care.
Source: Indian Health Service
May 2, 2024 - Examines likelihood of additional bird flu spread among agricultural workers and the general public. Discusses barriers to increased testing among agricultural workers, including lack of health insurance and immigration status.
Source: NPR
Apr 3, 2024 - Highlights a Virginia initiative to increase access to clinical trials, cancer screenings, and specialty cancer care for rural residents. Discusses current access challenges such as distance, transportation, and socioeconomic barriers.
Source: WTOP News
Mar 30, 2024 - Describes research showing that before and during the COVID-19 pandemic females patients at rural community health centers (CHCs) were less likely to be up to date with cervical cancer screening than those in urban CHCs. English proficiency, income, and area-level unemployment were contributing factors.
Source: News-Medical.Net
Mar 25, 2024 - Summarizes recent research finding that female patients at rural Community Health Centers are more likely to be behind on cervical cancer screenings than patients in urban community health centers. Discusses factors associated with the disparity including English proficiency, income levels, employment, and primary care physician access. Notes that the disparity grew during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Medical Xpress
Mar 21, 2024 - Summarizes recent research investigating a lung screening program for rural veterans that found higher prevalence of lung cancer in veterans when compared to the prevalence found in the National Lung Screening Trial. Researchers found that the screening method used was successful for high-risk populations.
Source: DocWire News
Mar 19, 2024 - A partnership between a health system and Community Health Center in Virginia will distribute colorectal cancer screening test kits to patients that are primarily rural and uninsured. Half of their patients are not up-to-date on colorectal cancer screening.
Source: CBS19 News