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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Health conditions

Nov 12, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updating and revising the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for calendar year 2025 and updates the payment rate for renal dialysis services furnished by an ESRD facility to individuals with acute kidney injury (AKI). This rule also updates the requirements for the Conditions for Coverage for ESRD facilities, the ESRD Quality Incentive Program, and the ESRD Treatment Choices Model. These regulations are effective January 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 12, 2024 - Highlights an initiative of the Central Alabama VA to increase access to eye care services for rural veterans. Describes the use of a telehealth platform, in combination with mobile clinic services, to provide central Alabama veterans with eye exams, glaucoma screenings, and follow-up care.
Source: VA News
Nov 11, 2024 - Highlights research finding that cardiovascular disease deaths have increased for rural adults between 2010 and 2020. The study analyzed death certificate data for over 11 million people from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WONDER database. Discusses the impact of COVID-19 on already existing cardiovascular health outcomes on rural and urban populations. Notes possible solutions for reducing the disparity.
Source: American Heart Association Newsroom
Nov 8, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Reform of Long-Term Care Facilities Requirements for Respiratory Illness Reporting; 2) Applications for Part C Medicare Advantage, 1876 Cost Plans, and Employer Group Waiver Plans to Provide Part C Benefits; and 3) the PACE Organization Application Process in 42 CFR part 460. Comments are due by December 9, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 6, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will hold a public meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) on December 11-12, 2024. The meeting will include panels the history of the civil rights movement in the South and how it impacts HIV disparities today; the intersection of HIV, stigma, and social determinants of health; the epidemiology of HIV in Alabama; and local solutions for advancing health justice and addressing HIV disparities. The full agenda will be posted on the PACHA website prior to the meeting. To provide public comment, pre-registration is required by December 4, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 5, 2024 - Summarizes recent research finding rural disparities for students in access to care for treating asthma. The study found that access to school-based health centers improved access to care and outcomes for rural students.
Source: Physician's Weekly
Nov 4, 2024 - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on a proposed information collection project titled "National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)." NHSN is used to track healthcare-associated infections and the extent to which healthcare facilities adhere to infection prevention practices and antimicrobial stewardship. The proposed changes in this information collection request include revisions to 74 existing data collection forms and 10 new forms. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 4, 2024 - Discusses telehealth and remote monitoring tool solutions for improving rural healthcare access. Highlights the role the COVID-19 pandemic played in increasing telehealth adoption and access barriers that remain in spite of wider telehealth adoption. Discusses workforce shortages, broadband challenges, and reimbursement for telehealth.
Source: TechTarget
Oct 27, 2024 - Discusses safety for children on a farm and challenges with finding childcare for farmers. Offers examples of age-appropriate activities.
Source: Ohio Country Journal