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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

Crises Collide: The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Stability of the Rural Health Safety Net
Examines the vulnerability of rural hospitals based on financial and operational metrics, and the impact of COVID-19 on these hospitals. Discusses declining access to obstetrics and chemotherapy services at rural hospitals. Includes a chart highlighting financial indicators and information on the availability of intensive care beds at rural hospitals by state.
Date: 02/2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Chartis Center for Rural Health
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Medicaid's Role in Health Care for American Indians and Alaska Natives
Provides an overview of the federal government's role in providing healthcare to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Discusses AI/AN demographics, economic and health disparities, and access to healthcare and insurance coverage. Describes the structure of the Indian Health Service (IHS), services provided, and IHS financing and spending. Highlights special rules and protections that apply to AI/AN Medicaid beneficiaries. Presents a series of policy issues that have been raised regarding the Medicaid and IHS relationship, as well as opportunities for improving Medicaid's role in providing healthcare to AI/AN populations.
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission
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Alternatives to Hospital Closure: Findings from a National Survey of CAH Executives
Discusses factors leading to rural hospital closures and alternatives to closure to maintain access to healthcare in rural areas and/or Critical Access Hospital (CAH) viability. Presents data from a survey of 227 CAH CEOs and other management staff, discussing their responses to a list of alternatives to hospital closure, including Rural Health Clinic (RHC) certification, conversion to emergency or urgent care services, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) certification, and other alternatives.
Author(s): Sharita Thomas, Kristie Thompson, Kathleen Knocke, George Pink
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
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Health System Challenges for Critical Access Hospitals: Findings from a National Survey of CAH Executives
Results of a 2019 survey of 174 respondents, examining challenges including uncompensated care, affordability of health insurance, patients seeking care beyond their local hospital, and prescription drug prices. Intended to help rural health policymakers in development of strategies to maintain Critical Access Hospital viability and access to healthcare in rural communities.
Author(s): Sharita Thomas, Kristie Thompson, Kathleen Knocke, George Pink
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: North Carolina Rural Health Research Program
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Visualizing Potential Effects of Dentist Retirements on Accessibility to Dental Care Among Children in Alabama, 2019
Examines dental access among Alabama residents aged 20 or younger. Discusses how dentist retirements may impact access to dental care, with data breakdowns by rural/urban status. Features maps with county-level information on dental access in Alabama.
Author(s): Steven Samsel, Ryan Tramp, Irem Sengul Orgut, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 18
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
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The Intersection of Rural Residence and Minority Race/Ethnicity in Cancer Disparities in the United States
Examines differences in cancer rates and outcomes according to individuals' rural residence and race/ethnicity. Discusses the role racism and social determinants of health play in cancer disparities. Includes cancer incidence and mortality rates by racial/ethnic groups and rural versus urban location.
Author(s): Whitney E. Zahnd, Cathryn Murphy, Marie Knoll, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1384
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
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Rural Residents Appear to be More Vulnerable to Serious Infection or Death From Coronavirus COVID-19
Examines trends in COVID-19 case rates and death rates for urban and rural areas. Discusses factors that may make rural residents more vulnerable to severe illness or death, including underlying health conditions, age, and healthcare access barriers.
Author(s): Elizabeth A. Dobis, David McGranahan
Citation: Amber Waves
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: USDA Economic Research Service
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White Paper: National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers
Describes the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers, including information on the Telehealth Resource Center (TRC) Program's 12 regional centers and the 2 national resource centers, the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) and the National Telehealth Technology Assessment Center (TTAC). Discusses role of TRCs in addressing specific regional needs and supporting the expansion of telehealth across the U.S.
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers
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Pharmacy Vaccination Service Availability in Nonmetropolitan Counties
Data brief exploring the availability of pharmacies that might be able to provide vaccinations in rural areas. Features statistics and county-level maps showing availability in nonmetropolitan areas of all retail pharmacies, partner chain/franchise pharmacies, and pharmacies offering immunization services.
Author(s): Fred Ullrich, Keith Mueller
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
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Statistical Profiles - Primary Care Area Statistical Profiles
Provides information on demographics, healthcare facilities and services, the number of providers, hospitalization by age group, leading causes of infant mortality, and prenatal care and fertility data for Primary Care Areas in Arizona.
Date: 02/2021
Type: Website
Sponsoring organization: Arizona Bureau of Health Systems Development
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