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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Primary care

Partnership Forum: The Role of Research in the Transformation of Veterans Affairs Community Care
Discusses how research has shaped the Veterans Affairs' Office of Community Care since its inception in 2015. Highlights the effect research has had on care coordination, quality of care, and network adequacy, among other measures, for all veterans including those in rural areas.
Author(s): Michelle A. Mengeling, Kristin M. Mattocks, Denise M. Hynes, et al.
Citation: Medical Care, 59, (6, Suppl3), 232-241
Date: 06/2021
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National Health Service Corps: Program Directs Funding to Areas with Greatest Provider Shortages
Provides an overview of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) programs. Examines data for fiscal year 2020 on the number of NHSC providers and where they served, the number and characteristics of applicants that did not receive funding, the number of NHSC sites with vacancies, and information about the effectiveness of NHSC programs at alleviating provider shortages.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 06/2021
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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VA Community Care: Understanding Veterans' Access, Utilization, and Satisfaction
Supplemental journal features a wide variety articles pertaining to veterans' access to care, utilization, and the VA's Community Care Network (CCN). Discusses the CCN's relationship with the MISSION Act, telehealth, and challenges facing rural veterans, among other issues.
Citation: Medical Care, 59, (6, Suppl 3)
Date: 06/2021
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Challenges Faced by Rural Primary Care Providers When Caring for COPD Patients in the Western United States
Results of a survey of 71 rural primary care providers in 7 states, including Colorado and Kansas, to examine challenges faced when caring for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Features demographic statistics with breakdowns by age, degree, rural or non-rural practice location, practice type, and state, and survey answers by provider type and location.
Additional links: Online Supplement
Author(s): Fernando Diaz del Valle, Patricia B. Koff, Sung-Joon Min, et al.
Citation: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, 8(3), 336-349
Date: 05/2021
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A Dire Shortage and Getting Worse: Solving the Crisis in the Health Care Workforce
Video of a May 20, 2021 U.S. Senate hearing with testimony from representatives of the Association of American Medical Colleges, the National Medical Association, Albany (Georgia) Area Primary Health Care, and the University of New England. Examines lack of access to high-quality care in rural and underserved areas, and the importance of training students likely to practice in rural areas.
Additional links: David J. Skorton Statement, James D. Herbert Statement, Leon McDougle Statement, Shelley Spires Statement
Author(s): David J. Skorton, Leon McDougle, Shelley Spires, James D. Herbert
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions
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Medicaid and Rural Health
Provides an overview of rural residents, including socioeconomic characteristics, insurance status, and health status. Explores the availability of healthcare providers in rural areas, with a focus on primary care providers and hospitals. Discusses the role of Medicaid in rural health, as well as Medicaid policies and services that are important for providing healthcare in rural communities.
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission
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Strengthening Primary Care and Improving Population Health: Nebraska's Approach
Explores efforts to strengthen primary care in Nebraska through Patient-Centered Medical Homes, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus program. Discusses the development of pilot programs and a partnership with a local nonprofit and the University of Nebraska College of Public Health.
Author(s): Martha Hostetter, Sarah Klein
Date: 04/2021
Sponsoring organization: Milbank Memorial Fund
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Arizona Primary Care Needs Assessment
Analyzes data related to health outcomes and access to primary care in Arizona. Identifies communities with the greatest unmet healthcare needs and describes current efforts in the areas of health disparities, workforce programs, community development, and shortage designations. Designed to help stakeholders with community-level health planning and grant writing. Includes references to rural throughout.
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Arizona Department of Health Services
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2021 Idaho Primary Care Needs Assessment
Identifies Idaho communities with the greatest unmet healthcare needs, disparities, and healthcare workforce shortages, and discusses key barriers to accessing preventive and primary care services. Includes sections on Health Professional Shortage Areas, Medically Underserved Areas and Populations, the Idaho State Loan Repayment Program, the Rural Physician Incentive Program, primary care educational opportunities, and advanced medical training programs in Idaho. Features maps showing urban, rural, and frontier areas, locations of Rural Health Clinics, and locations of Critical Access Hospitals.
Author(s): Alex Prado
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Idaho Bureau of Rural Health and Primary Care
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Mississippi Primary Care Needs Assessment
Identifies Mississippi communities with the greatest unmet healthcare needs and offers recommendations for allocating resources, managing shortage designations, and coordinating the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals. Includes sections on social determinants of health, Health Professional Shortage Areas, Graduate Medical Education, and workforce development. Features statistics on various diseases and health conditions.
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Mississippi State Department of Health, The Mississippi Center for Rural Health and Population Studies
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