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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Specialty care

Drive Time to Care and Retention in HIV Care: Rural–Urban Differences Among Medicaid Enrollees in the United States South
Presents a study on the role geography plays in HIV care retention and maintenance. Draws data from Medicaid enrollees in 13 southern states including the District of Columbia and compares patient drive times to care in rural and urban areas. Breaks down data by county social determinants of health, healthcare supply, and HIV prevalence, as well as patient characteristics.
Author(s): April D. Kimmel, Rose S. Bono, Zhongzhe Pan, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health
Date: 09/2024
Type: Document
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The COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Declines in Cancer Incidence by Race/Ethnicity and Census-Tract Level SES, Rurality, and Persistent Poverty Status
Examines the impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening, treatment, incidence, and disparities among different population groups. Utilizes U.S. National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data to compare 2020 and 2015-2019 incidence rates at 13 different cancer sites. Analyzes various cancer types across sociodemographic variables, including race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, persistent poverty (PP), and rural versus urban location.
Author(s): Benmei Liu, Mandi Yu, Jeffrey Byrne, Katheen A. Cronin, Eric J. Feuer
Citation: Cancer Medicine, 13(17)
Date: 09/2024
Type: Document
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A Qualitative Study of Providers' Perspectives on Cross-Institutional Care Coordination for Pancreatic Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities
Examines pancreatic cancer (PC) care coordination by comparing perspectives of urban, high-volume center providers (HVCPs) and rural, community-based providers (CBPs). Utilizes semi-structured interview feedback to explore issues such as communication, electronic health records (EHRs), patient co-management, and more.
Author(s): Matthew J. DePuccio, Karen Shiu-Yee, Natasha A. Kurien, et al.
Citation: BMC Health Services Research, 24, 1041
Date: 09/2024
Type: Document
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Is Access to Optimal Concussion Care for Pediatric Athletes Limited by Geography?
Examines access to optimal concussion care for pediatric patients in metro and rural areas of the United States. Analyzes internet searches written as "concussion care near me" originating from one rural area and one metro area in each state to observe distance to care, if available clinic treats pediatric patients, and if care allows for self-referral and/or is multidisciplinary. Includes data from select states and representative regions across the country.
Author(s): Ryan Powers, Robert Trevino, Holly Erpenbach, Danny Thomas
Citation: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 34(5), 425-429
Date: 09/2024
Type: Document
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How Narrow or Broad are ACA Marketplace Physician Networks?
Examines physician networks and participation in Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) and how network size impacts costs and access for patients. Utilizes 2021 physician workforce and provider network data to analyze patient access to physicians in their network, distribution of Marketplace enrollees and plans, availability of specialists, share of physicians included in enrollees' provider networks by rural versus urban location, and more.
Author(s): Matthew Rae, Karen Pollitz, Kaye Pestaina, et al.
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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Surgeon and Care Team Network Measures and Timely Breast Cancer Treatment
Presents a study exploring patient-sharing network characteristics associated with delays in treatment for breast cancer patients. Discusses factors that affect surgeon and care team patient-sharing networks that can lead to delays in surgeries and post-surgical treatments. Highlights the role rurality plays in the structure and delays within patient-sharing networks.
Author(s): Ramsey Ash, Bruno T. Scodari, Andrew P. Schaefer, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 7(8), e2427451
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
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Comparative Analysis of Breast and Lung Cancer Survival Rates and Clinical Trial Enrollments Among Rural and Urban Patients in Georgia
Examines if there is a presence of health disparities when comparing rural and urban breast and lung cancer patients in Georgia. Analyzes survival rates and clinical trial enrollments at a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), providing rural versus urban descriptive statistics.
Author(s): Tatiana Kurilo, Rebecca D. Pentz
Citation: Oncology Research, 32(9), 1401-1406
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
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Use of Telehealth to Improve Healthcare Access and Outcomes in Surgical Oncology
Explores the role of telehealth in improving healthcare access and outcomes in surgical oncology. Discusses geographic barriers to surgical oncology interventions how telehealth can help mitigate barriers to access. Highlights strategies to improve telehealth access and adoption.
Author(s): Elliot A. Asare, Lauren Cowan, Tracy Onega
Citation: Journal of Surgical Oncology
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
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MedPAC Comment on CMS's Proposed Rule on the Payment System for End-Stage Renal Disease for CY 2025
Comments on a July 5, 2024, Federal Register proposed rule related to Medicare payment policies for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Includes comments addressing modifications to the outlier policy, updates to the low-volume payment adjustment (LVPA), and updates to the wage index methodology.
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
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Dialysis More Available Than Patient Education in Counties With High Diabetes Prevalence
Compares availability of dialysis and diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services at the county level, and discusses impacts of DSMES access on prevalence of end stage renal disease. Analyzes county-level characteristics associated with availability of dialysis or DSMES, including rurality, diabetes prevalence, presence of a Federally Qualified Health Center or Rural Health Clinic, and more.
Author(s): Janice C. Probst, Nicholas Yell, Gabriel A. Benavidez, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 21, 240052
Date: 08/2024
Type: Document
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