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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Telehealth

Retention in Telehealth Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Among Rural Populations: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Highlights a study on the efficacy of telehealth-based treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) for rural populations. Draws patient data from 2020-2022 across 14 states and breaks down data by patient characteristics, such as insurance status, education, and rurality, among other measures. Explores retention in care and adherence over a 6 month treatment period.
Author(s): Marlene C. Lira, Cynthia Jimes, M. Justin Coffey
Citation: Telemedicine and e-Health, 29(12), 1890-1896
Date: 12/2023
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CMS Final Rules Overview - Impact for RHCs Beginning January 1, 2024
Recording of a December 11, 2023, webinar providing an overview of telehealth payment rates for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and other regulatory updates and potential changes for 2024. Covers new billable providers for RHCs, changes to care management services and billing, telehealth regulations, intensive outpatient program (IOP) services, and more. Part of the Rural Health Clinic Technical Assistance Series.
Additional links: Presentation Slides
Date: 12/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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Geographic Variations in Driving Time to U.S. Mental Health Care, Digital Access to Technology, & Household Crowdedness
Evaluated distance to mental health services, household crowdedness, and access to technology and broadband alongside rurality to determine barriers to mental healthcare for both rural and urban residents in 31,924 ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs). Discusses implications for telehealth and policy measures addressing the digital divide.
Author(s): Sophia N.D. Negaro, Rachel M. Hantman, Janice C. Probst, et al.
Citation: Health Affairs Scholar, 1(6)
Date: 12/2023
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Temporal Trends in Telehealth Availability in Mental Health Treatment Settings: Differences in Growth by State Rurality, 2015–2020
Analyzes trends in telehealth availability at outpatient mental health treatment facilities by rurality and urbanicity at the state level. Utilizes 2015-2020 National Mental Health Services Survey data to evaluate growth preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author(s): George Pro, Brian Fairman, Jure Baloh, Don Willis, Broome E.E. Montgomery
Citation: Journal of Urban Health, 100(6), 1149-1158
Date: 11/2023
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The Role of Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinics in Enhancing Rural Access to Geriatrics Telemedicine Specialty Care
Presents a study on the barriers and facilitators for using geriatric telemedicine through community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) to provide specialty care to older rural veterans. Bases finding on interviews with clinicians and staff from 13 rural CBOCs and makes recommendations.
Author(s): Camilla B. Pimentel, Eileen M. Dryden, Kathryn A. Nearing, et al.
Citation: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 72(2), 520-528
Date: 11/2023
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South Dakota's Regional Services Designation Ambulance System Study
Report offering analysis of stakeholder interviews and performance data of emergency medical service (EMS) in rural South Dakota. Discusses recruitment and retention of workforce, volunteerism, training, data analysis, telehealth, access, and more. Offers recommendations based on key findings and a timeline for implementation.
Date: 11/2023
Sponsoring organizations: Healthcare Strategists, South Dakota Department of Health
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An Examination of Geographic Access to Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Services in Tennessee, a Stroke Belt State
Presents data on travel time and distance to Tennessee stroke rehabilitation facilities, with comparisons of rural and urban counties as well as counties with low, medium, or high stroke prevalence. Describes care access challenges faced by rural stroke patients, including barriers related to transportation and telerehabilitation.
Author(s): Phoebe M. Tran, Cenjing Zhu, William T. Harris II, et al.
Citation: Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases, 33(1), 107472
Date: 11/2023
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Clinician Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators for Delivering Early Integrated Palliative Care via Telehealth
Presents results from a survey on barriers, facilitators, and benefits of telehealth use for early integrated palliative care (EIPC). Survey participants were 48 clinicians providing palliative care services to patients with advanced lung cancer. Discusses clinician attitudes, logistical and organizational influences, and patient characteristics affecting access. Highlights barriers experienced by rural patients.
Author(s): Katrina Grace Sadang, Joely A. Centracchio, Yael Turk, et al.
Citation: Cancers, 15(22), 5340
Date: 11/2023
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Still Searching: Meeting Oral Health Needs in Rural Settings
Report discusses oral health access in rural areas. Compares barriers to care in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Highlights teledentistry use and insurance rates, among other factors.
Author(s): Paige Martin, Morgan Santoro, Lisa J. Heaton, et al.
Date: 11/2023
Sponsoring organization: CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
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Understanding Rural-Urban Differences in Veterans' Internet Access Use, and Patient Preferences for Telemedicine
Report breaks down differences in internet access, use, and opinions about telehealth for rural and urban veterans. Bases findings on interviews with eligible veterans and highlights veterans' experiences with telehealth.
Date: 11/2023
Sponsoring organization: Veterans Health Administration's Office of Rural Health
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