Category: NRHA

The Effects of More Than 1 Million Losing Medicaid Coverage

June 30, 2023

The Effects of More Than 1 Million Losing Medicaid Coverage

About 1.5 million Americans have lost Medicaid coverage in more than two dozen states, and hospitals are beginning to see the financial effects of caring for more uninsured patients. Additionally, site-neutral payment has forced physicians, patient advocates, and hospitals and health systems to take sides in the debate over Medicare reimbursement rates based on location of care, and a new report shows that approximately a quarter of residents in 18 states struggle with medical debt.

Register for the NRHA Rural Health Clinic and Critical Access Hospital Conferences, September 26-29, to explore how we can ensure we can care for patients and the bottom line with experts at NRHA’s Rural Health Clinic and Critical Access Hospital Conferences Sept. 26-29 in Kansas City.

Webinar – Swing Bed Culture and attention to Wellness Vital to Rural Healthcare, A Transitional Care Model

June 30, 2023

Webinar – Swing Bed Culture and attention to Wellness Vital to Rural Healthcare, A Transitional Care Model

Allevant, a joint venture between Mayo Clinic and Select Medical, helps Critical Access Hospitals by developing post-acute Transitional Care programs using available Swing Beds. Focused on helping patients transition to their highest level of independence, Transitional Care is a program that involves the patient and family, makes available the full resources of the Critical Access Hospital and focuses on measured outcomes and evidence-based processes to ensure patients get the best care possible.

Allevant has supported approximately 100 Critical Access Hospitals across 22 states including both independent and part of health systems. Our clients have cared for over 12,000 patients representing more than 158,000 swing bed days.

With a strong focus on quality, outcomes, and growth, our clients saw an average growth in swing bed days of 55% by the second year. 64% of patients were categorized as complex medical or complex surgical which is a growing patient population, and only 7% of Transitional Care patients were discharged directly back to acute care during a program stay of less than 30 days. 76% of patients were discharged from Transitional Care back to independence. The average patient rating was 4.83 out of 5 when asked if patients would “recommend the program to others”.

When: Thursday, July 27, 1:00 – 2:00 pm CST

Register Here

Webinar – Unlocking Value-Based Care: the Critical Role of Team-Based Care

June 30, 2023

Webinar – Unlocking Value-Based Care: the Critical Role of Team-Based Care

Join this exclusive webinar to discover the power of team-based care in rural healthcare. Our expert speakers include Fred Wallisch, Signify Health’s VP and ACO Medical Director, who specializes in clinical oversight, utilization goal setting, and innovative strategies for improved patient care. Catherine Chua, Chief Medical Officer at Davis Health System, West Virginia, with extensive experience in Osteopathic Family Medicine and Integrative Medicine, will provide insights into rural healthcare and patient-centered approaches, and Dr. Steven Reeves, Internal Medicine specialist from Greater Regional Health, will offer practical knowledge on the positive impact of team-based care on provider morale, retention, and buy-in.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the role of team-based care in meeting value-based care requirements.
  • Discover how a standardized approach improves annual wellness visit rates, chronic care management, and clinical documentation.
  • Explore the benefits of team-based care for provider morale, retention, and buy-in.

When: Wednesday, July 25, 2:00 – 3:00 pm CST

Click Here to join this concise and informative webinar to enhance healthcare delivery in your rural health organization.

Webinar – Addressing Patient Surges and Rising Costs in Rural Healthcare

June 30, 2023

Webinar – Addressing Patient Surges and Rising Costs in Rural Healthcare

Discover the transformative power of telemedicine in rural healthcare and hear firsthand experiences from AdventHealth Murray Medical Center and AdventHealth Gordon as they share how telemedicine revolutionized their operations, improving sustainability and community service despite fiscal challenges.

Join Jason Povio, President and COO of Eagle Telemedicine, and Dr. Joseph Joyave, CMO and Medical Director for AdventHealth Medical Group, as they discuss their successful strategies. Povio, with his diverse background in systems engineering and healthcare, and Dr. Joyave, a practicing pediatrician and administrative leader, bring valuable perspectives from their unique professional journeys.

During this webinar, you will learn how telemedicine can mitigate fiscal and operational challenges in rural healthcare settings, strategies to reduce patient transfer rates, and address specialty physician gaps using telemedicine. Gain insight into leveraging telemedicine for cost-effective recruitment and round-the-clock patient care.

When: Wednesday, July 19, 2:00 – 3:00 pm CST

Register Here

Suicide Prevention in Rural Communities: A FREE SafeSide Prevention Live, Online Interactive Workshop

June 20, 2023

Suicide Prevention in Rural Communities: A FREE SafeSide Prevention Live, Online Interactive Workshop

Register Now! Seats are Limited!

Rural service providers face unique challenges regarding the availability and access to mental health services and resources – including for youth and Indigenous or Tribal communities.

To address these challenges, with funding from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), the UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence has partnered with SafeSide Prevention to provide a workshop focused on suicide prevention training for service providers in rural communities at no cost to you!

Register to unlock your membership with SafeSide Prevention, which includes the following:

  • Online Community of Practice. You connect with SafeSide faculty and members worldwide who are passionate about suicide prevention, sharing resources, asking questions, and growing together.
  • Live Office Hours. Join informal, monthly video chats hosted by SafeSide staff where you can ask questions and share experiences with others worldwide.
  • Tools and Refreshers. Ongoing education videos, resources, and tools are at your fingertips to help you apply suicide prevention best practices in your work.

No matter your role, you will leave this workshop with actionable skills and a clear framework to help you feel more confident as you work to prevent suicide for those you serve.

When: July 25, 2023, 12:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET

Register Now! Seats are Limited!

Proposed Bill Aims to Reduce Burdens on Rural Health Clinics

June 16, 2023

Proposed Bill Aims to Reduce Burdens on Rural Health Clinics

NRHA has expressed support for the bipartisan Rural Health Clinic Burden Reduction Act, which aims to reform provisions related to RHCs under Medicare.

NRHA also supports the Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act, which would permanently expand services adopted during the pandemic. NRHA notes that 77 percent of rural counties have a primary care shortage. Additionally, as federal policymakers step up oversight of hospital mergers, more states are taking steps to encourage consolidation.

NRHA has curated advocacy campaigns so you can act today on several issues including urging Congress to reduce burden in rural health clinics. We’ll share RHC-specific strategies to better utilize telehealth and help clinics flourish at NRHA’s 21st Rural Health Clinic Conference Sept. 26-27 in Kansas City.

Register Here for NRHA’s 21st Rural Health Clinic Conference

NRHA Accepting Application for the Rural Health Fellows Program

June 16, 2023

NRHA Accepting Application for the Rural Health Fellows Program

NRHA is accepting applications for our Rural Health Fellows program, a yearlong, intensive training that develops leaders who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for rural America.

Each year, NRHA selects 10 to 15 highly motivated individuals who have proven their dedication to improving the health of rural Americans through their educational or professional experience.

The goal of the Fellows program is to educate and develop a network of diverse rural leaders that will step forward to serve in key positions in the association, affiliated advocacy groups, and local and state legislative bodies with health equity as a main focus.

NRHA’s Rural Health Fellows meet in person three times throughout the year to undergo intensive leadership and advocacy training. In addition, fellows take part in monthly conference calls to supplement their training, receive updates on legislative and regulatory concerns that impact rural health, and participate in a mentorship program with current members of NRHA’s Board of Trustees. These monthly calls will help Fellows to develop their leadership skills as rural health advocates. Rural Health Fellows should be committed to advocating on behalf of rural health and should be dedicated to NRHA’s mission.

The submission period for 2024 Rural Health Fellows applications is now open through Sept. 14.

Requirements

  • Applicants to the Rural Health Fellows Program must be NRHA members for at least one year before applying to the program and must remain a member in good standing through the duration of the program.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the health of all people residing in rural America through the provision of equitable health care services. This commitment must be demonstrated in the personal statement, as well as the curriculum vitae/resume of the applicant.
  • Applicants must be willing and able to commit to monthly conference calls as part of the program and complete a project as a member of an Action Project Team.
  • Applicants must have a sponsor to support travel/lodging expenses to attend three NRHA meetings: 1) NRHA’s Rural Health Policy Institute, 2) NRHA’s Annual Rural Health Conference, 3) the fellows graduation ceremony.
  • Applicants must commit to attend all Rural Health Fellows training sessions.

Application Requirements

  • At least one year of membership in NRHA
  • Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
  • Personal statement

Program benefits

  • Developing leadership skills and mentorship under current NRHA leaders
  • Working with like-minded individuals to generate solutions to problems facing rural America
  • Driving rural health policy solutions on behalf of NRHA

2024 Rural Health Fellows class training sessions:

1.  Feb. 13-15, 2024 – Rural Health Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.
2. May 6-10, 2024 – Annual Rural Health Conference in New Orleans, La.
3. February 2025 – Rural Health Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.

Application Review Process

  • Applications are due Thursday, September 14, 2023
  • Applications are reviewed and ranked by members of NRHA staff. A meeting is held to discuss applicants.
  • Applicants will receive an email on their acceptance or non-acceptance into the program.
    • Applicants will have two weeks to respond to their acceptance email and secure their spot in the program.

Rural Health Fellows Program Costs

There is no program fee for participation in the Rural Health Fellows Program. Applicants must have a sponsor (employer, corporate or self) responsible for all travel and lodging costs to attend the three training sessions.

View the current Rural Health Fellow rosters

For more information, contact Ally Zimmerman, azimmerman@ruralhealth.us  program services coordinator, or 202-639-0550.

Rural Health Fellows Application

 

Your Chance to be a Rural Health Fellow, Speak in New Orleans

June 16, 2023

Your Chance to be a Rural Health Fellow, Speak in New Orleans

The National Rural Health Association’s (NRHA’s) Annual Rural Health Conference and Rural Hospital Innovation Summit are the nation’s premier events celebrating rural health. They are curated for anyone with an interest in rural health care, including rural health practitioners, hospital administrators, clinic directors and lay health workers, social workers, state and federal health employees, academics, community members, and more.

NRHA’s Annual Rural Health Conference is an interactive experience designed for all rural health professionals, with 7 tracks covering clinical issues, statewide public health issues, clinic management, rural communities, education, policy, and learning tools for leaders. NRHA is willing to consider any new and innovative session proposals.

NRHA’s rural Hospital Innovation Summit is one of the first meetings of its kind, dedicated to rural hospital innovation and transformation and providing premier networking and education exclusively for rural hospital leadership teams striving to innovate toward community health transformation.

NRHA is accepting session and research presentation proposals for the nation’s largest gathering of rural health pros. The Annual Rural Health Conference and Rural Hospital Innovation Summit, will be held May 7-10, 2024 in New Orleans, La.

Anyone with an interest in rural health is invited to submit session proposals by August 17, 2023 or original research by January 11, 2024 for presentation during the 2024 conferences.

Please consider contributing a session. This is an opportunity to share effective models, policies, research and information and provide your colleagues with insights and best practices addressing many of the access, quality and geographic issues confronted by rural communities.

Submit Session Proposals

Submit Original Research

 

NRHA Partner Webinar – Wednesday, July 19 – Addressing Patient Surges and Rising Costs in Healthcare

June 12, 2023

NRHA Partner Webinar – Wednesday, July 19 – Addressing Patient Surges and Rising Costs in Healthcare

Wednesday, July 19, 2:00 – 3:00 pm CST

Discover the transformative power of telemedicine in rural healthcare and hear firsthand experiences from AdventHealth Murray Medical Center and AdventHealth Gordon as they share how telemedicine revolutionized their operations, improving sustainability and community service despite fiscal challenges.

Join Jason Povio, President and COO of Eagle Telemedicine, and Dr. Joseph Joyave, CMO and Medical Director for AdventHealth Medical Group, as they discuss their successful strategies. Povio, with his diverse background in systems engineering and healthcare, and Dr. Joyave, a practicing pediatrician and administrative leader, bring valuable perspectives from their unique professional journeys.

During this webinar, you will learn how telemedicine can mitigate fiscal and operational challenges in rural healthcare settings, strategies to reduce patient transfer rates, and address specialty physician gaps using telemedicine. Gain insight into leveraging telemedicine for cost-effective recruitment and round-the-clock patient care.

Register Here

NRHA Partner Webinar – Wednesday, June 21 – Reducing Workplace Violence in Your Rural Hospital

June 12, 2023

NRHA Partner Webinar – Wednesday, June 21 – Reducing Workplace Violence in Your Rural Hospital

Wednesday, June 21, 2:00 – 3:00 pm CST

In a time when the behavioral health crisis and socioeconomic strains continue to challenge our healthcare system, the safety of caregivers in healthcare settings is more critical than ever. This educational webinar is designed for healthcare executives seeking to bolster caregiver safety and promote a culture of safety, particularly in resource-limited rural hospitals.

Join Chief Nursing Officer Jeremy Cannon, a National Rural Health Association Fellow, as he shares his experiences with VersaBadge technology, demonstrating its transformative effects on caregiver safety and workflow efficiency through the use of discreet, wearable badges. Angie Anderson, VersaBadge’s Director of Client Success, uses her decade-long healthcare experience to provide a unique perspective on the challenges caregivers face in rural communities. Alongside her, Elizabeth Kane, another VersaBadge Director of Client Success, capitalizes on her healthcare technology and economics background to devise practical, tailored solutions that elevate healthcare facility performance.

This webinar promises a wealth of valuable insights, empowering attendees with practical strategies to mitigate workplace violence, enhance caregiver safety, and foster a secure hospital environment. Gain firsthand knowledge of early intervention and de-escalation techniques, effective implementation of staff safety programs, and ways to foster a safety-centric culture in healthcare facilities of all sizes.

Register Here