December 14, 2023

Now Available – White House Social Determinants of Health Playbook

The social and economic conditions of the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes. The following resources build on the Administration’s work to advance health equity by acknowledging that peoples’ social and economic conditions play an important role in their health and well-being.

• PRESS RELEASE: The Biden-⁠Harris Administration Takes Action to Improve Health and Wellbeing by Addressing Social Determinants of Health
• White House Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health
• Call to Action to Address Health Related Social Needs
• Medicaid and CHIP Health-Related Social Needs Framework

December 5, 2023

Using Telehealth for HIV Care

It’s critical for providers to understand the complexity of a patient’s daily life and support them with quality care.

Regular appointment attendance can help patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) slow the progression of the disease, reduce risk of transmission, and improve health outcomes.

Factors like time and transportation challenges, the stigma surrounding HIV, and a shortage of HIV care providers can make following a care plan difficult.

Incorporating telehealth into a primary care practice can overcome these barriers by giving patients a sage, convenient way to access HIV prevention and care services.

In recognition of the recent World AIDS Day, HRSA’s best practice guide has resources to use telehealth for HIV.

Included in the guide:

• Telehealth and HIV diagnosis
• Treating HIV through telehealth
• Preventing HIV with telehealth
• Responding to HIV with telehealth

Access Best Practice Guide

December 5, 2023

Calendar Year 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Summary

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Learning Network released a summary of the CY24 PFS final rule with information on key changes.

The Medicare Telehealth Services section includes information on:

• New codes
• Continuing flexibilities
• Payment rate and more

Read More

December 5, 2023

Center for Rural Health Releases Communication Toolkit

The Center for Rural Health (CRH), housed within the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, recently updated its Communication Toolkit. The toolkit is designed to help Critical Access Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, public health departments and other healthcare organizations in navigating the realm of communications. It has sections on communicating with a target audience, working with the media, and how to successfully use tools, such as social media and website analytics, to share information with the public.

Helpful items in the toolkit:

• Communication plan
• Tools
• Media
• Crisis communication
• Evaluation
• Resources
• Credits and references

The toolkit is free and open to the public and may be helpful for:

• Marketing coordinators
• Public relations directors
• Social media marketers
• Communication managers
• Foundation directors
• Website specialists
• And other similar positions

Access Communication Toolkit Here

December 4, 2023

Trends in the Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A review of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System showed the prevalence of COPD has remained stable overall, but with disparities based on rural residence. Specifically, between the years 2011 and 2021, prevalence increased for adults 75 years and older, for those living in rural areas, and for those who smoked.

Researchers suggest the COPD National Action Plan provides a comprehensive framework for COPD prevention, treatment, and management strategies. These can be tailored to address risk factors specific to various populations. In rural areas, for example, there are higher rates of smoking, history of asthma, and exposure to lung irritants, but limited access to pulmonologists.

The Rural Health Information hub (RHIhub) recently updated the Rural Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Toolkit, with models for effective COPD programs, issues to consider when implementing, and resources for funding and sustainability.

Overview of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rural Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Toolkit