By Amy Oliver – A rural hospital leader told me recently that she had finally upgraded her whole hospital’s internet from 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps, and she was genuinely excited about it, because in rural health, those are the wins. I think about that every time someone talks about rolling out AI, telehealth, and cybersecurity in rural communities like it’s a simple switch to flip.

The following recent state investments illustrates how CMS’ commitment to rural health modernization is taking shape on the ground, tailored to the unique needs of rural communities in Alaska, Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Texas.

By Alexander Vitenas – A payment collected months before surgery and a payment collected after a procedure can leave the same balance due. But they tell different stories. One may be a prepayment tied to a planned treatment before a final charge existed. The other may be payment against an established balance. Looking only at the final number can hide how it came to be.

By Dan L. Dodson – This month’s Defense Desk, brought to you by Fortified Health Security, is a perfect blend for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Learn what six years of hosting a monthly roundtable for healthcare cybersecurity leaders has taught Dan about the value of building the kind of room where that conversation is possible, and how you can build one yourself.