As states pursue Rural Health Transformation funding, five priorities keep rising to the top: telehealth, workforce stability, integrated behavioral health, stronger primary care, and the data systems needed for value‑based care. This week’s Friday at Five breaks down what these trends mean for the future of rural health.
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (Innovation Center) has released and are highlighting evaluation reports and publications. See the findings for several of their models.
HRSA increases loan repayment amounts by 50% for primary care providers who commit to practicing in high need and rural areas. Additional loan repayment available for primary care providers who commit to serve in shortage areas, demonstrate fluency in Spanish.
By Julie Frey – The demand for mental health services is outstripping the ability of providers to keep up. A recent report by the American Psychological Association found that 38% of psychologists have seen an increase in the number of people on their waiting list, increasing their workloads by 26%.
By Elisabeth Rosenthal – I’ve been receiving an escalating stream of panicked emails from people telling me their longtime physician was retiring, was no longer taking their insurance, or had gone concierge and would no longer see them unless they ponied up a hefty annual fee.
The public comment period will be open for 36 days starting June 27, 2022, through August 1 at 11:59 PM ET. HHS is committed to transparency and providing opportunities for public participation during the development of the plan.
By David Burda – As Maya Angelou said, “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.” I don’t think she was talking about primary care in the U.S., but she might as well have been. Looking at two new reports out this week.
By Arlene Bierman MD MS & Bob McNellis MPH PA – The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the grave consequences of underinvestment in primary care and primary care research. Although we have known for decades that health systems with a strong foundation in primary care can improve access to care, health outcomes (including reduced mortality), and health equity, important work remains to be done.
By David Burda – Healthcare’s “it girl” right now is primary care. Everyone wants to provide it. Everyone wants to provide it in new models. Everyone wants to provide it as part of their omnichannel care delivery platforms. We can’t get enough of primary care.