Our RHC expert, Melissa Jones, CRHCP, attended the recent NRHA webinar on the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program and is sharing her top takeaways. This funding opportunity has the potential to reshape rural healthcare for the next decade, but states must submit their Rural Health Transformation Plans by December 31, 2025, to access it.
Melissa has compiled the eight state ready strategies that can be used to improve access, strengthen outcomes, and build sustainable rural health systems.
1. Improve Access to Hospitals and Other Providers
- Mobile Integrated Care Units for diagnostics, preventive care, and urgent care in underserved areas
- Regional Telehealth Access Hubs in libraries, schools, and community centers
- Transportation voucher programs for rural patients needing specialty or hospital visits
2. Improve Health Care Outcomes
- Statewide chronic disease registries for targeted outreach
- Preventive care campaigns with mobile screening events tied to same-day follow-ups
- Post-discharge care navigators to reduce readmissions
3. Prioritize New and Emerging Technologies
- Remote patient monitoring for high-risk patients
- AI-driven risk tools to identify patients at risk for hospitalization
- Tele-pharmacy kiosks to improve medication access
4. Strengthen Local and Regional Strategic Partnerships
- Shared services consortia for joint purchasing and staffing
- Specialty tele-consult programs with urban hospitals
- Joint quality improvement councils to share best practices
5. Recruit and Retain Clinicians
- Loan repayment and rural residency tracks
- Clinician concierge programs for relocation support
- “Grow Your Own” pipelines with schools and AHECs
6. Use Data and Technology to Drive Care
- Telehealth-first triage integrated with EMS
- EHR interoperability incentives
- Geospatial mapping to identify care gaps
7. Ensure Financial Stability
- Global budget pilots for predictable revenue
- Rural service line optimization
- Community investment funds from savings reinvestment
8. Prevent Hospital Closures
- Early warning systems for struggling hospitals
- Support for Rural Emergency Hospital conversions
- Advocacy for payment and policy reform
Final Thoughts
The Rural Health Transformation Program is a meaningful opportunity to invest in rural healthcare. By implementing strategies like these, states can position Rural Health Clinics, hospitals, and other providers for lasting impact.
If you want to ensure your Rural Health Clinic is included in your state’s transformation plan, connect with Melissa Jones, CRHCP, for expert guidance.
melissa@burrowsconsulting.net
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