Declining populations, physician shortages and high unemployment rates are among the many elements contributing to the significant challenges faced by rural healthcare organizations. While these providers face struggles, they are an integral part of the healthcare ecosystem. Advances in telehealth adoption and emerging business models are bringing new opportunities to these critical institutions.
In a discussion with Modern Healthcare Custom Media, two industry leaders offered their perspectives on how rural healthcare leaders can prepare their organizations for the future, and shared best practices for success in this unique environment.
Panelists:
Mitchell Berenson is president and CEO of Community Infusion Solutions. Berenson, a more than 20-year healthcare industry veteran, specializes in the development and evaluation of infusion services. He holds three patents for remote-monitoring devices and is an expert in value-based care.
Jim Kendrick is president and CEO of Community Hospital Corporation. As a national leader in advancing community hospitals, Kendrick has more than 20 years of executive experience in not-for-profit and for-profit healthcare. Kendrick was a Modern Healthcare Up & Comer in 2010 and joined CHC in 2017.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the potential challenges and opportunities for rural hospitals?
MB: COVID safety and security issues have driven patients to look closer to home for their healthcare decisions. Since COVID, outpatient infusion services referred to our partner rural hospitals have increased by over 20 percent. Referring urban hospitals shared that patients specifically requested follow-up care to the local provider to limit exposure and risk. Patient compliance demanded an increase in hospital/patient transparency to ensure patient safety.
JK: Government support was helpful for hospitals, but understanding of permissible fund use and reporting timelines remain unclear. The government funds also make it difficult to assess a hospital’s true financial position. Many that were struggling before the pandemic now have improved financials that may give leaders a false sense of security. The government funds temporarily stopped the bleeding, but many of the same issues remain. Leaders need clarity. (Continue to original article)
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