More than 75 rural hospitals are facing financial issues and are vulnerable to closure. However, if any rural hospital closes, it can affect the entire community in those rural areas. Due to this, the local leaders are trying ways to set up an emergency room which can help people who are suffering health issues like obesity and diabetes.
The present condition of rural hospitals
Seeing all this, Michael Coyle, CEO of Coteau des Prairies (CDP) Health Care System in Sisseton, South Dakota made several changes in the rural hospital’s operations. He conducted hospitals tele-emergency and tele-pharmacy programs. This approach helped patients with emergency specialists. It also allowed hospitals to transport to other states wherever necessary. Patients were treated by nurse practitioners who are cheaper and easier which lead to invaluable treatment.
Coyle also conducted additional telehealth programs which can support the hospitalist program and improve care for patients. The financial issues faced will also be less if they use telehealth programs. This also offers telehealth services for mental health.
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Telehealth has been a key component of the rural health management. Senate Schatz, a member of Senate Appropriations Committee on Health, Human Services and Education told that Technology is one of the ways which can connect patients with doctors and also help in improving the better care given to patients.
Although many rural hospitals are still upgrading health infrastructure to obtain federal payments. They are still adapting new technology and learning it which can improve patient’s health.
Date: June 23, 2017