Advisory Board June 24, 2020
Health care executives have long reported interest in telehealth, recognizing its potential to alleviate barriers to access, among other challenges, in rural communities. But in rural areas, organizations have been slow to adopt these new capabilities due to low reimbursement, lack of patient interest, and inadequate internet connectivity. However, amid the Covid-19 epidemic, rural hospitals are scrambling to provide remote care as a result of severe disruption to in-person care.
Rural hospitals know the risk their organizations and patients face if their communities suffer an outbreak. And evidence suggests that rural America can expect an increase in Covid-19 cases. As more rural hospitals struggle to provide care amid closures, health disparities between rural and urban areas could be exacerbated.