The Rural Healthcare Crisis: Ways to Improve Access to Care

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Your Health Magazine

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The Rural Healthcare Crisis: Ways to Improve Access to Care

Rural healthcare in many parts of the world faces a profound crisis. It is characterized by limited access to essential medical services and a shortage of healthcare professionals. 

For residents of remote and underserved areas, obtaining timely and quality healthcare can be a challenge. This crisis is not only a matter of inconvenience. It often leads to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes for those living in these communities.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the rural healthcare crisis. We will also explore various strategies and solutions aimed at improving access to care for residents of these regions.

The Scope of the Rural Healthcare Crisis

With over 60 million Americans, approximately one-fifth of the nation’s population, residing in rural areas, the healthcare challenges are significant. Moreover, rural residents tend to be older and often contend with more serious health conditions compared to their urban counterparts.

The stark reality is that while rural populations often require more medical attention and care, their access to healthcare is frequently limited. The closure of local hospitals in rural areas compounds this problem. 

The U.S. Government Accountability Office notes that from 2013 through 2020, over 100 rural hospitals shuttered their doors, amounting to 4% of all such facilities. This means longer travel times for common medical services like inpatient care, with an additional 20 miles.   

In emergencies where minutes can be a matter of life and death, this dearth of accessible care can have profound and devastating consequences.

The Impact of the Rural Healthcare Crisis on Patients

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that in over two decades, from 1999 through 2019, death rates in urban areas declined. However, rural areas witnessed a different trajectory. Initially, rural areas saw a decrease from 923.8 to 837.6 per 100,000 in 2010, but then these rates plateaued, registering at 834.0 in 2019.

Furthermore, the disparity in death rates between rural and urban areas became increasingly pronounced during this period, affecting. In 2019, rural areas grappled with notably higher death rates across the board, including the 10 leading causes of death. 

Notably, heart disease, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) demonstrated the most significant disparities. Rural areas experience higher rates of mortality in each of these categories. 

This unsettling trend signifies that the healthcare crisis in rural areas is exacting a heavy toll on the health and well-being of its residents.

Ways to Improve Access to Care in Underserved Areas

Here are the strategies to enhance healthcare accessibility in rural areas:

Expand the Role of Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs)

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are highly skilled and trained healthcare professionals. They can provide a wide range of services, including preventive care, acute care, and chronic disease management. They can also prescribe medications and perform minor procedures.

Expanding the role of FNPs in underserved areas is one promising way to improve access to care for patients in these areas. FNPs can work independently or in collaboration with physicians to provide care to patients in their communities.

One way to expand the role of FNPs in underserved areas is to make it easier for them to practice in these areas. This can be done by changing laws and regulations, such as those that restrict the scope of practice of FNPs. It can also be done by providing financial incentives to FNPs who practice in underserved areas.

Another way to expand the role of FNPs is to make it easier for them to get the education and training they need. This can be done by fostering the role of an online MSN FNP program. 

Online MSN FNP programs allow students to earn their FNP degree from the comfort of their own homes. It makes it easier for them to pursue this career path even if they live in a remote or underserved area.

Rockhurst University notes that the program is a convenient and flexible way for nurses to earn their FNP degree. These programs allow students to learn at their own pace and on their schedule. 

This makes them a good option for nurses who live in underserved areas, or who have other commitments.

Increase Telehealth Services

Patients can access telehealth services from anywhere with an internet connection, regardless of where they live. This can be especially beneficial for patients who live in remote areas, or who have difficulty traveling to see a healthcare provider in person.

Telehealth can also be more affordable than traditional in-person care. Telehealth services typically cost less than in-person visits, and they can eliminate the need for patients to travel to see a healthcare provider. This can save patients money on transportation costs, gas, and parking.

Invest in Community Health Centers

Community health centers (CHCs) are primary healthcare facilities that provide a wide range of services to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. CHCs are located in underserved areas, including rural areas, urban areas, and frontier areas.

Investing in CHCs is a critical way to improve access to care in underserved areas. CHCs also offer a variety of support services, such as transportation assistance and translation services.

CHCs are also important for the economic health of rural communities. CHCs create jobs and support local businesses. They also help to keep people healthy and productive, which can boost the local economy.

Expand Medicaid Access

Medicaid is a joint federal-state health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. 

As per KFF, eleven states, primarily located in the Southern region, have yet to implement Medicaid expansion. Previous studies have shown that expanding Medicaid leads to reduced uncompensated care costs. It also boosts hospital operating margins and results in a decline in hospital and obstetric unit closures. 

Medicaid expansion positively impacts hospital financial stability. It offers coverage to uninsured patients who would otherwise either fall under hospital charity care or struggle to meet their medical expenses.

Create Loan Forgiveness Programs for Rural Healthcare Providers

Loan forgiveness programs for rural healthcare providers are a promising way to improve access to care in underserved areas. These programs provide financial assistance to healthcare providers who agree to practice in remote areas for a specified period.

Loan forgiveness programs can help to attract and retain healthcare providers in underserved areas. It can also help to reduce the financial burden on healthcare providers, which can make it easier for them to practice.

Conclusion

The rural healthcare crisis is a serious problem, but it can be solved. It is important to note that there is no single solution to the crisis. A comprehensive approach is needed to address the complex challenges facing rural healthcare systems. 

By working together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of all rural residents.

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