Telemedicine, NPs addressing rural health care challenges

Rural communities and health systems are utilizing telehealth and digital platforms and tools to address a lack of specialty providers in rural regions. Rural residents can meet with specialists online from their homes or from telemedicine stations at local health care facilities. In addition, specialists can take advantage of the technology to live in rural regions and build their patient base. The nonprofit MAVEN Project is building a network of retired and active providers and specialists to virtually mentor and support rural providers. In addition, rural areas can hire nurse practitioners and permit them to practice to the full extent of their education and training to fill the void created by physician shortages and hospital closings. (HealthLeaders Media article, 9/5/23)