Rural Primary Care Institute

The second webinar session dives into rural primary care. From different provider types to organizational structures,
to business models to impacts of public health challenges. Needs vary from state to state and community to community. Each practice has unique challenges, however, there are trends and common issues. In this session, participants will learn about those trends and common challenges and, more importantly, how they impact the wellness of rural communities. We will explore answers to the questions what are the needs of rural primary care practices, and what factors impact the rural healthcare environment? As well as how is information that will grow understanding of the rural health landscape in your state found? 

Participants will explore definitions, similarities, differences, requirements and uses for several  designation types available to rural primary care providers. Basic designation determinations, conditions of participation and other regulatory requirements impact eligibility for programs and potential funding opportunities. This session will lean into these concepts and will provide practical application of knowledge gained. 

Participants will examine similarities and differences of “compliance” and “eligibility” along with the impact to rural primary care practices. From working with surveyors to concepts of compliance within particular rural primary care provider types, we will explore available compliance tools, resources, and how SORH might prepare to provide compliance support and capacity building as well as the connection between compliance and value. 

This session will provide participants suggestions for providing support and capacity building to rural primary care providers/practices that do not involve high level, direct technical assistance, such as conferences, webinars, and information dissemination (social media and newsletters). Practical application tips are offered to include resource/content development on relevant topics of specific interest to particular provider types (such as RHC, FQHC, etc.) and resources focused on community-centric challenges such as how to improve health equity through efforts on social determinants of health including health literacy, food deserts, and community transportation challenges. Finally, we will dive into how collaboration with other state agencies may provide a beneficial foundation for rural primary care provider support. 

During this session, participants will learn about how to develop a strategy and consider options and resources for providing higher-level technical assistance to rural primary care providers. Examples include revenue cycle management (coding/billing/reimbursement), operational improvements, quality improvement, telehealth integration, and integration of other services (CCM, behavioral health, oral health, etc.) to ensure health equity for all rural populations. and basic compliance. We will also touch on the transition to value in the framework of our WHY- helping rural communities become and remain more well. 

Participants will be provided with guidance on the organizations and experts to connect with to effectively support rural primary care providers/practices. Innovative partnerships built through collaboration at the state and national levels are key to strengthening all rural providers. Information will be provided regarding state associations and others such as the State Rural Health Associations, State Hospital Associations, Primary Care Offices, and Primary Care Associations. 

Rural community engagement is critical to success of rural primary practices. They are also sometimes challenged with determining the appropriate primary care delivery model to meet the needs of the population in their community and ensure long-term sustainability. The session will discuss how to help primary care practices engage communities and to support communities to determine the right fit for the local primary care provider/practice and learn how to assist with conducting basic financial reviews. Practical application includes how to help individual rural communities become and remain more well. 

The final session will explore policy efforts at the state and federal level. It will include an overview of opportunities for how SORH and stakeholders might engage in policy/advocacy activities. Potential impacts of policy to the current and future rural primary care landscape will be explored including the transition from volume-based service delivery to value. In addition, we will take a retrospective look of the journey through the institute and will provide a comprehensive conclusion.