Braving the Wilderness: Solving the rural healthcare crisis with Remote Care Management
Rural healthcare challenges: A widening gap
Why access is the #1 problem in rural health
Over 61 million Americans live in rural communities, many of whom face significant barriers to care1:
- Long travel distances to the nearest clinic
- A growing shortage of physicians6
- Higher rates of chronic conditions6
- Limited availability of Medicare-participating providers6
According to the CDC, rural residents have higher mortality rates from preventable conditions like heart disease and diabetes1. Add to that a rapidly aging population and the situation becomes even more complex.
👉 Learn how remote care helps fill these gaps.
Aging rural populations and the rising demand for Medicare Services
The baby boomer generation is aging into Medicare eligibility in massive numbers. In rural areas, over 20% of the population is already over age 65, compared to 16% in urban settings2. Yet, the number of practicing providers is shrinking.
Between 2010 and 2023, Medicare Advantage enrollment grew by 12% in rural areas, outpacing metropolitan regions3. However, provider capacity has not kept pace. This misalignment is leading to poor health outcomes, delayed care, and increased strain on rural clinics.
Rural Health Clinics (RHCs): Under pressure
There are over 5,200 active RHCs across the U.S., offering vital preventive and primary care4. But staffing remains a major challenge. Many RHCs operate with minimum coverage, making it difficult to meet patient needs, especially as complex, chronic conditions increase.
60% of rural Americans rely on RHCs, according to the National Association of Rural Health Clinics5.
Remote Care Management: A game-changer for rural providers
How Medsien empowers rural healthcare systems
Medsien’s RCM solutions allow rural practices to extend care beyond the walls of the clinic by combining:
- Sophisticated EHR-integrated software
- Certified Care Partner staffing augmentation
- Personalized patient engagement
Improving outcomes through access and connection
Remote care management makes holistic, continuous care possible even for patients living hours from the nearest provider. With regular check-ins, data tracking, and care plan monitoring, rural seniors receive the attention they deserve without traveling long distances. Learn how we prioritize human connection: Medsien Care Partners
The Medsien difference: RCM That works for rural America
Our model is designed to directly address the healthcare access crisis:
- Technology that streamlines care delivery
- Staffing that alleviates the workload on rural providers7
- Collaboration that ensures continuity and compassion in care
We’re not just a vendor, we’re your strategic partner.See how we help reduce provider burnout.
Sources:
- CDC - About Rural Health
- KFF Health News - US Rural Populations Are Skewing Older: 1 In 5 Is Over 65
- KFF - Medicare Advantage Enrollment, Plan Availability and Premiums in Rural Areas
- Definitive Healthcare - Top 25 rural health clinics by total visits
- NARHC - Sixty Percent of Rural Americans Served by Rural Health Clinics
- MedlinePlus - Rural Health Concerns
- ABC News - Less staff, longer delays and fewer options: Rural America confronts a health care crisis
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