UHG-Modernizing Rural Health Care: Coverage, Quality and Innovation

A report from UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform & Modernization highlights the extreme lack of primary care physicians and need for care in rural areas. UnitedHealth Group suggests that some of the void could be filled by extending the availability of technology and promoting telemedicine as a way to connect patients with doctors. The report calls for increased incentives for doctors to work in rural areas and asks that nurses take on a bigger role in rural health care. In addition, the paper notes that expanding telemedicine and telehealth - by increasing access and promoting use - will be key to reaching ruralpopulations.