Hospitals have been bracing for healthcare professional shortages for many years now, but those shortages were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic leaving hospitals to contract with staffing agencies at a drastically higher cost with no end in sight. So, how do rural hospitals work in tandem with higher education and workforce development initiatives to raise up the next generation of healthcare professionals? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Geoffrey Roche, Senior Vice Preside...
May 11, 2023•34 min
Rural hospital closures have an undeniable effect on local access to care and may also result in a change to the actual cost of care to that population. But, it's the relationship between cost, quality and efficiency that is not always clear. So, how do we better understand the financial access and quality impact rural hospital closures have on affected populations? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Caitlin Carroll, Assistant Professor, Division of Health Policy & Management ...
May 04, 2023•38 min
The healthcare industry today is facing a number of challenges, and state hospital associations are advocating for and supporting hospitals through it all. So, how do state associations support and engage rural hospitals in these unprecedented times? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brian Peters, president and CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), about healthcare’s challenges today and how MHA is supporting its member hospitals. Follow Rural Health Rising...
Apr 27, 2023•50 min
On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel celebrate 100 episodes of Rural Health Rising by looking back to when the podcast started as well as how the podcast will continue to grow in the future. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach / Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/compan...
Apr 20, 2023•24 min
Access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods can be tough for underserved populations in rural communities. So, how do rural hospitals engage the community and support efforts to combat food insecurity? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Denise Lovinger, registered dietician, and Ezra Bertakis, owner of Chef’s Way Farm, about the partnership between the hospital and the farm to combat hunger in their community. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ ht...
Apr 13, 2023•50 min
Rural hospitals are important to smaller communities but as of now there are more than 200 rural hospitals on the brink of closure. So, how do we raise awareness on rural hospital closures and prevent them from happening? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Steve Gruber, broadcast journalist and host of the Steve Gruber Show. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach / Follow Hi...
Apr 06, 2023•41 min
Payment models are a hot topic for discussion, debate and development in the healthcare industry today. From consulting firms to associations and other industry influencers, various models are proposed, but they’re not always designed with financial sustainability of rural hospitals in mind. So, how do we differentiate between payment models that could actually work versus rhetoric that won’t? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Harold Miller, CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quali...
Mar 30, 2023•34 min
Radiology services are very important, but for a rural hospital it can be hard to keep large, expensive technology up-to-date. So, how do we manage cutting-edge radiology services in a rural environment? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jamie Caldwell, Manager of Radiology at Hillsdale Hospital about radiology services and the expensive technology needed to run this service. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleC...
Mar 23, 2023•36 min
Elder care in rural America is unique—not just while the patient is in the hospital, but also after discharge. Resources in rural communities may be scarcer, access to transportation limited, and other factors that can impact a person’s health after leaving the hospital. So, how do rural hospital case management programs navigate the rural environment to ensure adequate support for elderly patients? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Nicole Kline, Manager of Case Management at Hil...
Mar 16, 2023•35 min
Rural hospital closures continue to rise, leaving rural Americans without local access to healthcare. A recent study analyzed the effect this has on geographically-close hospitals, and the burden on those facilities in the years after closure. So, how do hospitals monitor and measure the potential impact of nearby closures and prevent their own closure? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Shayann Ramedani, alumnus of the Penn State College of Medicine and a transitional year re...
Mar 09, 2023•41 min
Pediatric care is a core part of the healthcare system in any community, including rural America. But caring for kids in a rural community poses unique challenges and requires a tailored approach to ensure the health and wellbeing of young patients. So, how do rural pediatricians take care of the youngest rural Americans? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Dr. Nicholle Ellis, pediatrician at The Pediatric Place in Hillsdale and Chief of Medical Staff for Hillsdale Hospital about c...
Mar 02, 2023•36 min
In this week's minisode, JJ and Rachel talk about the challenges plaguing the industry right now, and strategies to keep your workforce engaged and in the loop. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center htt...
Feb 23, 2023•30 min
Rural hospitals continue to face unprecedented challenges in todays environment with supply chain increases, workforce recruitment and retention, financial woes and more. And as staff burnout, leaders do too. This week, we welcome Sydney Grant, Director of Programming at the National Rural Health Association, to discuss how leaders can gain the education, support and fortitude to shepherd their organization for the years to come. Center For Rural Health Leadership https://www.crhleadership.com/ ...
Feb 16, 2023•44 min
Rural communities often have a larger proportion of elderly residence compared to their urban and suburban counterparts, contributing to a larger proportion of elderly patients receiving care in rural hospitals. They are also less likely to have access to support at home, adequate resources , and other factors to take care of themselves after they leave. To help us further understand the issues of elder care in rural America, we welcome this week Dr. Ali Shukr, Director of Hospitalist Medicine h...
Feb 09, 2023•48 min
Rural obstetrics care is often hampered by a lack of providers, low reimbursement, and limited resources, often leading to closures of birthing centers and OB/GYN practices in rural communities. This week, we speak with a Hillsdale legend, and someone who often has been been the only or one of the only people delivering babies in the community over the past few decades. Today welcome Dr. Alfred Bediako, OB/GYN and Chief of Obstetrics here at Hillsdale Hospital. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twit...
Feb 02, 2023•45 min
After an illuminating conversation last week with Harold Miller, CEO Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform, we talk this week about our thoughts and reactions to the interview. We also discuss ways that rural hospitals can come together to help sway both public opinion and public policy regarding sufficient payment and reimbursement. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow H...
Jan 26, 2023•27 min
Nearly 30 percent of all rural hospitals in the United States are at risk of closure, including 10 percent at immediate risk of closure. Mixed payment models, fixes that made things worse, and the effect of inflation demand a new look on how rural hospitals are paid and sustained. This week, we welcome Harold Miller, CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform to talk about alternative payment models across the rural health industry. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https:/...
Jan 19, 2023•47 min
Today, we get into the history of rural health as well as taking a look to the future. This week, we welcome someone who has been leading the National Rural Health Association for more than 20 years, and was advocating for hospitals even before that. Our guest today is Alan Morgan, CEO of The National Rural Health Association. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital ...
Jan 12, 2023•47 min
On this week's minisode, JJ and Rachel talk about how rural health closed out 2022 and what they're looking forward to in 2023 here on Rural Health Rising. Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod/ https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ/ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach/ Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.facebook.com/hillsdalehospital/ https://www.twitter.com/hillsdalehosp/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/hillsdale-community-health-center/ ht...
Jan 05, 2023•30 min
Public health and healthcare play different, but complementary, roles in ensuring the health and wellness of their communities and patients. This relationship was both tested and highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic unlike ever before. So, how do rural hospitals work with their local public health agencies to support their overall health and wellbeing of the people they serve? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Rebecca Burns, Health Officer for the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph ...
Dec 29, 2022•45 min
After election season as legislatures and executive offices begin to turnover, newly elected officials have to begin shaping their priorities and engaging with constituents to inform those priorities, often forming brand new relationships in the process. So, how do rural hospitals ensure that they are part of the conversation with newly-elected policy and rule makers from the start? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with State Sen. Elect Joe Bellino of Michigan’s 16th District about t...
Dec 22, 2022•40 min
Many of America’s critical access hospitals are in geographically-isolated areas, serving sparse populations far from any other hospitals or healthcare facilities. This means they are the sole healthcare provider for their communities, serving a broad range of patients with a broad range of healthcare needs. So, how do these critical access hospitals prioritize care designed for their unique community? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Hunter Nostrant, CEO of Helen Newberry Joy H...
Dec 15, 2022•43 min
Building relationships with state and local elected officials is important for rural hospitals and healthcare providers as they work to advocate for their organizations, their patients and their communities. But accessing those individuals and developing those relationships is not always easy. So, how do rural hospitals effectively engage state and local leaders? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Bruce Caswell, former Michigan state senator, former Michigan state representative a...
Dec 09, 2022•56 min
Telehealth was brought to the forefront of healthcare delivery models during the COVID-19 pandemic as patients were hesitant to leave their homes and the need for isolation and social distancing required more virtual care. During the public health emergency, telehealth has been reimbursed, but the future of that reimbursement is uncertain as the expected end of the public health emergency looms. So, how do rural hospitals understand and advocate for reimbursement to sustain telehealth as a stand...
Dec 01, 2022•46 min
As rural hospitals work to serve their patients locally, accessing state-of-the-art, cutting-edge or advanced imaging technologies can be a barrier, meaning patients either leave town for care or don’t get care at all. So, how do rural hospitals expand their offerings to give patients the care they need at home? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Brian Madison, president and CEO of The HCS Group, about the need for advanced imaging in rural communities and how to meet it. Follow R...
Nov 24, 2022•36 min
In celebration of National Rural Health Day and the two-year anniversary of Rural Health Rising, hosts JJ and Rachel discuss what “The Power of Rural” means to them. Celebrate National Rural Health Day using #PowerofRural and #NationalRuralHealthDay on social media! https://www.powerofrural.org Follow Rural Health Rising on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ruralhealthpod https://twitter.com/hillsdaleCEOJJ https://twitter.com/ruralhealthrach Follow Hillsdale Hospital on social media! https://www.face...
Nov 17, 2022•41 min
Rural hospitals often transfer patients for higher levels of care, both from the emergency room and their inpatient units. But sending them to another facility can be detrimental to the hospital, not to mention the hardship it creates for families and loved ones to visit during the patient’s hospitalization out of town. So, how do rural hospitals take care of their patients locally as often as possible? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Doris Whorley, Director of Risk Management,...
Nov 10, 2022•44 min
Rural hospitals need support from their state legislatures to operate in a way that not only allows them to best serve their communities, but to survive in an increasingly challenging environment. Fighting for critical funding is often an uphill battle, especially when that means supporting programs that are unpopular in their community or with their elected officials. So, how do rural hospitals ensure that their voice is heard and their critical needs are met at the state legislative level? On ...
Nov 03, 2022•44 min
Recruiting specialty and advanced practice providers to rural communities is a challenge for many small hospitals, especially in today’s environment. Retaining enough staff to provide needed coverage is no small feat, especially for critical services like anesthesia that keep other service lines in operation. So, how do rural hospitals recruit and keep excellent providers in their challenging and unique hospital settings? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with John Gadwood, CRNA at Hi...
Oct 27, 2022•44 min
Specialty outpatient services like infusion can be a risky business for rural hospitals. Such a service requires drugs that come at a very high cost and a challenging reimbursement process that can leave hospitals holding the bag and unable to sustain infusion care for their communities. So, how do rural hospitals find a way to provide specialty services like this without facing financial woes? On today’s episode, hosts JJ and Rachel talk with Jacob Dozier from Community Infusion Solutions about...
Oct 20, 2022•42 min
