Support to Rural Hospitals and Community Providers

Project Overview

This project continues to address the urgent need for specialty care in rural hospitals and communities by expanding the reach and impact of telehealth services that provide specialty support to providers in rural and underserved areas. This workplan aims to reduce costly and disruptive patient transfers while increasing access to high-quality, technology-enabled specialty care.

Throughout the project, we have faced challenges related to documentation and reimbursement—key components of sustainable telehealth delivery. This year will emphasize the strategic deployment of AI scribe technology to streamline documentation and billing in inpatient settings. This innovation is essential for building a practical and efficient model of care delivery.

Another key objective this year is the completion of a comprehensive financial analysis to finalize a sustainability model that ensures continuity of services beyond the life of the grant. We will also incorporate advanced mathematical modeling to elucidate clinical outcomes using existing data. Together, these analyses will inform decisions supporting long-term service delivery and guide future expansion efforts.

By combining cutting-edge technology with a strong commitment to evidence-based care, this project will continue to support rural hospitals in Mississippi and serve as a model for other regions seeking to improve access to timely, high-quality specialty care.

The pilot supported by funding from HRSA went live on November 7, 2023 at Copiah Medical Center, April 1, 2024 at Greenwood Leflore Medical Center in Mississippi, and Magee General Hospital - Magee, MS in May 2025.