If you’re looking for a medical facility, consider opening a rural health unit. These facilities provide a variety of services, including dental and specialized care. They also accept insurance and accept walk-in patients. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a rural health unit:
Provides specialized care
Physicians, certified nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners are the specialized healthcare professionals that provide services in a rural health unit. The RHC is required to employ a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, but can employ non-physicians instead. The physician must provide medical direction and consultation for the RHC and the clinic’s staff. In addition, the RHC must hire a nurse practitioner to provide gynecological care and childbirth education.
Although rural health units are often located in cities, there are a variety of challenges specific to rural areas. Public transportation may not be available or be insufficient. Poorer communities may lack a vehicle or cannot afford gas. Access to specialist care and emergency services may be difficult, especially for emergency care. Some providers in rural areas are not able to provide specialized care, such as physical therapy and hospice care. Also, these facilities may lack the transportation and staffing capacity to reach rural residents.
Accepts insurance
A rural health unit is a health center located in a nonurban community that provides primary care services and sometimes language interpretation services. These clinics are government-funded and accept most private health insurance plans. Patients can also choose to pay out-of-pocket, but they are not required to have insurance to get care from an RHC. Some RHCs accept private insurance or Medicaid, while others don’t. The majority of patients at these clinics are uninsured, and RHCs accept insurance from both private and public providers.
While rural health clinics generally do not offer urgent care services or accept insurance, they can provide primary care, lab services, and even hospice care. They do not require insurance, and are open to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. While rural health clinics do not offer free healthcare, some do accept insurance and have no out-of-pocket costs. Despite its accessibility, rural health clinics face unique challenges in providing care. In rural areas, only 11% of physicians practice.
Offers dental care
The concept of a rural health unit that offers dental care is not new. Many communities have rural clinics. But there are several differences between these rural health units. One rural health unit has a dental school, while another has a mobile clinic. Some rural health units are using their current dental clinics while others are looking for funds to establish new clinics within their communities. One rural health unit operates four clinics in its partner’s building. The clinics can offer preventive care services such as fluoride varnish, education on oral hygiene, or services for infants.
The Institute for Rural Health staff provide dental care in a rural setting. In addition, they conduct community outreach programs and research. They also collaborate with several departments on campus and within the College of Health and Human Services to offer quality health care to the residents of rural areas. The Institute for Rural Health received federal funding through a grant from the HRSA in 2001. The first Mobile Unit housed Dental Health Services and Health and Wellness Services.
Accepts walk-in patients
One of the key questions that many rural health clinics face is: “Do you accept walk-in patients?” Some RHCs are small and focus only on primary care, but there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, some only provide pediatric or dental care. Others are designated as rural hospitals, but do not offer urgent care services. While these RHCs may have some limitations, they can help patients in need of urgent care by referring them to a nearby hospital.
As a general rule, an RHC must be staffed by a physician, but their direct patient care may be limited. This physician does not necessarily have to be employed by the RHC; rather, he or she may provide services under a contract with the clinic. Of course, the physician’s on-site time depends on the needs of the clinic and its patients. In some cases, the physician reviews patient records electronically.
Offers hospice care
With the growing need for hospice care, rural areas often struggle to find and provide the care their patients need. Despite the growing need, rural areas also face challenges such as geographic isolation, inadequate access to health care, and long distances between health care facilities and patient homes. Though recent legislative action may be making a dent in the problem, rural hospices still face significant challenges and need to find innovative ways to meet the needs of their patients and remain financially viable.
A rural health unit may not have access to a physician or nurse practitioner full time, but is able to offer many of the same services. This includes a family-centered approach to the patient’s care. Typically, a family member will take the lead in making decisions for the terminally ill individual, and hospice staff will make regular home visits to provide additional care and support for the family. Hospice staff will develop a plan of care for each patient, as well as provide counseling and support to caregivers.
