Innovative Rural Hospitals Think Beyond Tradition to Improve Access to Care

AI Helps to Improve Speed of Radiology Reviews

Last year, Mercy — a large health system serving many rural communities across Missouri and surrounding states — expanded its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient access and outcomes in radiology. By integrating Aidoc, an AI-powered clinical decision-support platform, into its imaging workflow, Mercy now can provide faster diagnosis of life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolisms and brain bleeds across its network of more than 50 hospitals, many of them in rural or underserved areas.

The AI platform reviews scans in real time and automatically flags critical findings for radiologists and emergency teams. This reduces turnaround times for high-risk cases and helps to ensure that patients in rural facilities receive the same rapid care available in larger urban centers. According to Mercy leaders, the AI implementation has enhanced clinical efficiency and supported more timely interventions — particularly in emergency departments (EDs) where staffing can be stretched thinly.

Key Takeaway

Artificial intelligence can be a vital force multiplier for rural hospitals. AI helps to improve diagnostic speed, enhance care team coordination and ensures that patients with high-acuity conditions receive timely attention.

Drones Deliver Lifesaving Medications in Virginia

In partnership with Zipline, a logistics drone company, Wise County, Virginia, launched a pilot program with Cardinal News: Remote Area Medical to deliver essential medications to remote communities. Using autonomous drones, the health department now can transport insulin, antibiotics and other critical supplies across rugged terrain in less than 30 minutes — a journey that otherwise might take hours by car.

The program, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown into a model for how unmanned aerial vehicles can support rural health equity. Because the drones are not hindered by poor roads, weather or distance, they help to ensure continuity of care for patients who manage chronic conditions or need urgent medications.

Key Takeaway

Explore logistics innovations like drones to reduce delays and transportation costs in rural care delivery. Investing in or partnering with drone logistics providers can help eliminate last-mile delivery challenges, particularly for pharmacy and lab services, and enhance health equity in hard-to-reach communities.

Nurse-Run Telehealth Hubs in North Dakota

Trinity Health in Minot, North Dakota, operates mobile nurse-run telehealth hubs in converted vans that travel to underserved towns across the state. Equipped with diagnostic tools, mobile internet and tablets connecting to remote physicians, these vans serve as a lifeline for patients in areas that lack nearby clinics.

Staffed by advanced practice nurses, the vans provide on-site assessments, collect vitals, administer vaccines and facilitate virtual consults with physicians at Trinity’s main facilities. This hybrid care model bridges the gap between virtual and hands-on services.

The program has improved appointment adherence and helped to identify serious conditions sooner, reducing ED usage and supporting chronic disease management.

Key Takeaway

Mobile, nurse-led clinics are a scalable solution to rural provider shortages. Leveraging nurses and physician extenders in mobile units allows systems to reach new populations, increase care continuity and reduce unnecessary ED visits at a relatively low capital cost.

Digital Front Doors in Rural Ohio

Memorial Health System in Marietta, Ohio, accelerated its digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing a comprehensive patient intake platform. This initiative enabled patients to complete appointment scheduling, registration and billing processes remotely, enhancing convenience and safety.

The digital system streamlined front-end operations, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing lobby congestion. Patients now can check in and complete necessary forms from their homes, decreasing errors and enhancing privacy. This transformation not only improved operational efficiency, but also strengthened infection control measures by reducing in-person interactions. Memorial Health System's experience underscores the importance of digital solutions in enhancing patient engagement and streamlining health care delivery, particularly in rural settings where access to care can be challenging.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize digital inclusion alongside digital transformation. Implementing a digital front-door strategy can significantly enhance patient access, satisfaction and operational efficiency in rural health care settings.

The Future of Access: Innovation with Intent

Whether it’s drones delivering medications or nurses driving virtual care on wheels, rural hospitals are innovating to close the gap between providers and patients. These creative solutions are designed to keep patient needs, geographic barriers and economic realities top of mind.

As workforce shortages, financial constraints and care disparities persist in rural America, hospital leaders must think beyond traditional infrastructure. Strategic investment in technology — paired with thoughtful implementation — can transform how care is delivered and experienced, regardless of ZIP code.