In September 2025, we explored how telehealth can directly support the Rural Health Transformation Program goals through a comprehensive framework of 67(!) proven telehealth solutions across hospital, emergency, primary care, chronic disease, and behavioral health settings.
We began by outlining strategies to reinforce rural hospitals, followed by models that stabilize emergency care through virtual coverage and consults. Next, we highlighted approaches for expanding access to rural primary care and solutions that strengthen chronic disease management through continuous monitoring and intervention. Finally, we closed the series with behavioral health innovations — from virtual psychiatry to integrated care — that are helping communities close some of the most urgent gaps in access.
Together, these insights show how telehealth is no longer an add-on but a core infrastructure for sustaining rural health, reducing disparities, and building more resilient care systems.
Enjoy your readings!
13 Proven Telehealth Solutions Improving Access to Hospital Care
Improving access to hospital care is at the heart of the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, yet rural hospitals often lack the workforce or specialty coverage to admit, treat, and safely transition patients. This first article highlights 13 proven telehealth-enabled solutions across inpatient, acute, and post-acute care that strengthen local capacity, reduce transfers, and keep rural hospitals viable.
11 Proven Telehealth Solutions Improving Access to Emergency Care
Rural emergency systems face critical gaps in triage, specialty access, and transport decision-making that put patients at risk. This second article outlines 11 proven telehealth models — from EMS-based consults to virtual ED coverage — that stabilize care at every stage and align directly with CMS’s RHTP priorities.
16 Proven Telehealth Solutions Improving Access to Rural Primary Care
Rural primary care is stretched thin by workforce shortages, long travel distances, and rising chronic disease rates. This third article in the series highlights 16 proven telehealth solutions that expand access, strengthen care continuity, and align directly with CMS’s RHTP goals.
9 Proven Telehealth Solutions Improving Chronic Disease Management
Chronic disease management in rural communities demands more than office visits—it requires continuous diagnosis, treatment, and timely intervention. This fourth article in the series highlights nine proven telehealth solutions, anchored in Chronic Care Management (CCM), that improve adherence, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and strengthen RHTP proposals.
18 Proven Telehealth Solutions Improving Access to Behavioral Health Care
This final installment in our RHTP-focused series highlights 18 proven telehealth solutions — from virtual psychiatry and crisis consults to digital tools and integrated care — that are already helping rural systems close behavioral health gaps.