Even with challenges, rural healthcare has high ‘opportunity for excellence’

Improving rural healthcare in the US requires more holistic and integrated approaches and financial support, according to Dartmouth Health CEO Joanne Conroy and former Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services head Donald Berwick. Given the financial struggles rural health systems face, exacerbated by over 130 hospital closures since 2010 and Covid-19, they suggested leveraging technology for tasks such as remote check-ups and using AI in diagnoses, but cautioned human clinicians are essential for care.