Equum Medical, a prominent name in the healthcare sector, has announced a significant partnership with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). This collaboration aims to bolster the healthcare safety net for rural communities by enhancing telehealth services and the use of electronic records.
Key Highlights
- Exclusive Partnership: The NRHA has designated Equum Medical as its exclusive Health Information Technology Coalition Partner. This partnership is set to revolutionize care for rural Americans, emphasizing the broader and more effective use of electronic records and telehealth services.
- History of the HIT Coalition: The “Rural Health Information Technology (HIT) Coalition” was initiated in 2009 under the guidance of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the National Rural Health Resource Center (NRHRC). The coalition, supported by NRHRC and Health Tech Strategies, Inc., comprises a diverse group of advocates and stakeholders. They focus on identifying emerging technologies and policy issues crucial to rural healthcare, offering insights particularly relevant to healthcare delivery through technology.
- NRHA’s Perspective: Larry Bedell, NRHA’s Services Corporation Executive Director, expressed enthusiasm about expanding their relationship with Equum Medical. He highlighted the challenges faced in rural healthcare and emphasized the need for guidance in choosing digital tools and telehealth services that can enhance productivity and address workforce shortages.
- Equum’s Comprehensive Services: Equum Medical stands out by offering comprehensive virtual care services. Their offerings include specialists in acute care, virtual nursing, remote monitoring technicians for vital signs, and virtual safety sitters to monitor patients at risk.
- Shared Vision: Corey Scurlock, MD, MBA, founder and CEO of Equum Medical, emphasized the power of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in transforming healthcare delivery for rural communities. He praised NRHA’s dedication to advancing rural healthcare and expressed optimism about the coalition’s potential under NRHA’s leadership.
- Personal Connection: Dr. Scurlock shared a personal anecdote, highlighting his upbringing in a small Texas town. He has witnessed the profound impact of a community hospital’s closure, leading to a loss of access, jobs, and residents. This personal experience underscores Equum’s commitment to preserving rural healthcare.
About Equum Medical:
Equum Medical is a nationally recognized, tech-enabled clinical services company. They provide the essential personnel and processes to ensure that investments in telehealth technology succeed in transforming inpatient care, focusing on the acute care population.
About NRHA:
The National Rural Health Association is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research.
Source: PR Newswire
SoH's Take
We like this partnership for two reasons:
- Enhanced Access to Care: This partnership looks to impact care for rural Americans, ensuring that remote areas have access to quality healthcare via telehealth services.
- Shared Vision: Both Equum Medical and NHRA have a deep commitment to advancing rural healthcare. This partnership should allow them to continue that commitment with even more impact.
