CLAXTON, Ga. – Recent federal funding is opening doors for better healthcare in rural communities across Georgia. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has launched a new initiative that will inject $218 million into the state as part of a five-year Rural Health Transformation Program.
This funding is a game changer for healthcare access. Nurse practitioner David Kelly, based in Augusta, uses telehealth to help patients in Claxton. Just recently, he treated a patient over 100 miles away. “I just saw someone who needed an infectious disease specialist,” Kelly explained.
Telehealth is crucial in rural areas. Many people struggle with transportation to hospitals. Bill Lee, CEO of Evans Memorial Hospital, emphasizes the importance of bringing healthcare directly to homes and communities. “Transportation is a big issue for those in rural Georgia,” he said.
This funding aims to strengthen healthcare services where outdated technology has been a major obstacle. Lee believes that investing in telehealth infrastructure will allow hospitals like Evans Memorial to provide better care. He noted the financial struggles faced due to limited Medicaid funding and a rising uninsured population, making this funding particularly significant.
An interesting fact is that telehealth usage surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a lifeline for many. A recent survey found that 76% of patients in rural areas find telehealth to be a convenient option for accessing care.
For patients in rural Georgia, this federal funding means they can spend less time traveling and get quicker access to the medical services they need. It’s a step toward rebuilding and improving rural healthcare for everyone.
For more details, you can check the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for updates and information on the program.
