Closing the Rural Cancer Gap
Secure Telehealth
For Rural Cancer Patients: A Lifeline at Risk
The Critical Need for Permanent Telehealth Policy in Rural Cancer Care
Access to high-quality healthcare remains a challenge for millions of Americans in rural communities. For rural cancer patients, the barriers are particularly acute, with long travel distances, limited availability of specialists, and financial burdens often delaying or preventing necessary care. Telehealth has emerged as a vital lifeline, enabling rural patients to consult with oncologists, participate in follow-up visits, and receive symptom management support without leaving their communities. However, the temporary policies that have expanded telehealth during the public health emergency are set to expire, threatening to dismantle the progress made in reducing healthcare disparities.
Congress has a unique opportunity to ensure telehealth continues to benefit rural cancer patients by making these policies permanent. Reliable telehealth access not only minimizes travel time and costs but also improves continuity of care, allowing patients to focus on their health rather than logistical challenges. Permanent telehealth legislation is critical to sustaining this lifeline, fostering equity in healthcare delivery, and addressing the urgent needs of rural cancer patients. By taking action, lawmakers can empower rural providers to deliver comprehensive, timely care and close the gap in cancer outcomes between rural and urban communities.
Meet Dr. Pritchett
Josh Pritchett, MD, works at Mayo Clinic, and is an advisor for the Rural Cancer Insitute.
The Rural Cancer Institute proudly welcomes Dr. Josh Pritchett as an advisor. Originally from Cloquet, Minnesota, Dr. Pritchett brings exceptional expertise and passion for hematology and oncology, with a strong focus on advancing cancer care delivery. He has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative, patient-centered models of care, including a groundbreaking remote patient monitoring program at Mayo Clinic for the ambulatory management of cancer patients with neutropenic fever. Dr. Pritchett's interests and expertise encompass rural health, digital health, telehealth, and the economics of digital health solutions, making him a vital addition to the Institute's mission to bridge gaps in rural cancer care.
We were recently published in the May 2024 NEJM Catalyst making the case for The Rural Oncology Home
Do you have a cancer story to share? Are you a patient, family member, caregiver, provider, or friend? We are soliciting stories of the rural cancer patient experience.
Rural Cancer is the nation’s first non-profit organization dedicated to being a platform for rural cancer care advocacy, research, and best practices.
Rural Cancer Institute is proud to be a member of the Minnesota Cancer Alliance. The Minnesota Cancer Alliance is a broad partnership of organizations and leaders from across Minnesota. The mission of the organization is to reduce the burden of cancer for all people living in Minnesota by working together to promote the goals of Cancer Plan Minnesota.
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Photo: Andrew Armstrong, Fernley, Nevada
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Recent Activities…
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, October 27, 2024
Mayo Clinic Transforming Community and Rural Healthcare, Rochester, October 21, 2024
American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Chicago, June 3, 2024
Rural Cancer Awareness Day, June 4, 2024
Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health, Grand Forks, June 5, 2024
Research & Quality Symposium, JPS Foundation, Fort Worth, May 21-22, 2024
National Rural Health Association Health Equity Conference, New Orleans, May 6, 2024
Rural Medical Training Collaborative Annual Meeting, Asheville, April 10, 2024
Minnesota Day At The Capitol, St Paul, March 23, 2024
“Zack's story began with a phone call confirming his melanoma diagnosis on his twenty-first birthday, June 4th, 2019. The diagnosis overturned his expectations and led to uncertainty about his future and a new reality of travel and cancer treatments. Living in southeast Kansas, Zack confronted the harsh reality that his treatment would require traversing over 1,000 miles to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.”
Photo: Brooke Gully, near Austin, Texas
What is the Rural Cancer Gap?
The rural cancer gap refers to the disparities and challenges faced by rural residents in accessing and receiving adequate cancer care compared to their urban counterparts. This gap encompasses limited access to healthcare services, a shortage of cancer care providers, transportation barriers, and financial issues.
Photo: Sahil Prakash, Paris, TX
The case for decentralizing cancer care
Rural residents often endure significant travel burdens to access necessary treatment, causing disruptions for both patients and their families. Decentralizing cancer care by bringing it closer to rural communities will not only alleviate the travel strain on patients but also bolster the capabilities of rural hospitals to provide essential healthcare services.
Photo: Emily Westergard, Gibson Station, TN
Why is 340B important for rural cancer care delivery?
The 340B program plays a crucial role in supporting rural cancer delivery by improving access to affordable medications, enhancing financial sustainability, expanding services, strengthening community healthcare infrastructure, and addressing disparities in cancer care access and outcomes.
Photo: Sahil Prakash, Faught, TX
The challenges to delivering oncology care to rural areas are diverse, and community-dependent, multiple strategies are needed to decrease nationwide rural disparities in cancer.
Levit LA, Byatt L, Lyss AP, et al. Closing the Rural Cancer Care Gap: Three Institutional Approaches. JCO Oncol Pract. 2020;16(7):422-430.