Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project

The Rural Healthcare Provider Transition Project provides technical assistance (TA) to help small rural hospitals and rural health clinics (RHCs) strengthen their foundations in key elements of value-based care. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) defines value-based care as focusing on quality, provider performance, and patient experience. Value-based programs encourage hospitals to improve the quality, efficiency, patient experience, and safety of care that Medicare beneficiaries receive during acute care inpatient stays. The TA offered through this cooperative agreement strengthens these key elements of value-based care. TA will give hospitals and RHCs a clear understanding of value-based care and the strategies they can use to effectively participate in a healthcare system focused on value. The CMS defines health equity as the attainment of the highest level of health for all people, where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, or other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes. In alignment with the HHS priority to achieve equitable healthcare, TA within this program will advance health equity. Value-based care advances health equity by: Focusing and having a measurable impact on the health outcomes of every person, including those from underserved populations. Encouraging healthcare providers to screen for social needs and work with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs, such as connecting them to a local food bank, providing interpreter services, or arranging transportation and other accommodations. Requiring healthcare providers to monitor and track outcomes across populations to evaluate health disparities and intervene as necessary to help close gaps in access or care. Engaging providers who have historically worked in underserved communities and providing necessary resources to meet this health equity goal.