Innovations in the Delivery of Health Care Services to Rural Communities Telemedicine and Limited-Service Hospitals

Over the last decade, changes in health care policy, demographics, and technology have presented new opportunities for delivering medical care in rural areas. Telemedicine and limited-service hospitals are two innovations currently used to strengthen the likelihood of continued health care in rural communities. Montana is one of the few States where both these options have been implemented, providing a unique environment for observing the effects of each on rural health care systems, communities, and individuals