Groups Support Calls for FCC To Update Rural Health Care Program

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and the Personal Connected Health Alliance have sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission supporting calls for the department to modernize the Rural Health Care Program. Among other things, the coalition asked that FCC:

• Allow rural providers to obtain discounts for using broadband in remote monitoring programs under a 2015 request from CHRISTUS Health to FCC
• Help launch coalitions that allow safety-net providers to access broadband
• Increase incentives to help rural providers access affordable broadband
• Support more patient monitoring efforts

In a letter of support, HIMSS and the Personal Connected Health Alliance wrote, "The need amongst many rural health care providers for access to high-quality broadband access is profound." They added, "Benefits of expanded broadband access include the ability to conduct secure high quality eVisits such as telemedicine and expanded remote patient monitoring within the home."