The TMA has formed a Rural Health Task Force, specifically examining ways to improve rural health access and quality via physician-run or resourced clinics and clinic models.  The focus is on total health and hence slants toward the central role of primary care. 

Clearly, resources that support primary care (and primary psychiatric care) are thinner and geographically challenging in our rural settings. 

The following continuums were sketched in our first task force meeting to graphically display dimensional needs/considerations when standing-up rural medical services.  Underpinning all is the need for adequate reimbursement.

The continuum of care intensity

·       Office services -> Urgent care -> ER -> IP (ICU, IP, Rehab)

The continuum of specialty involvement

·       PCP w/no Specialties -> Collaborative consults (remote?) -> Specialty referral

Chronic Condition Supports

·       Care coordination-facilitation -> Intensive CM -> Field-Based CM

As the psychiatric representative to this task force, I want to include the knowledge, expertise, and thoughts of our membership.

Please complete our survey so that I can best represent our collective brainpower!

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Ken Hopper, MD, MBA
President, Texas Academy of Psychiatry
Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association