There are higher cancer related death rates in rural America due to poorer access to proper care, despite lower cancer-incidence rates. The article states that researchers have found that the telehealth infrastructure implemented in California mountain communities “enhanced the reach and quality of care as measured by volume, in-migration, clinical trial activity, and national quality accreditations.” Telehealth has become increasingly more important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, the Federal Communications Commission announced that it would supply funding to rural health providers to establish necessary broadband connectivity for telehealth and virtual care services. However, in May, rural hospitals stated that necessary payments models must also be put in place help them control costs and weather the pandemic.
