Telehealth Alone Won't Sustain Rural Hospitals, Executive Argues
The article says telehealth has improved rural access to specialists but does not address the underlying financial problems facing rural hospitals. It notes that more than 400 rural hospitals are at risk of closing, many have weak margins, and hundreds ended chemotherapy services between 2014 and 2023. The author advocates for technology-supported, sustainable care models that help local clinicians deliver more care in their communities.
Ron Kubit, CEO of TeleNeph, argues that virtual specialist access has helped rural patients but cannot fix hospital finances by itself. He cites more than 400 rural facilities—over one-fifth of the national total—facing possible closure, while nearly half have weak or negative margins.
Between 2014 and 2023, 424 rural hospitals ended chemotherapy, according to The Commonwealth Fund, and Texas outlets report a $27 million daily Medicaid funding shortfall starting September 1. Kubit also notes over 35 million U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease and about 800,000 have end-stage renal disease.
If rural hospitals close or cut services, residents—especially older adults, cancer patients, and people with kidney disease—may face longer travel, delayed care, and fewer local options. Local clinicians and staff could lose jobs or see heavier workloads, while communities may struggle to attract businesses and providers. Telehealth may soften some access gaps, but without sustainable financing and local capacity, it may not preserve comprehensive care.