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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Telehealth Benefits Rural Arkansans with Internet Service

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Monday, February 27, 2023   

Telehealth services have increased access to health care for many people living in rural Arkansas, but it requires a good internet connection, which is a problem in many rural areas.

In the latest annual survey on the website BroadbandNow.com, Arkansas ranks 49th among states for internet coverage, speed and availability.

In places like DeWitt, where the nearest large hospital is 40 minutes away, reliable internet is a lifesaver.

Brian Miller, CEO of DeWitt Hospital and Nursing Home, said they are using telehealth to communicate with heart specialists, in the "Arkansas SAVES" program.

"You come in, and you have a stroke, we're able to do telehealth with a cardiologist that can say, 'Hey, you need to give this medicine or this medicine,' and we can stabilize," Miller pointed out. "With a stroke it's the first hour or two are vital."

Miller noted some insurance companies require patients to be seen in-person at least once a year. It can be difficult for those who have to travel to see a specialist. And the Broadband Now survey reports about 20% of Arkansas households have no internet access.

For those who are able to get online, Miller pointed out they have seen an increase in telehealth use for mental-health services as well.

"And the lives that are saved with us being able to do telemedicine with cardiologists, we also are able to do it for behavioral health," Miller explained. "For psychologists, psychiatrists, we're able to do telehealth there."

Miller added care through telehealth has grown considerably since the pandemic began, and it's a good way for doctors to monitor a patient's chronic conditions, like heart or lung disease. He hopes unreliable internet service does not impede the progress.

"Whether it's telemedicine, where you're seeing specialists, telehealth, that can be provided by nurses, pharmacists, social workers; patient health education, social support, medication adherence, troubleshooting health issues," Miller outlined. "I think those are all great for the people that have the bandwidth."

He emphasized health insurance companies currently cover telehealth services, but providers are watching to see what happens once the public health emergency ends in May. He expects they will have questions for the insurers about what they will cover and what individual copays will be for telehealth visits.


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