The Influence of Structural Factors and Telemedicine on Missed Appointments Among Medicaid-Insured Patients.

Background: Missed clinic appointments disproportionately affect Medicaid-insured patients and residents of socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods. The role of the recent telemedicine expansion in reducing these disparities is unclear. We analyzed the relationship between census tract (CT) poverty level, residential segregation, missed appointments, and the role of telemedicine.

Examining the affordable connectivity program and telehealth use: a pilot survey of the affordable connectivity program, telehealth, video and audio visits in a racially diverse, lower-income population.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) aimed to narrow the digital divide by providing discounted internet services for millions of low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined associations between enrollment in the ACP and Telehealth visits in a racially diverse low-income population. Data were obtained via a cross-sectional survey of 213 respondents.

Consolidation in an Era of Population Health and Value-Based Care: Implications For Effectiveness, Costs, and Equity.

Consolidation of health care providers, and vertical integration of physicians with hospitals and/or payers has accelerated over the past 15 years. Although there is potential for consolidation to improve patient care, efficiencies and reduce overhead costs, participants in our conference identified that almost all research on consolidation has shown increased cost without improvement in outcomes or the experience of care. To provide a framework for considering the impact of consolidation, future research and analysis we offer 4 themes: (1) to move forward, we need to look back at historical drivers, value creation, and unintended consequences; (2) not all consolidation is created equally; (3) real-time, continuous evaluation is critical for improvement; and (4) a policy blueprint is desperately needed.

Telemedicine-Related Opioid Use Disorder Services in Underserved Populations: A Qualitative Evaluation of the Waiver Era.

: This pilot study examined access to telemedicine-related opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in underserved communities in Houston, Texas before July 30, 2023. : Participants, both patients and providers, were recruited in partnership with local substance use treatment clinics. Both groups shared experiences before and after the waiver era.

A bibliometric analysis assessing the water-energy-food nexus in South Africa.

The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus is a paradigm that emphasises the interconnectedness and collaborative effects of water, energy, and food systems. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of South Africa's WEF nexus research landscape between 2011 and 2024 using the Scopus database. The article highlights the interconnectedness of sustainable development, resource management, sustainability challenges, and resilience strategies in the WEF Nexus in South Africa.