Effects of a new payment model on rural health care access

Impacts of the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model on Health Care Access and Utilization

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11012798

This study looks at how a special program in Pennsylvania helps rural hospitals provide better care and support for their communities, so if you live in a rural area, it could help improve your access to health services.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11012798 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model (PARHM) affects access to health care in rural communities. It focuses on the financial sustainability of rural hospitals and aims to improve the quality of care through tailored services based on community needs. By analyzing data from hospitals participating in PARHM and comparing them to similar hospitals that are not part of the program, the research seeks to identify the impact of this model on health care utilization and outcomes for patients in these areas.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals residing in rural communities who face challenges in accessing health care services.

Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas or those who already have adequate access to health care services may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to high-quality health care services for patients living in rural areas.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that alternative payment models can improve health care access and outcomes, suggesting that this approach may also be effective.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.