As we move further into 2025, rural health executives face unique challenges and opportunities. Leveraging the right technologies can significantly enhance patient care, streamline operations and ensure financial stability. Below are the top 10 technology items that should be on the radar of every rural health executive this year. Care should be taken to ensure fundamental tech vetting concepts are applied to all new initiatives including risk management, policy adherence and appropriate use of technology:
- Telehealth Solutions: Telehealth continues to be a game-changer for rural health care, providing patients with access to specialists and reducing the need for travel. Investing in robust telehealth platforms can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning tools can help predict patient needs, optimize staffing and enhance diagnostic accuracy. These technologies are particularly valuable in resource-constrained rural settings[1].
- Cybersecurity Measures: With the rise in cyberattacks, robust cybersecurity measures are essential. Rural health care organizations must invest in advanced security protocols to protect patient data and maintain trust[2][3].
- Electronic Health Records (“EHR”) Systems: Upgrading or optimizing EHR systems can streamline workflows, improve data accuracy and enhance patient care. Ensuring that EHR systems are user-friendly and interoperable is crucial.
- Remote Patient Monitoring (“RPM”): RPM technologies allow health care providers to monitor patients’ health in real-time, reducing hospital readmissions and improving chronic disease management. This is especially beneficial for patients in remote areas.
- Mobile Health (“mHealth”) Applications: mHealth apps empower patients to manage their health through smartphones and tablets. These apps can provide medication reminders, health tracking and direct communication with health care providers.
- Cloud Computing: Cloud-based solutions offer scalability, cost savings and enhanced data security. They enable rural health care providers to store and access patient data securely from anywhere.
- Interoperability Solutions: Ensuring that different health care systems can communicate and share data seamlessly is vital. Interoperability solutions can improve care coordination and reduce administrative burdens.
- Revenue Cycle Management (“RCM”) Tools: Effective RCM tools can help rural health care organizations optimize billing processes, reduce claim denials and improve financial performance. This is critical for maintaining financial viability.
- Wearable Health Devices: Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, can provide valuable health data to both patients and providers. These devices can help monitor vital signs, track physical activity and detect early signs of health issues.
Practical Takeaways
For rural health executives, staying ahead of technological advancements is key to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in 2025. Is your organization prepared to quickly vet new technologies in a way that addresses risk, supportability and compliance? If not, let’s talk about how we can work together to stay on top of the technology wave so that your organization can enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability.
If you have any questions or need further insights on these technologies, please contact:
- Mark Branstetter at mbranstetter@HallRenderAS.com or (615) 423-6651; or
- Your primary Hall Render Advisory Services contact.
Hall Render and Hall Render Advisory Services blog posts and articles are intended for informational purposes only. For ethical reasons, Hall Render attorneys cannot—outside of an attorney-client relationship—answer specific questions that would be legal advice.
References
[1] A New Era for Rural Healthcare: Innovations Shaping Access in 2025
[2] 2025 State of rural healthcare report executive summary | Wipfli
[3] State of the rural healthcare industry 2025 research report
