Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) operate in an increasingly challenging environment marked by staffing shortages, reimbursement complexity, rising costs, and limited financial resources. In many rural organizations, success depends on a small team where one person may wear five hats. Yet organizations that understand how to leverage the unique advantages of the RHC model can improve financial performance while continuing to meet the healthcare needs of their communities.

This session, presented by Caren Puvalowski, explores practical strategies that hospitals, health systems, and independent RHCs can implement to maximize limited resources and protect revenue. Attendees will gain insight into the realities of rural healthcare, including staffing shortages, cross-training challenges, payer mix volatility, and limited access to specialized resources and vendors. Participants will also learn the critical connection between day-to-day revenue cycle activities, cost report accuracy, and reimbursement outcomes.

Through real-world examples and proven operational approaches, participants will learn how to strengthen processes, prioritize high-impact activities, reduce revenue leakage, and establish simple guardrails that improve both short-term cash flow and long-term reimbursement outcomes. Whether managing a standalone RHC or overseeing a rural network within a health system, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to help their organizations do more with less while maximizing the financial advantages available with the RHC designation.

Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Assess how Rural Health Clinics can serve as a strategic financial asset within hospitals, health systems, and independent healthcare organizations.
2. Evaluate the relationship between revenue cycle performance, cost report accuracy, and reimbursement optimization.
3. Identify opportunities to improve financial sustainability by prioritizing high-return operational and revenue cycle activities.
4. Implement practical strategies that reduce financial risk, improve cash flow, and support long-term organizational success in rural healthcare environments.

Continuing Education

 CPE Credit: 1.0
Field of Study:Specialized Knowledge
Delivery Method: Group Internet-Based
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Basic
Advance Preparation: None
Price: No Fee

In order to be awarded the full credits, you must be present for 50 minutes of each credit hour and respond to at least 75% of the polling questions asked during the program. For more information regarding concerns and/or program cancellation policies, please contact Kalyn Harris at events@rubinbrown.com or call 1.888.591.3140. RubinBrown is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Published: 11/18/2026

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