A clinically integrated network, or CIN, is a structured alliance of hospitals, clinics, and/or providers. Members work together around shared quality outcomes, coordinated care, and collective payer strategy. For independent and rural healthcare organizations, a CIN offers a way to…
Understanding a Clinically Integrated Network Read more
An electronic medical record (EMR) is a digital version of a paper chart used inside a single clinic, while an electronic health record (EHR) primarily focuses on clinical documentation and data exchange, modern systems often integrate with or include administrative…
Understanding an EHR vs EMR Read more
Key Takeaways on What Is a Critical Access Hospital A critical access hospital, or CAH, is a small rural hospital that meets federal criteria to receive cost-based reimbursement from Medicare. These hospitals keep emergency and essential inpatient services available in…
What Is a Critical Access Hospital and Why They Matter Read more
Critical access hospitals (CAHs) get financial protection and access to government resources to support care in rural areas. Hospitals are only eligible for the CAH designation if they participate in the Medicare program. To earn the CAH designation, facilities also…
Critical Access Hospital Requirements for Care Centers in Transition Read more
National Rural Health Day is the third Thursday in November. In 2025, that’s November 20. At Azalea, our mission is to help underserved (aka rural) healthcare providers improve patient care and their profitability. And so we honor and celebrate the National…
Azalea Celebrates National Rural Health Day Read more
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will hurt rural healthcare by hurting rural Medicaid recipients. It’s estimated that the OBBBA Medicaid impact on rural areas will result in up to 2.7 million people losing Medicaid and Affordable Care Act…
OBBBA Medicaid Impact: Strategies for Rural Healthcare Read more
