Mercy collaboration to bring cardiology care to rural area

Healthcare provider Mercy is collaborating with Boston Mountain Rural Health Center Inc. to bring advanced cardiology care to patients in the Huntsville area.

The pilot, designed in partnership with Heartland Whole Health Institute, connects residents with Mercy cardiovascular care through virtual visits taking place at the Huntsville clinic of Boston Mountain Rural Health Center. The program aims to reduce barriers including extended drives to the nearest Mercy location or long waits for appointments at other facilities.

The pilot will start small, with any interested patient and a few staff. The plan is for the pilot to grow to dozens of patients at the Huntsville clinic and possibly many more if the model is replicated. For the virtual visits, patients will check in at the Huntsville clinic like they normally would for a primary care appointment.

“Our patients trust us to guide them through every step of their health care journey, and this partnership with Mercy allows us to bring high-quality cardiology care directly into the communities we serve,” said Jennifer DePriest, chief operating officer of Boston Mountain Rural Health Center. “By expanding access locally, we are reducing the burden of travel while also ensuring our patients receive timely, coordinated care that leads to better outcomes and stronger, healthier communities.”