Alice Walton’s vision for the future of health care in the heartland can be summed up in one word: access. Through the work of Heartland Whole Health Institute, her vision is coming to life, starting right here in Northwest Arkansas.
Improving access requires transformation across the entire health care ecosystem — from how providers are trained, to the policies that shape care delivery, to the technologies that connect patients and clinicians. Among these, telehealth stands out as a powerful tool for bridging gaps in care, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Prior to joining the institute, I served as vice president and chief medical information officer for West Tennessee Healthcare, where I witnessed firsthand how our telehealth facility dramatically increased access and enhanced the quality of care provided for thousands of rural residents.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, telehealth — sometimes called telemedicine — lets you see your health care provider without going to their office. You can have a telehealth visit online using your computer, tablet or smartphone. Telehealth care allows you to:
• Talk with your health care provider on the phone or using video.
• Send messages with your health care provider safely.
• Track your health care using technology so you can share information like your blood pressure with your provider.
Telehealth is more than just video calls; it includes remote patient monitoring, where providers are able to track vital signs and health metrics in real time. This is especially critical for patients with cancer or immunosuppressive conditions, who must weigh every in-person visit against the risk of exposure. With remote monitoring, doctors can intervene early — often before symptoms escalate — enhancing outcomes, reducing hospitalizations and improving quality of life.
The advantages of telehealth reach well beyond patients, positively impacting providers, health care organizations and communities alike. Only 11% of physicians practice in rural areas, where professional isolation and limited resources are common. Telehealth enables rural doctors to consult with specialists, collaborate with peers and offer more comprehensive care without requiring patients to travel long distances.
Recent data from the National Institute of Health underscores telehealth’s impact:
• 92% reduction in travel burdens for rural patients.
• 84% decrease in specialist wait times.
• 73% increase in preventive care compliance.
• $42 billion in annual health care savings nationwide.
These numbers reflect more than convenience. They represent a shift toward equity, efficiency and empowerment in health care.
Heartland Whole Health Institute is spearheading multiple initiatives to bring virtual care to rural Arkansas, with a focus on specialty care and preventive wellness. Through a partnership with Alice L. Walton Foundation and Mercy, patients will soon have access to both virtual and in-person specialty care service lines at a new health care campus in Bentonville, set to open in late 2028.
This hybrid model, combining the reach of telehealth with the depth of in-person care, represents the future of health care delivery.
Telehealth is evolving rapidly. Emerging technologies like AI-powered diagnostics, wearable health devices, digital coaching solutions and virtual mental health platforms are expanding what is possible. For example, studies show equivalent or better outcomes for telepsychiatry compared to in-person care, with significantly lower no-show rates (Yellowlees et al., 2022).
Despite its promise, telehealth faces challenges. Broadband access remains limited in parts of rural Arkansas and other states. Digital literacy varies among some patients, and policy and reimbursement frameworks are still evolving. Addressing these barriers requires continued investment in infrastructure, education, and advocacy — work Heartland Whole Health Institute is proud to be leading.
As we look to the future, one thing is clear: An investment in telehealth is an investment in patients’ health, time, and ability to thrive no matter where they live.
Editor’s note: Dr. Claude Pirtle is president of Heartland Whole Health Institute. The opinions expressed are those of the author.