Mobile Medicine Brings Care to Patients Across Idaho

With over 88% of the state considered rural, mobile health services are bridging gaps in access to quality care.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Mobile health care providers in Idaho are using innovative delivery models to serve rural patients who face challenges accessing traditional medical facilities due to the state's breathtaking but often rugged geography, limited public transportation, and health care workforce shortages. These mobile services, which include virtual appointments and in-home visits, offer a range of benefits for patients, providers, and health care systems, such as improved convenience, reduced stigma, and better continuity of care. However, providers face financial and regulatory hurdles, including reduced reimbursement rates for virtual visits and rollbacks of pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities. Looking ahead, Idaho is set to receive nearly $1 billion in federal funds to improve access to care, with plans to increase telehealth utilization and offer medical kiosks in rural communities.

Why it matters

Access to quality health care remains a significant challenge for many Idahoans, especially those living in the state's vast rural areas. Mobile and virtual care models are helping to bridge this gap by bringing medical services directly to patients, improving convenience and reducing barriers to care. As the state works to invest in improving access, these innovative delivery methods will play a crucial role in ensuring all Idahoans can receive the care they need.

The details

Mobile health care providers like Idaho Outreach Medicine, owned by Dori Healey, are able to reach patients who are unable to travel for care. These services offer a range of benefits, including the ability for patients to attend virtual appointments from home or work, reduced transportation costs, and improved access to services like counseling or psychiatric care. However, providers face financial challenges due to reduced reimbursement rates for virtual visits, as well as regulatory hurdles as Medicare rolls back pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities.

  • In recent years, especially since the pandemic, mobile health services have become an important way to bridge gaps in care across Idaho.
  • The state of Idaho is set to receive nearly $1 billion in federal funds by 2030 to improve access to care, with plans to increase the number of facilities utilizing telehealth by 50%.

The players

Dori Healey

APRN, clinical nurse specialist, owner and operator of Idaho Outreach Medicine.

Marc Davidson

President of Allied Imaging, a provider of mobile medical imaging services.

Scott Tucker

Practice administrator for Women's Health Associates.

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What they’re saying

“Telehealth has been one of the most patient-centered tools we've added to our practice. Virtual care doesn't diminish the patient-provider relationship — it simply gives us another meaningful way to support our patients.”

— Dori Healey, APRN, clinical nurse specialist, owner and operator of Idaho Outreach Medicine (Idaho Business Review)

“Mobile services really shine when it comes to patient interaction because we are already serving at the convenience of the patient, especially when it comes to convenience of place and schedule.”

— Marc Davidson, President of Allied Imaging (Idaho Business Review)

“We believe that the power of human connection is an essential part of providing overall health and wellness, especially when discussing some of the most sensitive and vulnerable aspects of women's lives.”

— Scott Tucker, Practice administrator for Women's Health Associates (Idaho Business Review)

What’s next

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The takeaway

As technology and artificial intelligence continue to advance, these tools will enhance diagnostic capabilities and access to care for Idahoans, especially those living in rural areas. However, the heart of mobile medicine will remain focused on meeting patients where they are, keeping care accessible, and building strong relationships, with technology enhancing these efforts rather than replacing the human connection.