2026 Mississippi Rural Health Conference
November 12-13, 2026
Sheraton Resort and Conference Center, Flowood, MS
The 2026 Mississippi Rural Health Conference, hosted by the Mississippi Rural Health Association, brings together rural health professionals, hospital and clinic leaders, policymakers, and community partners from across the state for two days of collaboration, education, and strategic dialogue. Building on the success of previous conferences that have drawn more than 250 attendees and 30+ exhibitors, this event will feature dynamic plenary sessions, interactive breakout discussions, and networking opportunities focused on the most pressing issues in rural healthcare. Attendees will engage with subject matter experts on topics including workforce development, telehealth expansion, financial sustainability, policy and advocacy, and innovative care delivery models designed to strengthen Mississippi’s rural health systems through the rural health transformation program.
This year’s conference will continue to serve as a cornerstone gathering for aligning statewide priorities and advancing solutions that improve access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities. With a robust exhibit hall, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and targeted sessions tailored for rural hospitals, clinics, and community-based organizations, participants will leave equipped with practical tools and forward-looking strategies. Whether you are a provider, administrator, policymaker, or partner organization, the Mississippi Rural Health Conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and lead in shaping the future of rural health in Mississippi.
Rural Health Golf Tournament
The Mississippi Rural Health Association will host a pre-conference golf tournament, open to all members and vendors. You may register as either an individual player or a four-some team. Registration for the golf tournament is available here in the main conference registration, or you may register separately by clicking here. Awards will be presented to the first, second and third place winners.
Mississippi Rural Health Day Reception
Returning to this year’s conference is the Mississippi Rural Health Day Reception, held in celebration of National Rural Health Day, a day dedicated to honoring the “Power of Rural” and the tireless dedication of Mississippi’s rural healthcare heroes. This lively reception will gather healthcare leaders, community advocates, and policy influencers for an uplifting evening of connection, recognition, and celebration. Attendees will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, music and engaging conversation. Together, we’ll shine a spotlight on the innovative programs and collaborations that make rural Mississippi stronger.
Mississippi Rural Physician Scholars’ Poster Contest
The Mississippi Rural Physician Scholars’ Poster Contest showcases the next generation of rural healthcare leaders as they take a deep dive into the health challenges facing their hometowns. Each student develops a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment, highlighting key data, disparities, and proposed solutions tailored to the unique needs of their local populations. During the conference, scholars will present their findings to attendees, engaging in meaningful dialogue about how to improve access, outcomes, and equity in Mississippi’s rural communities. The top three posters, as selected by a panel of judges, will receive cash awards and special recognition during the conference, celebrating their innovation, insight, and dedication to serving rural Mississippi.
Recognition of Mississippi Hospitals with Quality Awards
Each year at the Mississippi Rural Health Conference, we celebrate those rural hospitals that rank in the top quartile nationally for quality outcomes, as measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data and recognized by The Chartis Group through their Rural Hospital Performance INDEX. These awards honor hospitals that consistently deliver exceptional clinical outcomes, patient safety, and satisfaction and who are true beacons of rural healthcare excellence. During our awards ceremony, we will proudly present these accolades to Mississippi hospitals that have risen to the highest standard of care, acknowledging their unwavering dedication to improving patient health and upholding the vitality of our rural communities.
Hotel Guest Room
Click here to book your hotel guest room
Registration Options
General Registration
Sponsor / Exhibitor Registration
Golf Tournament Only
On Demand
Roots & Remedies: Tackling Public Health at the Source
1 session | On-Demand Webinar
Roots & Remedies: Tackling Public Health at the Source, a dynamic webinar exploring the root causes of pressing public health issues—including lead exposure, STDs, maternal health disparities, and the opioid crisis. This session goes beyond the symptoms to examine the social determinants and systemic factors fueling these challenges. Experts will share evidence-based strategies that are driving real change in communities across the country. Discover how innovative, science-backed interventions are healing communities from the ground up.
An Overview of Multiple Sclerosis for the Non-Neurologist
1 session | On-Demand Webinar
This webinar will provide an overview of the presentation, diagnosis, and management of multiple sclerosis for healthcare professionals who do not specialize in neurology. Participants will gain a better understanding of common signs and symptoms, the diagnostic process, and current treatment approaches that may be encountered in primary care and other clinical settings. The session will also highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and timely referral to support optimal patient outcomes.
Payor Contracting Strategy and Revenue Cycle Best Practices
1 session | On-Demand Webinar
Rural hospitals today face significant cash flow and revenue cycle challenges, primarily due to a combination of low patient volumes, high rates of uninsured or underinsured patients, and reliance on government payers along with shrinking yields and margin on commercial payor contracts. These factors lead to tighter margins, making it difficult for rural hospitals to maintain financial stability. Additionally, many rural hospitals struggle with outdated billing systems, limited staff resources, and complexities in navigating regulatory requirements, all of which can result in delays in billing and payment collections. The cumulative effect of these challenges threatens the financial viability of rural hospitals, impacting their ability to provide essential healthcare services to their communities.
Credentialing and Provider Enrollment
1 session | On-Demand Webinar
This on-demand webinar provides an overview of the credentialing and provider enrollment process and its importance in healthcare operations. Participants will learn about common requirements, timelines, documentation, and best practices for enrolling providers with government and commercial payers. The session also discusses strategies to avoid delays, maintain compliance, and support timely reimbursement for healthcare services.
Unlocking Better Healthcare is Within Reach: Integrated Remote Care Management for Rural Health Clinics
1 session | Webinar
This webinar explores how integrated remote care management programs can help Rural Health Clinics improve patient outcomes, increase engagement, and enhance care coordination. Participants will learn how services such as remote patient monitoring, chronic care management, and other virtual care strategies can be combined to support patients with chronic conditions while strengthening financial sustainability. The session will also highlight practical implementation strategies and real-world examples that demonstrate the value of integrated remote care in rural healthcare settings.
Register Online
Front Desk Tips – Setting Them Up For Success
1 session | Webinar
Join Sharon Turner to learn how to increase productivity within your front desk staff. This Webinar includes best practices for collecting payments at TOS, improving accuracy in entering patient data and educating patients on their financial responsibilities. Learn how to improve and develop your communication and customer service skills.
Register Online
Independent and Provider-Based Rural Health Clinic Billing
1 session | Webinar
This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of the key differences between independent and provider-based Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), with a focus on billing, reimbursement, and regulatory requirements. Participants will gain a better understanding of provider-based criteria, clinic classifications, reimbursement methodologies, and billing considerations for both clinic types, including services provided at offsite locations. The session is designed to help clinic administrators, billing professionals, and healthcare leaders strengthen compliance, improve reimbursement accuracy, and navigate the complexities of RHC operations.
Register Online
Breaking Down Silos in Your Clinical Revenue Cycle
1 session | Webinar
This webinar examines how organizational silos can negatively impact the clinical revenue cycle, leading to inefficiencies, delayed reimbursement, and missed revenue opportunities for rural and community hospitals. Participants will explore strategies for improving communication and collaboration across departments, creating streamlined workflows, and strengthening coding and billing processes to enhance financial performance. The session also highlights practical approaches to operational transformation and the use of technology to support a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable revenue cycle.
Register Online
Coding and Billing for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH)
1 session | Webinar
This comprehensive two-day training provides an in-depth review of coding, billing, reimbursement, and documentation requirements unique to Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Participants will gain practical knowledge of CAH designation criteria, cost-based reimbursement, CPT, HCPCS-II, and ICD-10-CM coding, professional and facility billing, compliance, revenue cycle management, and strategies to reduce claim denials while improving financial performance. Designed for coders, billers, managers, compliance professionals, and healthcare providers, the course equips attendees with the knowledge needed to strengthen coding accuracy, maintain regulatory compliance, and optimize reimbursement, while preparing eligible participants for the Critical Access Hospital Coding & Billing Specialist (CAH-CBS) certification examination.
Register Online
Mississippi Rural Health Association 