Connecting Hospitals & Clinicians to Keep Care Local
The rural healthcare crisis continues to escalate, with staffing shortages and hospital closures threatening access to care across Minnesota and beyond. On Feburary 14, 2025, KARE 11 spotlighted this growing issue and highlighted how Parrot.MD is stepping in to help.
In the segment, Parrot.MD’s COO Melissa Daniel Bain and Dr. Paul Allegra, a highly active Parrot physician, shared insights on how our direct-connection platform is reshaping rural physician staffing by eliminating traditional agency barriers and reducing costs for hospitals.
Why the Rural Healthcare Crisis Matters
50% of Rural Hospitals Are Operating at a Loss
Half of all rural hospitals in the U.S. are financially struggling, with many facing operational risks. (Chartis Group, 2024)
418 Rural Hospitals Are at Risk of Closure
Nearly 20% of rural hospitals could close in the coming years due to ongoing financial instability. (Chartis Group, 2024)
6 Minnesota Hospitals Have Shut Down Since 2005
These closures have left thousands of patients with limited access to critical healthcare services. (Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, 2023)
For rural hospitals, staffing isn’t just a challenge - it’s a matter of survival. The traditional locum tenens system is costly, inefficient, and often fails to provide clinicians who are truly connected to the communities they serve.
That’s where Parrot.MD comes in.
How Parrot.MD is Changing Rural Staffing
Local Physicians, Seamless Integration
By prioritizing local staffing, our model helps hospitals connect with clinicians who understand the patient population, facility workflows, and local referral systems, allowing for more consistent and efficient care.
Faster, More Flexible Staffing
Facilities can quickly find qualified emergency medicine, hospitalist, CRNA, and OB/GYN providers without agency middlemen.
Lower Costs, More Sustainability
Parrot.MD eliminates costly agency markups, restrictive contracts, and unnecessary expenses, making rural staffing more financially viable.
A Step Forward for Rural Healthcare
Parrot.MD is Already Strengthening 12 Hospital Departments Across Minnesota
We’re actively providing critical staffing solutions in 9 rural Minnesota hospitals, covering 12 different departments across key specialties.
By ensuring that hospitals have access to local, highly qualified clinicians, we’re helping rural communities receive the care they deserve - when and where they need it.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Our Impact
Parrot.MD is committed to growing our network to bring sustainable, cost-effective staffing solutions to more underserved communities - starting in Minnesota and expanding across the midwest and beyond.
Learn more about Parrot.MD's mission.
We’re proud to be featured on KARE 11 as part of this important conversation and remain dedicated to building a better future for rural healthcare.
Comments