Doctor calls you first: remote check-ups tested for rural patients

This study tests whether proactive phone or message check-ups from a doctor's office can work as well as traditional in-person visits for rural patients who haven't seen their primary care team in over a year. Researchers are comparing the two methods to see if remote contact helps people access care and improve lifestyle habits like smoking, diet, and exercise. The goal is to find a practical way to reach underserved patients and provide preventive health coaching.