Ramona Midkiff

Source: Center for Connected Health Policy

Federal telehealth waivers have been extended for two more years, allowing patients to continue accessing healthcare from the comfort of their homes. This means no geographic restrictions and the inclusion of audio-only visits. Plus, the Acute Hospital Care at Home initiative is here to stay! At Palmetto Care Connections, we’re dedicated to empowering our patients with convenient, high-quality care.

Two-Year Extension of Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities

Earlier this month, the House Ways and Means Committee marked up and passed HR 8261 “Preserving Telehealth, Hospital and Ambulance Access Act,” which would provide a two-year extension of the current temporary Medicare telehealth waivers. Included in the proposed extension are the temporary waivers on:

• The geographic and originating site limitations
• Expanded list of providers eligible for reimbursement by Medicare if they provided services via telehealth, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)
• Continued delay of the in-person visit requirement for mental health services provided via telehealth when not meeting certain location requirements
• Continued coverage for some services to be provided via audio-only

The temporary waivers would be extended to December 31, 2026.

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Source: McKnight Senior Living

The use of telehealth programs for stroke patients in rural areas, where access to in-person specialists could be difficult, makes a huge difference in receiving faster, life-saving diagnoses, a new report finds.

With stroke deaths disturbingly on the rise, the ability to shorten what is described as the “door-to-needle” time for possible stroke victims is crucial.

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Source: Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition
Stacey Lendbergh, LDEC Co-Manager

(Charleston, SC) – The LDEC membership have elected the inaugural Executive Committee to lead the regional alliance which represents a cross-sector of businesses, governments, and other community anchor institutions, dedicated to activities that ensure digital equity across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties.

The Executive Committee members are:

• Mary Ann Gilmer – Vice President of Mission, Palmetto Goodwill
• Natalie Hauff, Deputy Director, Innovation, Charleston County Public Library
• Ashlee Parra, DIgital Literacy Program Manager, Palmetto Care Connections
• Ryan Wilcox, Regional Economic Development Specialist, BCD Council of Governments

“The One Region Roadmap identified digital equity as a critical action area that must be addressed to create a resilient and prosperous economy that works for all residents. As One Region’s lead agent for digital equity, the Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC) has taken action that has positively impacted residents of our region and helped inform South Carolina’s stated digital equity goals. This formalization of LDEC gives us the structure and support to reach those in need faster and in more meaningful ways,” Ryan Wilcox, BCDCOG and Managing Director of One Region.

As a component of its mission, The LDEC will lead and support regional efforts to:

• ensure that all residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties have access to affordable, reliable high speed internet to benefit from this technology in order to thrive to their fullest potential.
• achieve goals and objectives outlined by the SC Digital Equity Plan and the Digital Equity Act of 2021.

About The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition:

The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC) is a regional public-private partnership responsible for setting and conducting the strategic priorities of the tri-county in the Charleston/N. Charleston MSA on matters related to digital inclusion. The LDEC is managed by backbone agency, Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative (TCCC).

Palmetto Care Connections written by Campbell Mims, Sweatman Strategies, LLC

In the quiet rural outskirts of Estill, South Carolina, Brittney navigated her life as a dedicated mother of three boys. Juggling parenthood, work, and health concerns, she found herself facing numerous challenges, especially when it came to accessing medical care for herself and her family. But amidst the trials of rural living, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of digital literacy education offered by Palmetto Care Connections (PCC).

Brittney’s journey with PCC began unexpectedly, stemming from a simple checkbox on a Medicaid form. Little did she know, this decision would open doors to invaluable resources and opportunities. Initially hesitant about her technological prowess, Brittney embarked on the digital literacy class with curiosity and a desire to learn.

As she delved into the course, Brittney discovered a world of possibilities unfolding before her. Initially drawn to the idea of leveraging technology for medical purposes, she soon realized the broader implications of her newfound skills. “Having that information at my fingertips allows me to have control over my well-being,” Brittney said. Through telehealth appointments and easy access to medical records via her tablet, Brittney gained a newfound sense of control over her family’s healthcare journey.

The impact of the digital literacy class transcended mere convenience; it became a lifeline during critical moments. When her youngest son fell ill, Brittney’s ability to access and share his medical history with healthcare providers proved instrumental in diagnosing and treating his condition effectively. “It just kind of empowers you more as the patient,” stated Brittney. What once seemed like an insurmountable challenge in rural healthcare now became manageable, thanks to the knowledge she gained.

But the class didn’t stop at healthcare—it empowered Brittney to take charge of her overall well-being. Armed with the ability to track her health metrics and access medical resources, she embarked on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle. By leveraging her digital literacy skills to monitor her progress and make informed decisions, Brittney shed light on the transformative potential of education and technology.

Reflecting on her experience, Brittney emphasized the importance of providing not just resources but also the necessary training and knowledge to utilize them effectively. “”If you give me something and you explain to me what I need to do to make this work for me then I’m good to go.,” remarked Brittney, a sentiment shared by other participants as well. She likened it to giving someone a bike without teaching them how to ride it—a sentiment that resonated deeply with her journey with PCC.

In the end, Brittney’s story epitomized the transformative power of education and technology in empowering individuals, especially those in underserved communities. Through PCC’s digital literacy class, she not only gained practical skills but also found a newfound sense of confidence and agency in navigating life’s challenges—one digital step at a time.

Source: Post and Courier

Source: Healthcare Finance

#InTheNews: Read all about the challenges and solutions associated with digital and telehealth equity. Even with the rapid advancement of telehealth technology, there’s a notable disparity in access and digital health literacy among different patient populations, affecting their engagement with telehealth services.

PCC is committed to expanding access, improving digital literacy, and ensuring that everyone can benefit from telehealth advancements. The focus on addressing the digital divide and improving digital literacy among patient populations mirrors PCC’s objectives to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, location, age, or race, can access healthcare services effectively and efficiently.

Read the Healthcare Finance article here: