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Bipartisan telehealth extension bill passes in House committee

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Source: Fierce Healthcare

As expected, the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 advanced out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Sept. 18 in a wide-ranging markup hearing.

The legislation extends critical telehealth provisions for two years that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and were set to expire at the end of the year. Although the provisions are not permanently extended, the bill’s passage by a vote of 41-0 is still seen as a significant win for the governing body.

“While I am disappointed that we are not making these Medicare telehealth flexibilities permanent, I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to ensure that these vital telehealth services do no lapse,” said the bill’s sponsor Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Georgia.

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Employing telehealth to boost maternal health equity

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Source: TechTarget | xtelligent Virtual Healthcare

By: Anuja Vaidya, Senior Editor

UC Davis Health is using telehealth to improve postpartum visit attendance among Black people, thereby enhancing maternal health equity and closing care gaps.

Being Black and pregnant in America can be a deadly combination. With Black women being twice as likely to die during or soon after childbirth than white women, interventions to improve Black maternal outcomes are urgently needed. Some healthcare organizations are turning to virtual care tools to close the care gaps facing the Black birthing population.

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Principles for Building Healthy and Prosperous Communities

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Source: Build Healthy Places Network

For work across sectors in low-income communities to improve health and wellbeing.

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) and CEO Kathy Schwarting were recently spotlighted in the original playbook by Build Healthy Places for their incredible work connecting eligible healthcare providers to broadband infrastructure.

Through a powerful partnership with the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA), PCC has been instrumental in expanding access to health services across South Carolina, both before and during the pandemic. Their impactful efforts were recognized with the prestigious Redefining American Healthcare Award by the Healthcare Leadership Council in February 2023.

Read more here ⬇️

https://buildhealthyplaces.org/tools-resources/rural-resources/?utm_source=BHPN+Website+Newsletter+List&utm_campaign=21ea6fd3fc-

From Learner to Leader: Tracey Scott’s Journey as PCC’s New Digital Navigator

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Written by: Campbell Mims, Sweatman Strategies, LLC

Tracey Scott’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Initially a certified nurse assistant, Tracey found herself at a crossroads, yearning to further her education and delve into the burgeoning field of telehealth. It was at this juncture that she encountered Palmetto Care Connections; an organization committed to bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. This encounter would not only catalyze her career but also ignite a passion for digital literacy that she now imparts to others.

Tracey’s introduction to PCC was serendipitous. “I was living in a complex where PCC held an event,” she recalls. Intrigued by the promise of free laptops and internet services, she saw an opportunity to fulfill her ambition of becoming a telehealth nurse. “I wanted to go back to school, and the free devices and internet service PCC offered were a significant draw,” she says. This marked the beginning of her journey with PCC, first as a participant eager to learn, and eventually as an integral member of their team.

With a foundational knowledge of computers, Tracey’s primary goal was to utilize PCC’s resources to further her education and attain her dream of becoming an LPN or RN. The transition from participant to digital navigator was a natural progression, driven by her inherent leadership skills and deep understanding of the community’s needs. “I was already a manager at my apartment complex, encouraging as many people as possible to get the devices,” she explains. This proactive approach and her personal connection to the community caught the attention of PCC’s leadership, who saw in Tracey a potential advocate and leader.

The transition to employment at PCC was seamless for Tracey. Her background and firsthand experience as a participant provided her with unique insights. “It was easy because I knew what it felt like to be there. I could help others who were ashamed or didn’t know how to use a device,” she says. Her empathy and ability to relate to the participants made her an effective digital navigator, someone who could bridge the gap between technology and those who needed it most. “Tracey has been a great addition to the Palmetto Connect Digitial Literacy team,” said Ashlee Parra, digital literacy program manager. “All the class participants are so excited to meet her in person after speaking on the phone. She truly makes people feel welcomed and understood.”

In her role, Tracey assists participants in navigating digital tools, from basic functions like turning on a computer to more complex tasks such as using telehealth applications. Her day-to-day responsibilities are diverse, encompassing affordable internet service guidance, device setup, and application support. “Many elderly people don’t know how to use computers. I help them with basics like sending emails and using MyChart,” she explains. One impactful moment Tracey recalls was helping a visually impaired participant. “She was excited about learning to use a laptop despite her vision impairments. I took the time to help her navigate the device, which was a blessing for both of us,” Tracey recounts.

Working at PCC has significantly evolved Tracey’s skill set. She has gained professionalism and workplace etiquette, learning from the supportive PCC team. “Kathy and the team have been nothing but nice, patient, and generous. They’ve helped me grow both professionally and personally,” she says. This nurturing environment contrasts with other workplaces that might not invest as much in their employees’ growth.

Tracey’s advice to current participants is rooted in persistence and lifelong learning. “Keep practicing your skills. It’s never too late to learn. The more you do something, the better you become,” she advises. This philosophy reflects her own journey of continuous learning and improvement.

What makes working at PCC enjoyable for Tracey is the sense of family and teamwork. “We all help one another. We eat together, lounge together, and celebrate together,” she says. This close-knit community fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, making PCC not just a workplace but a community of empowerment and growth.

Tracey Scott’s journey from a class participant to a digital navigator is a testament to the transformative power of digital literacy and community support. Her story underscores the importance of accessibility and education in empowering individuals and bridging the digital divide.

Rural-urban telehealth divide evident among privately insured Americans

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Source: mHealthIntelligence

By Anuja Vaidya

Telehealth use increased significantly among Americans with private insurance after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the rural-urban divide remained.

 – Though telehealth use skyrocketed among United States adults with private health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic, new research reveals that rural residents utilized telehealth less than their urban peers.

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Empowering Communities: A Mother’s Digital Journey with Palmetto Care Connections

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Written by: Campbell Mims, Sweatman Strategies, LLC

Latasha King balanced motherhood, her career as a community health worker, and her own education with the finesse of a seasoned multitasker. When Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) introduced a digital literacy class alongside free tablets, Latasha saw it as both an opportunity and a necessity.

“Honestly,” she explained, “we had to take the course to receive the tablet. So, just to go over the basic information of learning how to be digitally literate with the tablet was enormously helpful.”

While the class was initially mandatory, Latasha approached it with an open mind, recognizing the potential benefits beyond just fulfilling a requirement. “Yes, I think that it was good to have someone to go step-by-step to make sure everybody understood what was being done,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of accessible learning for all.

As a mother and a professional, Latasha understood the significance of mastering even the most basic tablet functions. “Just as something as basic as turning on the tablet… because some people just don’t understand,” she emphasized, acknowledging the diverse needs of her community, from older individuals unfamiliar with technology to those facing cognitive challenges.

Latasha’s journey with the tablet extended beyond personal use. “My daughter is now two years old, but we have graduated at 18 months,” she shared proudly. The tablet not only served as a tool for educational and recreational purposes but also facilitated telehealth appointments, ensuring access to vital healthcare resources.

Reflecting on the impact of the digital literacy class, Latasha recognized a newfound confidence in navigating technology, both personally and professionally. “I think the class helped a lot… on the workforce, the professional side, it was easier,” she affirmed, highlighting the streamlined processes enabled by newfound skills.

In her role as a community health worker, Latasha found herself not only implementing these skills with her clients but also teaching her daughter the basics of tablet use. Her experiences underscored the importance of patience and accessibility in digital education. While she didn’t personally utilize telehealth during her pregnancy, Latasha witnessed its transformative potential for her clients, especially those facing transportation challenges. “I have had clients that were able to use it during their telehealth,” she explained, emphasizing the invaluable role of technology in overcoming barriers to healthcare access.

Latasha’s narrative painted a picture of empowerment and resilience, both for herself and her community. Through the support and guidance provided by PCC, she navigated the digital landscape with newfound ease, enriching the lives of those around her.

With a smile on her face that only the power of knowledge and education could create, Latasha expressed gratitude for the transformative impact of the digital literacy class and the unwavering support of PCC. Her story was a testament to the power of education and technology in bridging gaps and empowering communities to thrive in the digital age.

Orangeburg Distribution Day

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Orangeburg Distribution Day was a huge success! We are thrilled to announce that we distributed devices to 15 individuals with Healthy Connections Medicaid Cards, providing them with vital tools for accessing digital resources. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and hospitality of the Orangeburg County Library staff. Their contributions made the day smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved. This event marks a significant step towards digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide in our community. By providing these devices, we are empowering individuals to access essential online services and improve their overall well-being. Here’s to a healthier and more connected future for everyone in Orangeburg!

Two-Year Extension of Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities

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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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Telestroke treatment proves lifesaver for rural seniors, data reveals

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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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Lowcountry Leaders Rally as ACP Winds Down

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Lowcountry leaders rally as federal internet program winds down: Yesterday, the Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC) convened at North Charleston City Hall, guiding residents through the conclusion of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Since 2021, this initiative has provided internet access to 23 million households nationwide, but with funding dwindling, it’s ending this month. Nearly 35,000 Tri-County households, totaling 91,732 residents, will be affected.
Ryan Wilcox, Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester County of Governments, Mary Ann Gilmer, Palmetto Goodwill, Aaron Jones, TriCounty Cradle to Career, Natalie Hauff, Charleston Co. Public Library, Ashlee Parra, PCC, and Kenya Dunn, Board of Directors Chair TCCC, are pictured, spearheading efforts to ensure community readiness and awareness of available resources.