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Palmetto Care Connections Celebrates 15 Years of Advancing Health Care Access in South Carolina

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Columbia, S.C. — On Thursday, May 29, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) celebrated a major milestone—15 years of bridging the gap between rural communities and health care through telehealth, technology, broadband, and education. The celebration was held at the Pastides Alumni Center on the campus of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, bringing together nearly 100 guests for an evening of gratitude, reflection, and recognition.

The event welcomed some of PCC’s original founding board members, current board members, community partners, and longtime supporters who have championed PCC’s mission since its beginning in 2010. Together, they honored the organization’s journey and celebrated the partnerships that have made statewide progress in telehealth and digital inclusion possible.

In recognition of their service, PCC board members were presented with commemorative watercolor paintings of the organization’s headquarters in Bamberg—each a meaningful symbol of PCC’s roots and continued growth. Lively conversation, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughter filled the room as colleagues and friends reconnected and reflected on the impact of PCC’s work across South Carolina.

The event was a great reminder to everyone why PCC’s mission matters. From expanding broadband access to launching digital literacy classes and supporting rural providers with telehealth solutions, PCC’s accomplishments over the past 15 years are a testament to collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving health care access in rural and underserved communities.

PCC Team Attends Nexus 2025 to Explore Telehealth Innovation

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) recently attended Nexus 2025, the American Telemedicine Association’s Annual Conference and Expo, held in New Orleans. The event brought together approximately 1,500 healthcare professionals, clinicians, and telehealth leaders from across the country to explore the future of virtual care. 

PCC was represented by four team members: 

  • Matt Hiatt, Chief Technology Officer 
  • Liz Saitz, IT Director for Community Engagement 
  • Caroline Warren, Telehealth Coordinator 
  • Bretta Kittrell, Family Nurse Practitioner at Bamberg Family Practice 

Key sessions included: 

  • “Cracking the Code” – focused on billing, coding, and expanding access to virtual care. 
  • “The Business of Humanizing Virtual Care” – discussed how to improve patient experience while keeping care high-quality and convenient. 

The conference gave PCC valuable insight into new tools and strategies that can help improve healthcare delivery in rural South Carolina. It also gave the team a chance to connect with other organizations working to solve similar challenges in telehealth and digital access. 

Events like Nexus help PCC stay informed and inspired as we continue using technology to bring better care to the communities that need it most. 

Palmetto Care Connections Attends National Net Inclusion Conference

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) proudly represented South Carolina at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) Net Inclusion Conference, held May 20–22, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference welcomed over 800 leaders from across the country—including practitioners, advocates, academics, internet service providers, and policymakers—focused on closing the digital divide and increasing access to technology in underserved communities.
PCC’s Chief Community Relations Officer, Davia Smith, and IT Director of Community Engagement, Liz Saitz, attended the event to share insights and learn from national best practices. Davia also co-presented during the workshop “Building a Digital Health Navigator Program,” highlighting PCC’s leadership in combining digital literacy with access to healthcare in rural areas.
In addition to the co-presentation, Davia and Liz participated in several sessions addressing key issues in digital access, including:
  • Applying Systems Thinking to Expanding Computer Ownership
  • Bridging Health & Technology
  • AI for All: Transforming Digital Skills Training & Navigation
  • AI Skills Are Digital Skills
  • Outputs vs. Impacts: Measuring Long-Term Success in Expanding Digital Access
These sessions explored evolving strategies around sustainability, funding, outreach in rural and Tribal areas, and integrating AI into efforts to bring more people online and connected.
“Attending Net Inclusion allowed us to bring home new ideas, tools, and energy to further support our communities,” said Smith. “From telehealth to digital literacy, we’re seeing just how essential this work is to improving access to care across South Carolina.”
Since 2016, the Net Inclusion Conference has been a key event for those working to expand digital opportunities. This year’s focus on AI, digital healthcare access, and community-driven programming offered a valuable platform for collaboration and innovation.

Health Leaders Gather in Columbia to Discuss the Future of Medicaid in South Carolina

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

On May 28, 2025, Congressman James E. Clyburn brought together a few of South Carolina’s top health care leaders and advocates for a Medicaid Roundtable at the South Carolina Hospital Association in Columbia. The discussion focused on the potential impact of proposed federal health care funding changes, including nearly $1 trillion in reductions passed in a recent reconciliation bill. 

Participants examined how these changes could impact access to care for Medicaid recipients, hospitals, and healthcare providers—particularly in rural and underserved areas of the state. 

Among the panelists was Kathy Schwarting, CEO of Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), who addressed how funding reductions could threaten the sustainability of telehealth services. PCC supports rural providers across South Carolina in using telemedicine to connect patients with critical care. 

Congressman Clyburn highlighted the scope of Medicaid’s reach in South Carolina, where more than one million residents depend on the program—including over 105,000 children and 20,000 seniors in his district. He also underscored the importance of telemedicine in expanding access for underserved communities.  

“PCC is deeply concerned,” Schwarting said. “If funding disappears, it’s not just telehealth that goes away—access to care, especially for people in rural areas, becomes nearly impossible.” 

In South Carolina, Medicaid supports 4 out of every 9 children, 5 out of every 8 nursing home residents, 3 out of every 10 working-age adults with disabilities, and 1 out of every 6 adults ages 19 to 64. Behind those numbers are real people—families, seniors, and workers—whose health and well-being depend on stable, reliable coverage. 

Meet Emma D. Thompson – Finance Director at Palmetto Care Connections

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Emma, you know she’s not just crunching numbers—she’s helping drive impact across South Carolina. As Finance Director at PCC, Emma oversees all financial operations to ensure the organization remains in strong financial standing while complying with laws and regulations. She’s also helping pave the way for long-term growth through smart strategy and a heart for service.

Emma joined PCC with deep roots in nonprofit finance. After time away from the sector, she felt a pull to return to work that fuels her passion. “I researched several area non-profits, considered their mission, and reached out to PCC. After talking with Kathy for just a few minutes, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”

Originally from East Tennessee and a longtime South Carolina resident, Emma understands the challenges of rural life—and the power of broadband and telehealth to bridge those gaps. “I wanted to be a part of the mission to help rural and underserved communities by connecting them to quality services. Telehealth platforms have the potential to transform global healthcare delivery, and I want to be part of that.”

While she’s only been with PCC a short time, Emma says it didn’t take long to feel at home. “The team’s enthusiasm and support are incredible. When everyone is working toward the same goal, you can achieve a greater impact—and that’s what I missed most about nonprofit work.”

Outside of work, Emma has a few unexpected passions! She’s a proud FFDP (Five Finger Death Punch) groupie, a wildlife watcher with her own backyard bird sanctuary, and a devoted volunteer for Rottweiler and Basset Hound rescues.

Her favorite quote changes by the day, but today’s mantra says it all: “I will achieve great things through small steps.”

 

June is PTSD Awareness Month: Accessing Support Through Telehealth in South Carolina

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

June is recognized as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, a time to highlight the lasting effects of trauma and emphasize the importance of accessible mental health care. PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event—combat veterans, survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence, first responders, and even those impacted by serious accidents or natural disasters. It’s not just a personal issue—it’s a public health concern.

At Palmetto Care Connections (PCC), we are committed to increasing access to care in rural communities, especially for behavioral and mental health. Through telehealth, people living in remote areas of South Carolina can now receive timely support for PTSD without the barriers of distance or travel.

Telehealth Resources for PTSD in South Carolina

Here are several telehealth programs in South Carolina that support individuals living with PTSD:

1. MUSC Health’s Telehealth Resilience & Recovery Program (TRRP)

This trauma-informed program supports patients who are recovering emotionally from serious injuries. TRRP provides education, mental health screening, assessment, and treatment through secure telehealth technology. Whether you’re in a hospital or at home, support is available via phone, tablet, or computer.

2. MUSC Telehealth Outreach Program (TOP)

TOP brings evidence-based, trauma-focused mental health services directly to children and adolescents who’ve experienced trauma. This telehealth service ensures that even students in the most rural school districts can access the support they need without leaving their communities.

3. South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) Telepsychiatry Program

SCDMH’s telepsychiatry network provides thousands of psychiatric consultations each month, many of which occur in rural hospitals and community clinics. It’s a proven way to connect patients to licensed professionals without delay, especially in areas where providers are scarce.

4. PTSD Self-Screening Tool

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD, a self-screening tool from the National Center for PTSD is a good first step. It’s free, anonymous, and helps determine whether you should seek a formal evaluation.


You’re not alone. PTSD can be isolating, but treatment is effective and help is closer than you think—especially with telehealth. This June, let’s raise awareness and expand access to the support so many South Carolinians deserve.

Harnessing Telehealth: New Mayo Clinic Study Highlights Benefits for Patient Care and Community Health

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

A recent study by the Mayo Clinic highlights the transformative potential of telehealth in enhancing patient care. The research focused on four key outcomes: improved patient health, reduced hospital service use, lowered healthcare costs, and enhanced community health. Notably, patients who received remote monitoring support post-discharge experienced better health outcomes and required less follow-up care compared to those without such support. 

Dr. Aaron Spaulding, the study’s senior author, emphasized telehealth’s role in addressing social determinants of health. The findings suggest that telehealth services, including online therapy, can lead to significant improvements in patients’ overall health perceptions within their communities. This underscores telehealth’s capacity to bridge gaps in healthcare access and delivery.

However, the study also notes that telehealth should complement, not replace, in-person care. Dr. Spaulding advocates for a personalized approach, recognizing that different patients have varying needs. A hybrid model, combining telehealth with traditional care, may offer the most effective solution for many individuals.

For organizations like Palmetto Care Connections, these insights reinforce the importance of integrating telehealth thoughtfully into healthcare strategies. By leveraging telehealth’s strengths and acknowledging its limitations, we can work towards a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.

To delve deeper into the study, visit the Mayo Clinic News Network: Harnessing telehealth to enhance patient care.

Palmetto Care Connections Hosts Second Digital Literacy Training in Marion County

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) returned to the Mullins Library in Marion County to host another digital literacy class, continuing its efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural South Carolina. Fourteen community members participated in the free training, gaining essential technology skills to help them stay connected in today’s digital world.

Participants learned how to safely browse the internet, set up and use email accounts, access telehealth services, and navigate websites for everyday needs. Each attendee also received a tablet, along with one-on-one support to help them confidently operate their new device.

This training was made possible through funding provided by the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance (SCTA), a statewide collaboration working to expand access to care through telehealth and digital health initiatives. Their support has been instrumental in helping PCC deliver resources directly to communities that need them most.

The class is part of PCC’s broader initiative to increase digital inclusion and improve health equity by bringing hands-on learning opportunities to areas with limited broadband access. Libraries and other trusted local venues serve as ideal settings for community members to build skills in a comfortable, approachable environment.

Celebrating Healthcare Technology Management Week: Honoring the Unsung Heroes Behind the Screens

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

Behind every successful telehealth appointment, every secure broadband connection, and every piece of functioning medical equipment in rural South Carolina—there’s a team of dedicated professionals making it all possible. 

This week (May 18–24, 2025) , Palmetto Care Connections (PCC) proudly joins organizations across the nation in celebrating Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Week, an annual recognition led by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). It’s a time to honor the healthcare technology professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure that medical devices and digital infrastructure are reliable, safe, and ready when patients need them most. 

Why HTM Professionals Matter 

HTM professionals—including biomedical equipment technicians, clinical engineers, IT specialists, and support staff—are the backbone of healthcare delivery in today’s tech-driven world. At PCC, their expertise powers our mission to expand telehealth access, improve broadband connectivity, and support digital health innovations across rural communities. 

They are the quiet force ensuring: 

  • 🛠️ Equipment and technology are properly installed, maintained, and secured. 
  • 🩺 Providers have the tools they need to deliver high-quality, remote care. 
  • 🌐 Rural residents can connect to care—regardless of location or access barriers. 

Show Your Appreciation
Use the hashtag #HealthcareTechnologyWeek to spotlight your tech heroes and share how technology is transforming care in your community. 

To learn more about HTM Week, visit aami.org/htmweek 

New Report Highlights the Growing Role of Remote Patient Monitoring in Improving Outcomes and Reducing Costs

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By: Chaunte’ Causey, Communications Manager, PCC

A newly released report from the Peterson Center on Healthcare titled Evolving Remote Monitoring: An Evidence-Based Approach to Coverage and Payment (April 2025) offers key insights into how Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) can improve care for Medicare and Medicaid populations—while also lowering costs and shaping future policy.

This in-depth report evaluates how remote monitoring technologies are being used, which conditions benefit most from their application, and how coverage and reimbursement policies might be better aligned with clinical evidence.

What is Remote Patient Monitoring?

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring Fact Sheet, updated in April 2025, RPM allows patients to use connected medical devices at home to collect and transmit their health data to providers. RPM includes two categories:

  • Remote Physiological Monitoring: Captures data like blood pressure, weight, or blood glucose levels.

  • Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM): Tracks non-physiological data such as medication adherence and physical therapy progress.

Medicare began reimbursing for RPM services in 2019, adding RTM coverage in 2022. Both sets of services involve three billing components: device supply, patient education/setup, and provider time spent reviewing data and managing care.

Coverage Across Payers

Most state Medicaid programs have followed Medicare’s lead, with 41 states offering some form of RPM reimbursement, according to research by the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP). However, coverage among private insurers remains inconsistent and often narrower in scope.

Key Clinical Insights from the Peterson Report

The report draws on evaluations by the Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) to assess the clinical effectiveness of RPM and RTM for managing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders. Here are some of the findings:

  • Hypertension is the leading diagnosis for RPM users, representing 57% of Medicare beneficiaries with an RPM episode. The average episode lasts 6.6 months, aligning with evidence that RPM is most useful during active medication management periods.

  • Musculoskeletal disorders are the top diagnosis for RTM users, accounting for nearly 60% of episodes. The average RTM episode lasts 1.7 months, reflecting a typical course of physical therapy.

  • RPM for hypertension helps providers quickly adjust medications and achieve faster improvements in blood pressure.

  • RTM during physical therapy results in greater pain and functional improvements compared to in-person treatment alone.

  • RPM for diabetes is most impactful for patients with high HbA1c levels or those undergoing care plan transitions.

  • Utilization is growing rapidly:

    • In 2023, 451,000 Medicare patients used RPM, compared to just 44,500 in 2019.

    • The average duration of RPM use in Medicare rose from 1.7 to 5.2 months between 2019 and 2023.

  • However, only 1% of Medicare beneficiaries use RPM services, and fewer than 0.2% used RTM in 2023.

Recommendations for Policymakers

The report outlines several policy suggestions to strengthen RPM use:

  1. Align coverage with evidence-based practices: Data shows that current RPM usage patterns—such as six-month monitoring for hypertension—already reflect where the clinical benefit is strongest.

  2. Improve access to high-impact tools: Most RPM users are in urban areas, while rural populations—who often face higher rates of chronic disease—remain underserved. The report suggests CMS reconsider how geographic reimbursement variations may unintentionally limit rural access.

  3. Enhance data collection: Medicare does not currently require RPM billing claims to identify the condition being treated or the device being used, limiting the ability to track outcomes and effectiveness.

Moving Forward

As RPM and RTM services become more common, the focus must remain on improving both access and data collection. The authors caution that adding unnecessary billing complexities or limitations could deter provider participation and restrict patients from receiving the benefits of remote care technologies.

For organizations like Palmetto Care Connections, which are committed to expanding digital health tools across rural South Carolina, these findings reinforce the importance of improving broadband access and supporting digital health training in medically underserved areas.


Sources:

  • Evolving Remote Monitoring: An Evidence-Based Approach to Coverage and Payment, Peterson Center on Healthcare, April 2025

  • Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring Fact Sheet, Medicare Learning Network (CMS), April 2025

  • Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) Policy Finderhttps://www.cchpca.org

To read the full Peterson report, visit:
https://petersonhealthtechnologyinstitute.org/reports/evolving-remote-monitoring

To explore Medicaid and Medicare RPM policy by state, visit CCHP’s Policy Finder:
https://www.cchpca.org/policy-trends