Week focuses on mission of telehealth
Last week was Telehealth Awareness Week, which seeks to showcase the incredible work being done throughout South Carolina, within health systems, clinical practices, schools, nursing facilities, homes and anywhere telehealth is being delivered to improve access to care for our citizens. We engaged with approximately 189 stakeholders at six events around the state. Events were held in five cities and towns. Fourteen different organizations, from England to the Midwest, joined us in raising awareness about telehealth success and impact. We hosted 17 insurance payers representing 10 companies, and many of them have asked to work with us to find telehealth solutions to some of their most pressing care management issues.
The word is getting out about telehealth and how well it's working in South Carolina, and we have our champions to thank, Rep. Murrell Smith and Sen. Thomas Alexander. They both represent rural communities and have a front-row seat to the problems that can arise from disparities in health care access. This is why they are passionate about the mission of telehealth in South Carolina. They were early supporters and continue to help us expand the mission today.
With the leadership of Rep. Smith and Sen. Alexander, our Legislature has generously supported our mission to get care to the people who need it the most, regardless of where they live, using telehealth. Some areas of our state have health care providers on every street and corner, while other communities must endure a half-day car ride to see the nearest provider.
These kinds of disparities leave many out of reach for quality and specialty care. Families are forced to make choices; do they take off work and go the distance for the mental health support they need, or will that add to their financial burden? Can they afford to follow a loved one to another hospital with more specialists, or will that loved one have to endure treatment, procedures and recovery alone?
Because of the support of Rep. Smith and Sen. Alexander, our expansion continues. MUSC and other South Carolina Telehealth Alliance partners can connect to just about any location where a patient needs us, and in many cases, we can assist local community providers in managing the care for that patient, keeping the patient near home and minimizing the financial impact to his or her family.
As I reflect on the events and activities of last week, I'm reminded that the work we're doing is really a mission, and every mission needs a champion. We're fortunate to have two.
We've closed the book on Telehealth Awareness Week until next October, but I have no doubt the work will continue day in and out because our champions, Rep. Smith and Sen. Alexander, understand that the need for better health care for the citizens of South Carolina should not be delayed. Together we will continue to advance the vision that one day, a South Carolinian's zip code will have no bearing on receiving the highest quality care, in the right place and at the right time.
James T. McElligott, M.D., MSCR, is executive medical director of Telehealth, MUSC Health and South Carolina Telehealth Alliance co-chair.