My Telehealth Podcasts

A group of doctors, academics, public health and government officials gathered at the South Carolina State House this week. Their goal is to expand the reach and capabilities of telehealth services in the state. At a press conference in the State House lobby, stakeholders spoke on the importance of telehealth in the state and the significance of the governor’s distinction.

State Mental Health Director John Magill reading Governor Henry McMaster’s proclamation in the lobby of the State House.

Patients seeking treatment for a rare digestive disorder called Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE) might have multiple tests and appointments per year. A pediatric gastroenterologist in Greenville has turned to video, for connecting to distant South Carolina patients, saving them a trip for follow-up appointments.

In Williamsburg County, finding a specialized doctor can be difficult. Many residents live miles away from a health care provider, going without adequate medical care. A telehealth network was established in multiple sites across the county to help residents access the services they need.

In order to meet the needs of her patients, an occupational therapist at the Medical University of South Carolina teamed up with technical experts from Clemson to create tool to engage patients in the clinic and at home. Through a virtual therapy session, patients can play a game to meet their therapy goals, different than traditional care.

Faced with a changing healthcare landscape, medical schools across the state are implementing telehealth education to their curriculum. The American Medical Association supports telehealth training for future medical professionals, and encourages the adoption of innovative programs that may improve the way care is delivered to communities across the country.​

Even though burns are a leading pediatric injury in South Carolina, there is only one burn center in the state. At the Medical University of South Carolina they see patients from all parts of the state. Most recently, some of the patients do not have to travel as far, as the hospital has been expanding the use of remote consultations using telemedicine.

A home-monitoring program is allowing high-risk patients stay out of the hospital. With telehealth, patients submit vital signs to their doctor, in the comfort of their own home. Through daily measurements the doctors monitor any sudden changes, while patients adopt healthy habits to last a lifetime.

In South Carolina, rural communities are struggling with access to mental health care. In many places, there is a shortage of psychiatrists to attend people in need of services. To serve those with mental illness in distant, rural communities, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health adopted an innovative solution: tele-psychiatry.

South Carolina faces many disparities in health care, specialists in the industry affirm. Issues related to cost, transportation and shortages of providers reach into every corner of the Palmetto State. In order to address the problem, numerous hospitals and clinics are tapping into telehealth, a way to provide care remotely.