PCC ADVOCATES FOR RURAL HEALTH IN WASHINGTON, D.C. | | |
From February 10–12, Palmetto Care Connections joined rural health advocates from across the country at the National Rural Health Association Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., working alongside partners from the South Carolina Office of Rural Health and the SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare to highlight the priorities of rural communities. During the visit, PCC Chief Technology Officer Matt Hiatt met with members of South Carolina’s congressional delegation — including Congressman James E. Clyburn and staff from the offices of Congressman Joe Wilson, Congressman Ralph Norman, Congressman Russell Fry, and Senator Lindsey Graham — to discuss how technology and connectivity continue to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
While in Washington, Matt also connected with national healthcare leaders, including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and HHS Chief Policy Advisor Ken Callahan, helping ensure technology and telehealth remain part of the conversation shaping the future of rural healthcare. The meetings helped elevate the needs of rural providers, patients, and communities and reinforced the importance of policy solutions that support access to care and improved health outcomes.
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Feds extend a telehealth rule that could help save more people from opioid overdoses - Route Fifty
Federal agencies have extended telehealth flexibilities that allow providers to prescribe medications for opioid use disorder without an initial in-person visit. The change could expand access to treatment and help reduce the risk of overdose.
New & Emerging Interstate Licensure Compacts
States are continuing to adopt new interstate licensure compacts that allow certain healthcare professionals to practice across state lines more easily, helping expand access to telehealth services. These agreements streamline the licensing process while still allowing each state to maintain oversight of providers practicing within its borders.
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The ABCs on FQHC State Medicaid Fee-For-Service Telehealth Policies
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) face varying state Medicaid telehealth policies, including differences in billing, eligible services, and visit requirements. The Center for Connected Health Policy has updated its Policy Finder to help providers better navigate these rules.
A Little Stability to Love 💝 : Medicare & DEA Telehealth Waivers Extended
Medicare telehealth waivers and DEA telehealth prescribing flexibilities have been extended, providing continued stability for providers and patients who rely on virtual care. The extensions allow key telehealth services — including prescribing certain medications via telehealth — to continue while federal agencies work toward permanent policies.
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The Call for Presentations and Call for Posters are now open for the 14th Annual Telehealth Summit of South Carolina, taking place August 31 – September 2, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Greenville. Share your ideas and innovations in telehealth—submissions are due May 15.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us in Greenville! Click here to submit your abstracts for a presentation or poster or make a hotel reservation.
| | Virtual Health Care Not Just for Mental Health, Study Finds | |
Telehealth visits are commonly used for mental and behavioral health care, and since the days of the early pandemic, patients have increasingly used virtual meetings with doctors to meet other health care needs. But the full scope of who’s accessing health care remotely—and why—is less clear.
A new study of Medicare patients across the country has found that nearly half of telehealth visits are for non-mental health conditions, often chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. The results provide a crucial foundation to help shape health care policies and practices to make quality care accessible to all.
| | | | Participants will learn how RPM can improve chronic disease management, reduce hospitalizations, and enhance patient engagement. The webinar will also cover billing and reimbursement considerations to help organizations develop sustainable RPM programs. | | | | | View event details and registration for several upcoming events: | | |
National Telehealth & Virtual Care
Conference
March 26-27, 2026
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
Nashville, Tennessee
Alliance for Healthier SC Health for All Summit
April 14, 2026
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Columbia, South Carolina
ATA Nexus 2026
May 12-14, 2026
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel
Orlando, Florida
2026 MATRC Summit
August 10-12, 2026
Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport
Herndon, Viriginia
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14th Annual Telehealth Summit of SC
August 31-September 2, 2026
Hyatt Regency Greenville
Greenville, South Carolina
Georgia Rural Health Assoc. Annual Conference
September 15-18, 2026
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
St. Simons Island, Georgia
SC Thrive Annual Training
October 19-20, 2026
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
SCORH Conference
October 20-22, 2026
Spartanburg, South Carolina
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Remote Patient Monitoring
Monitoring That Extends Care Beyond the Clinic
Remote Patient Monitoring allows providers to track
patient health between visits, identify concerns earlier, and adjust care in real time. By monitoring key health indicators from home, RPM helps reduce unnecessary in-person visits and supports better ongoing management of chronic conditions.
At Palmetto Care Connections, we offer a platform that helps practices implement and manage RPM efficiently—supporting better patient monitoring and capturing the care already being delivered.
If you are interested in learning more about RPM, please email Matt Hiatt at info@palmettocareconnections.org.
| | | | My Telehealth:
How Telehealth is Becoming a Frontline Against South Carolina's Measles Outbreak | Delivering Dental Care in Rural Schools Using Telehealth | Rising Health Insurance Costs Push Small Businesses
Towards Telehealth | | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE | | | |
Allendale County Leisure Visit
During Heart Health Month (February), our Telehealth
Team visited the Allendale County Leisure Center to share heart health tips and provide blood pressure, oxygen,
and pulse checks.
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New Digital Literacy Graduates
PCC’s digital literacy team hosted two trainings in Lee County during the first week of March, with more than 40 participants learning how to access telehealth and other online resources. The sessions focused on practical skills for connecting with healthcare and everyday services online.
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Guest Visitors to PCC
PCC recently welcomed our friends from the
South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare and
The Commonwealth Fund to Bamberg to share our mission to increase access to care in rural communities.
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