Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing healthcare in big ways! It helps doctors find illnesses, treat patients, and take better care of people. AI can also make hospital work easier and faster. By using smart computers, AI has the potential to help doctors make better choices, save money, and help more people get the care they need. Perfect for healthcare students and providers, this module, AI in Digital Health, explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital health. It covers AI-driven innovations in healthcare, including diagnostics, personalized medicine, administrative automation, and ethical considerations.

Join us for the next edition of our Telehealth Roundup webinar series! “TeleNutrition: Expanding Access to Care” will be presented by Linda Pennington, MS, RDN, LDN, President and Owner of Dietitian Associates, Inc.

We Will Discuss: 

• Define TeleNutrition and the basic components needed to get started.
• Identify state & federal regulations related to TeleNutrition (i.e. licensure, consent, HIPAA compliance)
• Describe routes of reimbursement for TeleNutrition.
• Illustrate lessons learned using real life TeleNutrition scenarios

Miss our recent webinar, “Virtual Nursing: Innovations to Mitigate a Healthcare Workforce Crisis”? We’ve got you covered! The recording for this webinar is now available exclusively on LearnTelehealth.org.

A panel of experts highlighted innovations in virtual nursing as a tool to improve the efficiencies of the healthcare workforce. The Medical University of South Carolina’s Center for Telehealth presented its successes using virtual nursing to reduce patient harm and alleviate administrative burdens from bedside nursing. The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Center for Telehealth additionally highlighted the application of artificial intelligence to virtual nursing.

As part of a study funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Lucinda Leung and her UCLA research team are seeking safety-net clinicians and clinic leaders with expertise in telehealth to participate in a virtual focus group. This study is being conducted in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. It focuses on how state telehealth policy expansion has impacted mental health care delivery, especially for underserved populations.

In Telehealth Talk Episode 36, “Teaching the Future of Care: Digital Health Curriculum at UTHSC”, we talk all about the digital health curriculum at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Joining us is Dr. Laura Reed, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE Associate Professor and Director of Special Academic Programs at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Sarah Rhoads, PhD, DNP, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB, APRN, FAAN, FAWHONN, Professor and a Chair of the Department of Community and Population Health at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Also joining us is Karen Nellis, BSN, RN, AE-C, Nurse and Manager of the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce Grant at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

View the second quarterly update for 2025 has just been published. Take a look at all the changes for the South Central Region (Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee) as well as our Archive!

Along with the exciting news that current Medicare telehealth flexibilities were extended through September 30th, 2025 via recently passed legislation, several changes within the Commercial and Medicaid space also occurred this past quarter, as payors continue to evaluate the newly released 2025 telehealth E/M codes.

The Rural Health Association of Arkansas (RHAA) Summit brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and students to address challenges and
solutions in rural healthcare.

Representing the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC), Melony Stokes, Senior Director of Program Implementation, and Joe Schaffner, Project Manager, attended the event, engaging in discussions on rural healthcare advancements, telehealth integration, and strategies for improving access to care. Their presence highlights SCTRC’s commitment to bridging healthcare gaps through technology and innovative solutions. Read more about their engaging visit!

On February 19, 2025, we hosted an insightful webinar which guided attendees through the significant 2025 telehealth billing and coding changes.

This session provided a detailed review of the newly released telehealth CPT codes from the AMA, along with an analysis of payor acceptance of these codes. We also covered the key updates in the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule related to telehealth. With numerous important changes this year, this recording is an essential resource for staying current and compliant in the evolving telehealth landscape.

We’ve expanded our Resource Library this month with a variety of valuable new additions, including toolkits, webinar recordings, best practice guides, and policy updates. These resources are designed to support telehealth providers, researchers, and patients.

Highlights Include:

• Recent Prescribing Regulations – DEA & HHS Delay Implementation of First Rules (Created by CCHP):
  • The Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) released a writeup detailing the recent prescribing regulations. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced a delay in the effective date for the recently issued final rules regarding the telemedicine prescribing of buprenorphine and telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients. Originally scheduled to become effective February 18, the rules will now take effect on March 21, 2025. For more information, view the full writeup.
• Direct to Consumer (DTC) Toolkit
  • The healthcare landscape is being impacted by Direct to Consumer (DTC) Telemedicine, enabling patients to access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes through video, voice, or text consultations. This toolkit provides a detailed overview of DTC Telemedicine, including key considerations for implementation.

The National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers (NCTRC) has created a webpage titled The Telehealth Policy Cliff: Preparing for April 1, 2025, which addresses the impending changes to Medicare telehealth services should the key telehealth flexibilities expire on March 31st, 2025. The page offers strategies for healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to prepare for these shifts and stay informed!

This essential resource will be updated every week! Subscribe to the SCTRC or NCTRC newsletters to stay up-to-date on all changes.

Register for the next edition of our webinar, “Telehealth 101” to be held on March 19, 2025 at 12:00PM!

Telehealth 101 provides a high overview of telehealth, telemedicine, and digital health. Learn about terminology, benefits, technology and the South Central Telehealth Resource Center among the other Telehealth Resource Centers.

On December 4, 2024, we hosted an insightful discussion with Subhi J. Al’Aref, M.D., Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program Director and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Al’Aref explored artificial intelligence (AI) through the lens of deep learning and shared its applications in cardiology, offering strategies to improve access to care.

The latest quarterly updates on telehealth billing and reimbursement for Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee are now available. Numerous telehealth changes occurred at the end of 2024 that will significantly impact telehealth coding and billing including important changes to telehealth codes, Medicare policies, and commercial payor guidelines, as well as updates for RHCs and FQHCs.

We’ve expanded our Resource Library this month with a variety of valuable new additions, including toolkits, webinar recordings, best practice guides, and policy updates. These resources are designed to support telehealth providers, researchers, and patients.

Highlights Include:

• Rural Telementoring Resources:
  • A toolkit, flyer, and webinar recordings from the Rural Telementoring Training Center.
• Policy Updates:
  • Webinar recording on the Federal Telehealth Policy 2025 and a summary of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule for CY 2025.
• Best Practices and Case Studies:
  • Guides for Telehealth Access Points (TAPs), privacy and security education, and virtual nursing success stories.
• Innovative Solutions:
  • Insights into workforce development and virtual nursing strategies, including resources from Caregility and the Equum Medical Lighthouse Series.

Stay informed on the latest legislative and regulatory changes for telehealth and telemedicine in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. These updates, compiled by the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP), cover important developments impacting the South Central region.

In December 2024, Terri Imus, Director of Operations for Clinical Telemedicine at the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation, participated in the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s 90th Annual State Convention in Hot Springs. Leading a session on the role of telemedicine in rural communities, Imus connected with over 130 attendees and highlighted the work of the SCTRC Telehealth Training Centers. She also met with industry professionals from Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the Arkansas Veterinarian Association, and more, fostering collaboration between agriculture and healthcare sectors to improve rural services in Arkansas.

In mid-December, Hari Eswaran and Wendy Ross, co-directors of the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC), traveled to Rockville, MD, to meet with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office for the Advancement of Telehealth (OAT) and their fellow Regional and National Telehealth Resource Centers. This gathering provided an incredible opportunity to share success stories, celebrate collaborations, and strategize for the future of telehealth.

The event was a platform to highlight the collective achievements of the Telehealth Resource Centers and the HRSA Telehealth Centers of Excellence. With support from HRSA and the HHS Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, the SCTRC continues to drive telehealth innovation forward.

Amy Moses, Senior Program Manager, and Melony Stokes, Senior Director of Programs, recently represented SCTRC at the 3rd Annual TN Health Careers Summit & Expo. Held on November 1st at Meharry Medical College in Nashville and on November 7th at the Baptist Health Sciences University Campus in Memphis, the event provided an excellent opportunity to showcase SCTRC’s telehealth innovations and engage with future health professionals. 

The team was invited to exhibit at these events where they introduced attendees to telehealth tools, including a live demonstration of the Kardia EKG device, which drew considerable interest from participants. The summit highlighted SCTRC’s commitment to engaging with students and professionals in telehealth, helping to foster a new generation of healthcare innovators. 

As the SCTRC team takes a brief holiday pause, we’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your camaraderie throughout the year!

As we head into 2025, we’re excited to continue delivering valuable telehealth education, resources, and support as we strive for even greater health outcomes together.

Wishing you joyful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Amy Moses, Senior Program Manager at SCTRC, announced a collaborative effort with the Southeastern Telehealth Training Center to expand telehealth accessibility. Together, they translated two core modules into Spanish:  

Introducción a la Telesalud

Equipo de Telesalud

 This project involved team members from both organizations working on translation and audio recording. Looking ahead to next year, the collaboration will extend to producing several Spanish-language podcasts, broadening telehealth resources for Spanish-speaking communities. This translation initiative marks a significant step in enhancing telehealth education and making it more inclusive for diverse communities. 

The UAMS Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative (AGEC) and the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC) have joined forces to expand educational opportunities for older adults across Arkansas. This collaboration focuses on providing telehealth education and training to underserved communities, improving access to vital resources and care strategies. 

“AGEC is thrilled to collaborate with the partners at the South Central Telehealth Resource Center and UAMS Institute for Digital Health to provide wonderful, timely educational opportunities to older adults throughout Arkansas,” said Laura Spradley, AGEC Outreach Manager.  

As part of this initiative, AGEC will host a virtual session in December titled Understanding Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease. This event will provide attendees with essential information on symptoms, progression, and care strategies. Stay tuned for more details and visit AGEC’s community events page to explore other upcoming opportunities. 

Amy Moses, Senior Program Manager, and Melony Stokes, Senior Director of Programs, recently represented SCTRC at the 3rd Annual TN Health Careers Summit & Expo. Held on November 1st at Meharry Medical College in Nashville and on November 7th at the Baptist Health Sciences University Campus in Memphis, the event provided an excellent opportunity to showcase SCTRC’s telehealth innovations and engage with future health professionals. 

The team was invited to exhibit at these events where they introduced attendees to telehealth tools, including a live demonstration of the Kardia EKG device, which drew considerable interest from participants. The summit highlighted SCTRC’s commitment to engaging with students and professionals in telehealth, helping to foster a new generation of healthcare innovators. 

Registration is now open for SEARCH 2025 – The National Telehealth Research Symposium! SEARCH 2025 will showcase connected health efforts, strategies, and partnerships, specifically those that focus on the research of telemedicine, telehealth, eHealth, mHealth, and other healthcare technologies. Join us in sunny Los Angeles, California from February 2-3, 2025! For more information visit SEARCHSociety,org/SEARCH25

On October 2, 2024, Amy Moses, Senior Program Manager at SCTRC, attended the TPCA Annual Conference in Franklin, TN. The “Sustainability in Motion” event focused on innovative approaches and best practices to ensure community health center sustainability in a dynamic healthcare environment. Despite some attendees being unable to attend due to Hurricane Helene, the conference brought together 76 CEOs, administrators, and clinical representatives from across Tennessee to discuss practical solutions for community health centers.  

On October 17, 2024, the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC) led a telehealth training for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Northwest Arkansas. Led by Melony Stokes and Terri Imus, the training focused on the role of CHWs in promoting telehealth access. Participants learned how to advocate for virtual visits, use remote patient monitoring devices, and received guidance on telemedicine billing. This training supports SCTRC’s mission to improve healthcare access in rural communities through telehealth.  

On October 2, 2024, SCTRC collaborated with St. Mary’s Regional Health System in Russellville, AR, to host a group of 16 international scholars from the United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI). The scholars toured the facility and participated in educational sessions focused on telehealth technology and its applications. They witnessed live demonstrations, including a Telecart mock demonstration of a stroke patient led by Tim Tanner, ER Nurse Manager & Stroke Facilitator for St. Mary’s Regional Health System in Russellville.  One scholar shared their appreciation: “The training and service are unmatched, indeed worth the travels and I deeply appreciate the opportunity.”

A recent study titled Using Data Analytics for Telehealth Utilization: A Case Study in Arkansas highlights key factors influencing telehealth adoption across the state. The research, led by Aysenur Betul Cengil, Burak Eksioglu, Sandra Eksioglu, Corey J Hayes, and Cari A Bogulski, includes contributions from Hari Eswaran, Co-Director of the South Central Telehealth Resource Center (SCTRC). The study examines how demographic and socioeconomic factors, such as broadband access and education, have shaped telehealth usage, offering important insights for future healthcare policies to expand telehealth services. 

Abstract submissions for SEARCH 2025 – The National Telehealth Research Symposium will close on October 31st! We are currently seeking Poster and Oral Presentations. Focus categories include, but are not limited to: Research, Policy, Education, Administration, and State of the Art. To submit your abstract for SEARCH 2025, visit SEARCHSociety,org/SEARCH25!