The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded a $600,000 grant to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). The grant includes naming the two centers as ‘Telehealth Centers of Excellence’ in the United States.

"This is a phenomenal achievement," said Patrick J. Cawley, MD, MUSC Health CEO and vice president of Health Affairs. "This grant acknowledges the premier position that our telehealth team has established not only in South Carolina, but across the nation. It serves as another clear affirmation of our institution's commitment to fulfill our vision—to lead health innovation for the lives we touch."

MUSC, who provides telehealth services at more than 200 locations within South Carolina, and UMMC, provider of telehealth to more than 500,000 patients, plan to utilize the grant to further extend telehealth services and develop innovation in improving efficiency and effectiveness of care. Specifically, UMMC plans to improve in analyzing the impact of telehealth on healthcare spending, developing payment methods, increasing provider awareness and expanding research into telehealth utilization.

“UMMC’s selection as a national Telehealth Center of Excellence is affirmation of our mission and responsibility to bring high-quality health care to all Mississippians, especially those in rural, underserved areas,” said LouAnn Woodward, MD, UMMC vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. “We look forward to using our experience to help advance best practices for this increasingly vital service. I’m grateful for Senator Cochran’s support of our application.”