Patient Support Services
Patient Support Services
This page outlines the telehealth support services available to help patients navigate technology, access care, and feel confident using virtual tools. It includes resources your patients can use directly, along with programs like community health workers who can provide hands-on assistance. Use this page to quickly connect patients with the right help so telehealth becomes easier, smoother, and more accessible for patients.
Explaining Telehealth to Patients
This quick-reference guide helps patients understand what telehealth is, what they need for a successful visit, and how different types of virtual care work. It walks patients through getting started, preparing their device and internet connection, and knowing what to expect during video, phone, or asynchronous visits. Providers can share this resource to make telehealth visits smoother, reduce preventable tech issues, and boost patient confidence with virtual care.
Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trusted members of the community who help patients navigate healthcare systems and address barriers such as transportation, food insecurity, and access to services. They serve as liaisons between healthcare teams and patients, providing culturally appropriate health education, care coordination, and advocacy.
Key CHW Resources in South Carolina:
- SC Community Health Worker Association
- Certification, training, and professional development
- USC CHW Institute
- Program development and technical assistance
- SC DHEC CHW Program
- Connecting patients with CHWs statewide
Digital Navigation Resource Guide
Some people need support setting up devices, affording or using the internet, or joining virtual visits. Our Digital Navigation Resource Guide includes resources for home internet, digital devices like low-cost computers, and digital skill training or tech help.
Legend
Internet resources offered
Digital device resources offered
Digital skill resources offered
| Name | Description | Internet Resource | Digital Device Resource | Digital Skills Resource |
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| SCTA Affordable Internet Options | A resource including eligibility, benefits, contact information, and coverage area for multiple low-cost internet plans likeLifeLine, Spectrum, Xfinity, Human-i-t, and more. |
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| Palmetto Care Connections |
Resource Guide Maps: A county-specific guide for accessing digital devices and the internet in all counties in South Carolina. Palmetto Connect: Provides rural and underserved areas of South Carolina with digital literacy training, internet access and affordability consulting, and connects individuals to telehealth resources. |
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| South Carolina Local Library System | Many local libraries provide free internet to the community, including mobile WiFi hotspots for check-out, and may be able to assist with securing connectivity in the home. |
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| PCs for People | Purchase a low-cost 4G mobile hotspot, must meet eligibility criteria (documentation of current enrollment in an income-based government assistance program OR documentation of current household income under 200% of the federal poverty level or 60% of area median income). Does not require proof of citizenship. |
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| SC Equipment Distribution Program | Provides free specialized phones, cell phone accessories, alerting devices and tablets to South Carolina residents who have trouble hearing or speaking on the phone. |
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| Palmetto Goodwill |
Career Opportunity Centers: No-cost digital skill assessment and training available at all career opportunity centers M-F, 10AM–4PM. Locations include Carolina Forest, Charleston, Florence, Georgetown, Summerville, Sumter, Market Common, Beaufort, Walterboro, North Myrtle Beach, and Orangeburg. Training at Palmetto Goodwill: Career navigation and training opportunities available at no cost to qualified individuals: veterans, SNAP recipients, citizens returning from incarceration, and seniors 55+. |
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| DigitalLearn | An online platform offering free, self-paced, video-based digital skills training with narration, with a focus on basic skills like using computers and navigating the internet. |
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| South Carolina Adult Education Centers | Local adult education centers provide digital skills training for career readiness credentials, English language learning, family literacy, and for learners earning their GED or high school diploma. |
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| Senior Planet from AARP |
Sign up to receive free, personalized help with technology-related questions from Senior Planet volunteers. These sessions will take place over Zoom. To sign up for an appointment, please call the Senior Planet Hotline at 888-713-3495. Hotline hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 8:00pm ET and Saturday, 9:00am – 2:00pm ET |
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Additional SCTA Digital Literacy Resources
- Affordable Internet Options Flyer: A printable handout with details about low-cost internet programs in South Carolina.
- Videos to Share or Watch
- For Providers: How to Support Patients with Digital Literacy – Tips for helping patients overcome digital access barriers.