A clinical site coordinator with Fort Lauderdale, Florida's NAPA Research, Dr. Naval Parikh previously worked as a physician at Body Care Liposculpture & Anti-Aging Clinic. Before beginning his career, Naval Parikh earned his MD from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
From 2014 to 2018, telehealth interactions involving MUSC at 275 rural hospitals, schools, and community clinics increased from 1,000 to 300,000 per year. Telehealth, which refers to the use of technology to deliver health care services to remote locations, has been a priority at MUSC since 2011, and the academic hospital launched its MUSC Center for Telehealth in 2013 to expand these offerings and better serve residents of South Carolina. Now, it operates a statewide network that delivers more than 75 different telehealth services, including remote monitoring for diabetes patients and tele-ICU. In 2017, the US Health Resources and Services Administration named MUSC a National Telehealth Center of Excellence.
The rapid growth of its telehealth offerings is owed in large part to significant federal and state funding. However, MUSC's strategic approach to furthering the capabilities and scope of telehealth services should also be applauded. After early failures at its Center for Telehealth, MUSC adopted a value-based model to direct its telehealth investments and identified seven key areas in which telehealth services will add value, including hospital support services and cost avoidance.
In expanding its practices throughout the state, MUSC partnered with several prominent health care organizations and helped establish the state-funded South Carolina Telehealth Alliance.
