CareSouth Carolina’s Katelon Smith Recognized for Excellence in Patient Care and Health Outcomes
Katelon Smith Team.
CareSouth Carolina is celebrating the outstanding work of Katelon Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and her care team after achieving significant improvements in several key patient care measures, including blood pressure management, diabetes care, preventive screenings and depression management.
Smith and her team recently received recognition for their continued success in improving patient outcomes, including seven consecutive months of maintaining blood pressure control rates above 80%.
Other notable accomplishments include a significant reduction in patients with poorly controlled diabetes, continued improvement in kidney health screenings for patients with diabetes, strong performance in chlamydia screening measures, and positive trends in two depression-related quality measures.
A Proactive Approach to Patient Care
Smith credits much of her team’s success to consistent follow-up, attention to detail, and taking the time to understand each patient’s individual needs.
When it comes to blood pressure management, even small adjustments in how the team approaches appointments have made a difference.
“I think a big part of blood pressure management is, one, making sure whoever’s checking your blood pressure is checking it correctly,” Smith said.
Her team also places an emphasis on repeating elevated blood pressure readings before patients leave their appointments, helping ensure that potential concerns don’t go unnoticed.
For patients who continue to experience elevated blood pressure, Smith works to arrange follow-up visits, encourage home monitoring when possible, and address barriers that might prevent patients from taking their prescribed medications.
That same approach carries over into diabetes management.
For patients with significantly elevated A1C levels, Smith often recommends monthly appointments until their blood sugar levels improve. She also works to ensure patients understand how to use their medications, have the supplies necessary to monitor their blood sugar, and can afford their prescribed treatments.
Rather than simply prescribing medication and waiting for the next routine appointment, Smith believes in staying connected with patients and addressing challenges before they become more serious.
Looking Beyond the Reason for the Visit
One of the biggest factors behind the team’s success is its commitment to identifying healthcare needs even when patients visit for unrelated concerns.
Smith explained that someone might schedule an appointment for a minor illness or injury, but that visit can also provide an opportunity to address overdue screenings, chronic conditions or medication concerns.
For example, a patient who hasn’t received diabetes-related laboratory testing in several months may be able to complete that testing during an already scheduled appointment rather than having to return another day.
“It’s important to catch them when you can,” Smith said. “We work to make sure that they know they have access to these screenings, which can help prevent potential issues down the road.”
Teamwork Makes the Difference
Although Smith has received recognition for these accomplishments, she is quick to credit the people working alongside her.
“I couldn’t do most of this without them. We have a great team that works hard to make sure the patient is taken care of,” Smith said.
She particularly recognized Amber Arthur, who works closely with her to review patient information, identify overdue screenings and help coordinate necessary follow-up care.
Smith also credited other members of the care team, including staff who help obtain outside medical records, review upcoming appointments and contact patients who may have missed important visits.
The Hartsville Suite B staff includes: (If you want to list their names)
Daily team huddles play an important role in that process. Before patients arrive, staff members review schedules and identify opportunities to address preventive care needs or chronic conditions.
That preparation allows Smith to enter appointments with a clearer understanding of each patient’s medical history and outstanding healthcare needs.
The team’s efforts don’t end when patients leave the office, either.
Staff members regularly follow up on missed appointments, help patients reschedule visits and work to identify obstacles that may prevent them from receiving care.
Smith believes those personal connections can make a meaningful difference.
“I think when people know that you care about them, they’re more likely to do what you want to do,” she said.
Making a Lasting Difference in Patients’ Lives
For Smith, the most rewarding part of working at CareSouth Carolina is seeing patients improve over time.
She particularly enjoys helping individuals manage chronic conditions, especially when they initially arrive struggling with symptoms or poorly controlled diabetes.
Through consistent treatment, education and follow-up care, Smith has the opportunity to watch patients make meaningful progress toward better health.
“You can actually see the fruit of your labor,” Smith said.
Katelon Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, practices at the Hartsville Suite B office, located at 1268 S. Fourth Street in Hartsville.