Freeman launches telemedicine program in Joplin schools
Freeman Health System is bringing telemedicine into Joplin schools.
Over the next year, the program will deploy 17 units with medical-grade equipment in each school. Each unit will have a video link capability that connects directly to Freeman medical providers.
Once completely implemented, the telemedicine program, will benefit 8,700 students and staff in the Joplin school district.
Through the telemedicine program, a mobile telemedicine cart is used by the school nurse enabling a medical provider outside the school to examine the student, who remains at the school nurse’s office.
The medical-grade attachments allow the provider to examine the patient’s eyes, ears, nose, and throat, as well as listen to the patient’s heart tones, breath and lung sounds, and abdomen. The dermascope enables the provider to see any conditions of the skin, minor injuries, etc.
This equipment makes it possible for a diagnosis to be made for many acute minor illnesses/injuries via telemedicine, all without leaving school to make a physical trip to a provider’s office.
On Tuesday, McKinley Elementary third graders got a bird’s eye view of new technology. A ribbon-cutting also marked the start of the program. McKinley Elementary will be the first school to go online with telemedicine in the next week.
“School-based telemedicine is a win-win idea whose time has come,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President, and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s not meant to replace a child’s primary care physician – it’s strictly a service of convenience that helps keep children in school and parents at work. We know increased access to medical services results in healthier students and healthier communities.”
By spring break in March, telemedicine carts will also arrive at Memorial Education Center, Soaring Heights Elementary and Joplin High School.
“The benefits of having a telemedicine option in our schools are great,” said Dr. Melinda Moss, Joplin Schools Superintendent. “The main benefit is the opportunity to keep the children and staff of Joplin Schools healthy. Having telemedicine will not only enhance health but also keep our students and teachers in the classroom, reducing the number of school days missed due to illness or injury by offering prompt and convenient access to a local Freeman medical provider from our school site.”
When a parent receives a phone call from a school nurse advising that their child is ill and needs to see a provider, telemedicine will be an option that can save parents time by eliminating the need to leave work to take their child to a doctor’s office. Instead, parents have the option of giving consent for a telemedicine visit to occur and to be present virtually to participate in the telehealth visit from their smartphone or smart device.