Salem Community Schools Announces Teleclinic
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowSalem Community Schools has announced a new telehealth clinic. Funded through a Health Resources and Services Administration grant made available to the Indiana Rural Health Association, the teleclinic will allow rural students to be evaluated by medical professionals virtually.
The partnership between Salem Community Schools and Indiana Rural Health Association has secured funding for high tech equipment that will allow Bradie Shrum Elementary students to be examined remotely by health care professionals. This allows rural students to receive immediate care, without cause for a parent to take off work to drive to the school, and then to a medical facility.
The medical professional or provider leading the telehealth diagnostic session can also send follow-up information to the children’s physician and prescriptions directly to local pharmacies for pickup. Each student must must have prior parent/guardian consent to participate, and any fees are billed to insurance. No student will be denied coverage or treatment because of inability to pay.
“Through this innovative approach of incorporating telehealth into the school setting, we are confident children will receive quality healthcare that is more accessible to them than it ever has been before. Parents won’t have to take time off work, struggle with getting an appointment with their doctor or worry about transportation issues. They can now receive help in getting their children healthier, instead of the limitations they may face with seeking primary care during the school day,” said Don Kelso, IRHA executive director.
The system uses video conferencing, sensors and other diagnostic tools to evaluate students. School staff is currently being trained to use and facilitate the new technology. The new telehealth clinic is being supported by Ascension/St. Vincent Salem and funding for the technology equipment was provided by MDWise.