Telemedicine (the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology), is largely used to connect medical professionals with children in rural schools.
In South Carolina, telemedicine is one solution to its health care provider shortage in rural areas and has invested in telemedicine equipment for several schools. In fact, Greenville Health System is a strategic partner of the South Carolina Telehealth alliance.
A school telemedicine was implemented in schools four years ago, and has grown to provide virtual service in 45 locations, a majority of those in “very rural areas,” said Kelli Marie Garber, who runs a telemedicine program in Charleston.
But, the program may face huge budget cuts if the proposed healthcare bill is passed (read that bill here).
In many rural areas, the school nurse is the only medical professional providing care for children. Telemedicine has helped shrink the physical gap in care.
Garber says “nearly the entire state in considered medically underserved.”
Congress will vote on the bill after the July 4th recess.
