(Joplin, MO) – Eight school districts representing 52 school locations indicate how rapidly the Freeman Health System’s School Telemedicine Program has grown in just eight short years.
Although the service was not as advanced as it is today, the program concept first began in Seneca and Neosho school districts. The program has since been adopted by officials with Diamond, East Newton and Westview in Newton County, McDonald County to the south and Sarcoxie in Jasper County. The program is in its third year in Joplin schools and was first established there in early 2022.
Working parents who dread the occasional midafternoon phone call concerning a sick child at school can breathe more easily, thanks to telemedicine carts located in the 52 school nurse’s offices found across the eight school districts.
“Many times, a child has a minor illness and it’s something that could very easily be taken care of with a telemedicine visit,” said Renee Denton, Freeman Neosho Hospital Chief Operating Officer. “Our goal is to have immediate access to care with rapid diagnosis and treatment so the child can return to the learning environment just as quickly as possible, reducing the amount of time they are out of the classroom.”
The program works like this: A student complains of an illness and makes his or her way to the nurse’s office. Generations ago, the student would hold a thermometer under the tongue and lie down with a cold washcloth on the forehead. No longer. First, the school nurse will speak to the student to understand what’s wrong. If the child’s illness is beyond the resources the school nurse has available, the parent is notified and with their consent and participation the school nurse initiates a telemedicine visit and connects with a Freeman provider.
With that Freeman provider remotely utilizing medical grade attachments — visually looking into the ear, for example, or listening to heart and lung sounds — the sick child can be examined while the parent, joining from a phone or laptop, can see and hear what is going on and can even ask questions. Medications, if needed, can then be ordered from a preferred pharmacy for pickup later in the day.
“Medical grade equipment allows for a much more thorough examination and assessment that takes place right from your school nurse’s office,” Denton said.
During the 2024 fall semester, 78 percent of students and staff who participated in a school telemedicine visit were able to stay at school. Early diagnosis and intervention can hasten the student’s return to the classroom — often by 24 hours.
“This program assures students don’t miss that important educational time at school,” Denton said.
The telemedicine program accepts all insurance, Denton said. If a child or staff member doesn’t have insurance, an affordable flat fee or payment options are available. It’s also not necessary for a student or school staff member to have a Freeman primary care provider to take advantage of this service.
“We will never turn away anyone who doesn’t have insurance or the ability to pay,” Denton said.
During a press conference held on January 21, North Middle School Nurse Deonna Newton led a demonstration of the system’s capabilities with Freeman Nurse Practitioner Whitney Franklin working remotely, using North Middle School’s Dustin Vangilder as the mock sick patient.
Dr. Kerry Sachetta, Joplin Schools Superintendent, said studies, both internally and nationally, show that students who attend school on a regular basis are happier, more involved and achieve better grades.
“The more the telemedicine program is used, the better off we are for our students,” he said. “They’re in our care when they’re here, and once they enroll in school, we expect students to be here every day. They can’t learn if they’re not here.”
Dr. Sachetta said he has personally used the Freeman telemedicine program several times when feeling under the weather and found the experience both helpful and convenient.
“I really appreciated the help I received on the other end. They were very good in terms of explaining everything to me,” Dr. Sachetta said. “I felt good when I left, just as if I’d seen my own doctor.”
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center — the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services — as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Reference:
Kevin McClintock, Media Relations Coordinator
Freeman Health System
417.434.3458
KSMcclintock@freemanhealth.com
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