Editorial: Telemedicine may help local schools

Frequently the best advances are simple, yet help a wide range of people. Such is the case with "telemedicine."

As the Sun's Art Nadler explained in Monday's editions, telemedicine allows a doctor to examine and diagnose a patient's illness over closed-circuit television, even though hundreds of miles may separate the patient and doctor.

In addition to being able to see the patient with a camera, instruments where the patient is located allow a specialist to assist the doctor's examination. For example, an otoscope could look into a patient's ear and throat if a doctor suspects an ear infection.

Telemedicine has been used in Nevada for the past 18 months. The University of Nevada School of Medicine started the program so that large cities, such as Las Vegas, could serve rural areas where physicians aren't as readily available.

Based on a pilot program in the Kansas City, Kan., School District, telemedicine could be used even in our local school district. This can be a particularly useful tool for families where both parents are working. Instead of having to take off a day from work, or having the child leave school for a half-day, the student simply can be examined at school. In addition, some students who don't have access to medical care would benefit under this program.

Matching dollars from the federal government may help defray some of the costs. The Clark County School District should explore whether the promising idea of telemedicine could be implemented in our local schools.

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