Telehealth Program Debuts at Phelps Luck Elementary

The first telemedicine-based wellness center in a Maryland school debuted this week at Phelps Luck Elementary School, Howard County officials announced.

Online technology connects the child with a physician at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital in Baltimore, with the elementary school health official facilitating in Columbia.

Parents have the option of joining the teleconference, in which the physician will examine and diagnose sore throats, eye and ear infections, skin rashes, allergies and respiratory illnesses, according to a statement from Howard County.

Telehealth technology provider Careclix provided machines equipped with medical tools that have cameras attached; the school-based health practitioner uses these to conduct the exam, giving the doctor an inside look at the patient.

“A parent will be able to get an email and watch in real-time the doctor, their child and ... what the medical technology shows,” County Executive Ken Ulman said. “As a parent, I am thrilled with this.”

Four other schools—Running Brook, Bryant Woods, Talbott Springs and Stevens Forest—are expected to receive certification and telemedicine carts by October, according to a statement from Howard County. Each Careclix machine cost $$20,000, Howard County government spokeswoman Karen Spicer said.

The Howard County Health Department will oversee the program, and services will not cost families anything during an initial trial period. It has not yet been determined how long the phase-in period will last, Spicer said.

According to Howard County Health Officer Maura Rossman, M.D., research shows that school-based wellness centers with telehealth programs reduce absenteeism, improve grades and enhance well-being,

“Telehealth keeps students in class, and helps them feel better sooner so they can focus on instruction,” Howard County Public School System Superintendent Renee Foose said. “It will be a great boon for all students and families, and especially those with the greatest need.