Parsons Sun, August 13, 2002
Pamela Cavitt

People in rural communities like Parsons often feel their access to medical specialists is limited. A new project from the University of Kansas should alleviate that concern.

The Telehealth for Kansas Project located at the University Center on Developmental Disabilities at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center is up and running, and ready to connect patients and doctors using real-time video and audio technology.

Gloria Middleton is the project's local coordinator. She helps link patients with doctors using an interactive television system located on the grounds of the state hospital.

"The technology is amazing. With this ITV system you and the doctor can communicate effectively with real time audio and video," Middleton said. "This project is designed with rural communities such as ours in mind. We can now give children access to specialists at the K.U. Medical Center without driving for hours."

Practitioners in psychiatry, dermatology, dietetics and nutrition, geriatrics, pediatric cardiology, oncology and hematology, and other specialties are available for consultation through the telehealth project, which has over 40 sites throughout the state. The primary focus of the Parsons program is for children with developmental disabilities, however.

Parents can get services for their children such as autism screening, autism program consultation, or developmental disability and challenging behaviors consultation.

"Not only can parents use this service but also school nurses, teachers, and others involved in the child's daily activities may attend the appointment, Middleton said.

Potential patients can call Middleton to set up the video appointment.

The telehealth appointment takes place is a large studio in the Media Services wing of the UCDD building on the campus. The patient and family are seated behind a table in front of two large- screen televisions. Middleton enters a few numbers on a remote control, and within minutes the health practitioner appears on screen.

Using a camera and microphones set up in the studio, the practitioner, patient, and family can see and hear each other in real time. They can discuss whatever concerns the patient might have, just as they would in a personal meeting in a doctor's office.

There is no cost for accessing the service, which is funded by a grant. "The cost to the patient is minimal. The only cost is for getting to the site," said Michael Ahlers, senior coordinator for the Center for TeleMedicine and TeleHealth.

Private insurance or Medicaid generally covers the cost of services received through both the telehealth system and another project at the UCDD -- on-site outreach clinics.

Middleton also coordinates the outreach clinics in which specialists in pediatric medicine travel to Parsons to provide services to children with developmental disabilities and special health care needs.

At an upcoming clinic set for Sept. 13 at the UCDD, orthopedic surgeons, developmental pediatricians, an orthotist/prosthetist (a practitioner who fits braces) and a maternal and child nutrition consultant will see children with special needs. Middleton said there is still time to schedule an appointment for the outreach clinic.

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