Sports medicine technologies will be available for dozens of high schools around the Puget Sound region in Washington, according to K5.
Here are five facts:
1. Injured high school athletes will be able to access a physician virtually using a cellphone or computer while playing a sport.
2. A physician is able to speak to the athlete and assess the injury to determine a preliminary diagnosis.
3. The South Sound Clinics in Auburn is spearheading the telemedicine program for 50 Puget Sound high schools.
4. The state of Washington made changes this year to telemedicine laws enabling coaches, athletic trainers, students and parents to log onto private portals for virtual consultation.
5. Telemedicine is more convenient and cost-effective than an emergency room visit. A standard emergency room visit for an ankle sprain can cost up to $1,400 as opposed to a telemedicine consultation costing around $50.
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