Freeman Health System: Joplin Schools teams up with Freeman for new telemedicine option: How it works

JOPLIN, Mo. - With cold and flu season in full swing in the Four States, Freeman Health System is highlighting a service offered in area school districts. Joplin's North Middle School hosted a live demonstration of the Freeman School Telemedicine program Tuesday afternoon. Sick students and staff can connect with a Freeman provider while at their school nurse's office to get diagnosed, with an option for parents to join virtually. Patients can use insurance or pay a $35 examination fee, but no one is turned away for an inability to pay. The program provides an alternative to doctor's visits that take students out of the classroom and parents out of work. "We have medical grade equipment, where the provider at another site is able to utilize the equipment to look into the ears, the nose, the throat. We have stethoscope; they're able to listen to heart and lung sounds. So that is allowing you a much more thorough examination and assessment that takes place right from your school nurse's office," said Renee Denton, Freeman Neosho Hospital Chief Operating Officer. "A lot of the students, they may not have access to care. So either they don't have a primary physician, or their parents do not have insurance for them, and they may not get seen...By me offering this, they get seen sooner, they get the medication if they need it sooner, and then they can be back to school sooner," said Deonna Newton, Joplin North Middle School Nurse. "They do better with their grades, they're happier, they're around their friends, they're involved in activities, and it just enhances the whole school day, which is what they're here for is to learn," said Dr. Kerry Sachetta, Joplin Schools Superintendent. Freeman started the telemedicine program around eight years ago. Right now, it's available at 52 campuses across the Joplin, Sarcoxie, Diamond, Neosho, Seneca, Westview, East Newton, and McDonald County school districts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.