Sen. Craig Undergoes Physical Broadcast in Idaho To Demonstrate Usefulness of Telemedicine

To "demonstrate the power of telehealth," Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) underwent a physical on July 2 that was broadcast live throughout Idaho, the Spokane Spokesman-Review reports. During a field hearing on telemedicine in Pocatello, Idaho, Craig tested his own blood pressure, stood on a scale and held a stethoscope to his chest while a nurse in Boise gave him instructions over a small video screen. The blood pressure cuff, scale and stethoscope were connected to a computer linked to the video screen. Information from the diagnostic tests was transmitted to the nurse in Boise. Craig, who helped secure $3 million in federal funding for telehealth in Idaho, said, "This application fits Idaho very well. Many were fearful we wouldn't be able to provide services we have in the past. Now that's less so with this technology." Several pilot telehealth projects are underway across the state, including one at the Boise-based St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center that is using technology to connect wound-care specialists with patients who require daily monitoring (Drumheller, Spokane Spokesman-Review, 7/3).