The unique health care model at the University of Idaho has taken alternative forms to treat injuries and illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Integrated Sports Medicine and Rehabilitative Therapy (ISMaRT) Clinic evaluates and treats injuries and illnesses on campus, supervised by athletic training faculty members. ISMaRT Clinic has transferred over to telemedicine to keep seeing those in need.
“Due to impacts of COVID-19, the ISMaRT Clinic is unable to see patients in the clinic, so telemedicine offers us an opportunity to continue to treat our patients,” Director of Therapy Services at the ISMaRT Clinic Jayme Baker said.
Many may be wondering what telemedicine is and how it works.
“Telemedicine is the use of a computer or phone to connect with a health care provider when a face to face appointment is not possible or more convenient,” Baker said.
This service is available to anyone with a musculoskeletal condition looking for treatment. Telemedicine started by reaching out to current patients to continue the care they were already receiving. However, telemedicine is now available to new patients who reach out to the ISMaRT Clinic.
UI students, faculty, staff and community members can use this service. There is no fee for students, but faculty and staff pay $10 a visit and community members pay $15 a visit. Initial evaluations are free of charge.
Baker said they believe it is important to continue this service because as a health care provider and they still want to be able to continue to provide care for patients.
“Patients may be stuck at home but the injury, pain or dysfunction they have does not stop,” Baker said. “If we can continue to provide relief or just support for our patients, hopefully, we will improve not only their condition but also their overall quality of life.”
Baker’s advice for staying healthy during this time is to get out and move.
“Movement is good, not only for our muscles and joints, but also for our overall health and wellbeing,” Baker said. “It is important to be conscious about our physical and mental health during this period.”
The clinic will continue to provide telemedicine until the end of the semester.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce.