Avera Looks to Expand eCare School Nurses in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Avera Health is looking to expand a partnership with the Sioux Falls School District in which nurses treat students through telemedicine.

Avera and eight Sioux Falls schools have partnered for a year on the pilot program that involves nurses treating students remotely through computers.

The Argus Leader newspaper reports that more than 500 students used the Avera eCare system for virtual visits with an Avera nurse. District Health Services Supervisor Molly Satter says remote nurses aren't meant to replace existing school nursing staff, but rather to work closely with the school nurses.

The Sioux Falls School Board said the program was even more beneficial than anticipated.

Avera hopes to expand to four more schools in the fall.