CHOP exploring telemedicine deal for Native Americans

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Indian Health Service, a unit of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are exploring the creation of a telehealth program for American Indians and Alaska Native children, the two organizations said Tuesday.

As part of a memorandum of understanding, CHOP and the Indian Health Service, which services 2.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives, will develop a pediatric telemedicine plan for the Navajo areas of Phoenix, Tuscon, and Albuquerque, all in Arizona.

Longer term, the telemedicine services developed by CHOP are expected to reach tribal communities in Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah, in addition to those in Arizona.