InPlace Medical Solutions, an offshore medical service that connects remote workers with physicians through live, two-way video conferencing, reportedlyset a new standard in offshore medical services by completing the first 1,000 hours of telemedicine healthcare services for Scorpion Offshore's jackup rig, Offshore Courageous.

 

With this telemedicine healthcare services project, Scorpion Offshore becomes the first drilling contractor to provide a full-service system of advanced healthcare to rig workers.

 

InPlace Medical Solutions is a brand of NuPhysicia, a provider of telemedicine health services in the United States. The company reportedly uses concepts and technologies developed by the University of Texas Medical Branch and proven through their use in locations such as Antarctica.

 

NuPhysicia launched InPlace Medical Solutions in February.

 

InPlace Medical Solutions' delivery model provides qualified medics, advanced equipment, medical quality video conferencing, and an electronic medical record (EMR) system for record keeping, the company said.

 

The service also includes 128 prescription medications, including vaccines and 20 types of antibiotics. The live, two-way video conferencing allows the physician to see and talk to the patient and do examinations with video scopes and a digital stethoscope.

 

InPlace Medical Solutions' pilot project provides Offshore Courageous with immediate access to “world-class, board-certified physicians through live, two-way videoconferencing,” officials said.

 

With this facility, Scorpion Offshore is able to improve the health outcomes of their rig workers and reduce the number of unnecessary helicopter evacuations and associated risks.

 

“We believe the arrangement with InPlace Medical to provide medical services on the Offshore Courageous in Malaysia will prove to be mutually beneficial to the personnel assigned to the Courageous, Scorpion Offshore and our client, Sarawak Shell Bhd,” said Travis Fitts Jr., vice president of Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment for Scorpion Offshore.

 

“Within the first few weeks of contract commencement, a medical evacuation due to a significant non-work related medical condition was avoided with a positive outcome,” Fitts said. “We are excited about our alliance with InPlace Medical and look forward to working together in setting new standards of performance excellence in the offshore drilling industry.”