TEAM Clinic Makes News Again: Shawnee Schools Offer Virtual Doctor Visits
TEAM Clinics once again made the news, this time featured in a Fox25 story about a new service being offered at four Shawnee Public Schools.
The Shawnee Public School system has partnered with TEAM Clinics to offer virtual doctor visits to sick kids. Students will have access to immediate, quality medical care without parents having to take time off work to take a sick child to the doctor.
Helping Sick Kids and Their Parents
Most parents have experienced that sinking feeling, having just received a call at work that a child is in the nurse’s office and needs medical attention. They must scramble to rearrange schedules and ask for personal time off from work, all the while worrying about their child’s well being. And there’s no guarantee they’ll be able to get in to see a doctor that same day, which means they may have to take even more time off from their jobs.
It’s a stressful situation and one that Dr. April Grace, the superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools wants to address.
Putting Technology to Work
Once a parent has given permission, school nurses may initiate a video conference with a doctor when a sick child visits their office. Parents can join the conference using an app, which allows them to be involved in the care process, and provides reassurance their child is receiving the care they need.
“There’s a stethoscope and an otoscope that’s connected, so when we look in [a sick child’s] ear or throat, [readings appear] on parents’ phones and the monitor,” says district nurse coordinator, LaRita Haffey. The parent can participate in real time, seeing the same information as the doctor who is treating the student.
“It’s pretty innovative technology and we’re excited to try it and see how this works out for our families. We think it will be really beneficial, especially during flu and strep season,” Dr. Grace told Fox25 News.
Helping Kids and Staff Recover More Quickly
Availability of quick, on-site medical care and access to medication straight away may help students recover more quickly and return to the classroom sooner. “Getting the student started as early as possible if they need medicine, is really important,” says Dr. Grace.
Teachers and school staff, who are often exposed to the same cold and flu viruses as kids, will have access to this same service which may reduce the length of time away from the classroom due to illness.
Working with Insurance Providers
These visits are covered by most health insurance plans, and as previously reported in the Shawnee News-Star, “The goal is for the district to provide more ‘wraparound’ services to students and family and this is a way to provide a basic level of health care needs,” Grace told the News-Star in August.
The first school district in Oklahoma to implement this type of program, virtual doctor visits are now available at four Shawnee public schools: Shawnee Early Childhood Center, Shawnee High School, and Jefferson and Horace Mann Elementary Schools.
TEAM Clinics is dedicated to making sure children have access to immediate and quality health care, and to reducing worry and stress for busy parents of sick kids. To explore how TEAM Clinics can help your school, we invite you to fill out a short form, or click here to learn more!
Putting Technology to Work
Once a parent has given permission, school nurses may initiate a video conference with a doctor when a sick child visits their office. Parents can join the conference using an app, which allows them to be involved in the care process, and provides reassurance their child is receiving the care they need.
“There’s a stethoscope and an otoscope that’s connected, so when we look in [a sick child’s] ear or throat, [readings appear] on parents’ phones and the monitor,” says district nurse coordinator, LaRita Haffey. The parent can participate in real time, seeing the same information as the doctor who is treating the student.
“It’s pretty innovative technology and we’re excited to try it and see how this works out for our families. We think it will be really beneficial, especially during flu and strep season,” Dr. Grace told Fox25 News.
Helping Kids and Staff Recover More Quickly
Once a doctor has made a diagnosis he or she can prescribe medication and send any prescriptions to the pharmacy of the parent’s choice.
Availability of quick, on-site medical care and access to medication straight away may help students recover more quickly and return to the classroom sooner. “Getting the student started as early as possible if they need medicine, is really important,” says Dr. Grace.
Teachers and school staff, who are often exposed to the same cold and flu viruses as kids, will have access to this same service which may reduce the length of time away from the classroom due to illness.
Working with Insurance Providers
These visits are covered by most health insurance plans, and as previously reported in the Shawnee News-Star, TEAM Clinics will file claims with insurance providers as part of its comprehensive services. TEAM Clinics will even cover the cost if the child has no health insurance. All paperwork associated with virtual doctor visits is processed by TEAM Clinics, which removes that administrative burden from schools.
“The goal is for the district to provide more ‘wraparound’ services to students and family and this is a way to provide a basic level of health care needs,” Grace told the News-Star in August.
The first school district in Oklahoma to implement this type of program, virtual doctor visits are now available at four Shawnee public schools: Shawnee Early Childhood Center, Shawnee High School, and Jefferson and Horace Mann Elementary Schools.
TEAM Clinics is dedicated to making sure children have access to immediate and quality health care, and to reducing worry and stress for busy parents of sick kids. To explore how TEAM Clinics can help your school, we invite you to fill out a short form, or click here to learn more!
