Penn Highlands’ School-Based Telemedicine Program
Penn Highlands is excited to be working with Jeff Tech to offer parents and students a new option for pediatric care. Through high-definition telemedicine video and communications equipment, the school nurse can connect with a Penn Highlands physician for evaluation. This will make healthcare for children more convenient and accessible, avoid delays in treatment, and enhance learning by decreasing absenteeism.
How does this program work?
With the parent’s consent, a physician from Penn Highlands will perform an assessment alongside the school nurse. The school nurse will first evaluate the student in person. If the nurse determines the child could benefit from further evaluation, they will contact the parent to obtain verbal consent to proceed with a telemedicine visit and invite them to participate if available. The physician will complete an assessment of the student. The school nurse will assist the physician during the evaluation through the use of special equipment. The provider will have the ability to listen to the heart and lungs with a digital stethoscope. The physician can closely examine the student’s ears, throat, rash, or abrasions with high – definition cameras.
Upon completion of the evaluation, the physician will give instructions for follow-up care and submit an order to your pharmacy of choice for prescription medications, if needed. A record of your child’s visit will be kept in their medical record at Penn Highlands for future reference.
Who is eligible?
All students at Jeff Tech are eligible to enroll in the school-based telemedicine program.
What are examples of conditions that could be evaluated?
- Earaches
- Fever
- Coughs and colds
- Rashes and minor skin infections
- Abrasions and scrapes
- Headaches
- Pinkeye
There are medical needs that will require an in-person evaluation by a medical provider. You may be asked to schedule an appointment with your child’s primary care physician directly if evaluation by telemedicine isn’t sufficient for diagnosis.
How do I enroll my child in this program?
The first and most important step is to complete the required informational and consent forms to enroll your child in the school-based telemedicine program. Forms must be filled out for each student that attends Jeff Tech. Completed paper forms should be given to the school nurse.
What is the cost?
There is no cost to enroll in this program. If your child has a visit, Penn Highlands will bill your insurance and any required co-pay amounts after the visit.
When will health services be available?
Medical services will be provided during the school day with the exception of school closures.
How will I know if my child has a telemedicine visit?
When a student presents to the school nurse’s office, the nurse will assess the student’s condition and contact the parent or legal guardian to discuss if it is appropriate to have a telemedicine visit. For a telemedicine visit to take place, the required forms should have already been completed and on file at the nurse’s office. Parents/guardians will also give verbal consent to the nurse to proceed with a telemedicine visit.
Does a parent/guardian have to be present for the telemedicine visit?
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend virtually, but it is not required. Parents that are able and want to participate will be sent a link to join the video visit.
Will my child still be seen by the school nurse if I choose not to participate in the program?
Yes, if you choose not to sign your child up for the school-based telemedicine program, they will continue to receive all school nursing services currently being provided at your child’s school.
Please return the following documentation to your school nurse, or complete electronically:
- Telemedicine Consent and Acknowledgements – Authorizes a Penn Highlands’ Provider to evaluate and treat your child by telemedicine.
- Registration Form – Demographic and insurance information for your child.
- Patient Information and Medical History Form – Medical history and general health information for your child that the Penn Highlands provider will reference during your child’s visit.
- Notice of Privacy Practices – Detailed handout regarding Penn Highlands’ Privacy Practices for parent/guardian to keep. Do not need to return.