LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Virtual health care services are being offered to students and staff at all six Madison Consolidated Schools in Indiana beginning this school year.
The district is teaming up with Norton Healthcare's eCare School Telemedicine, allowing students to see a provider through a secure video connection in the school nurse's office.
"We provide a virtual urgent care service, so we're providing telehealth visits to children and staff in the schools for minor illnesses -- rashes, coughs, colds, things of that nature," said Tiffany Gardner, program coordinator for Norton eCare.
The program is already in place at all 89 elementary schools in Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville. It started with just three schools in 2019.
Technology makes it possible for students to get a short medical exam that includes looking at the child's skin, listening to their heart and lungs and checking their ears, nose and throat. The school nurse can also perform tests for strep throat, COVID-19, RSV and the flu.
The eCare program can allow students to get help at school instead of parents having to take them to a pediatrician's office.
"We know families are busy, and sometimes there are barriers to care, so we are very excited to offer this option during the school day for those who may need it," MCS Superintendent Teresa Brown said in a written statement. "Our school nurses will work with administrators to communicate with our families regarding the details of how the program will work."
Gardner said if parents are able, they are encouraged to join the telehealth visits and can log on while they're working or at another location. There will be a summary provided after the virtual visit for parents either way.
Common conditions that can be treated through the program include colds, fever, rash, earache, pinkeye and sore throat. Parents get an after-visit summary, and, if a prescription is needed, an order can be sent to the family's pharmacy of choice.
The school telehealth visit is billable through the parent's insurance plan or covered under Medicaid and Medicare. Copays are similar to an office visit.
Parents must complete a registration form online to enroll their student in the program. Visit SchoolTelehealth.NortonHealthcare.org.
The program is being funded at Madison Consolidated with a $40,000 grant from the Norton Children's Hospital Foundation.
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