School Telemedicine Program
How does it work?
Step 1: Receive Care Immediately.
If your child is sick and registered for the telemedicine program, the onsite school nurse will connect with a medical provider through a secure two-way video conference and get your child evaluated.
Step 2: Visit with a Board Certified Pediatrician or Licensed Provider.
A medical provider will evaluate your child. Lab testing for infections like the flu and strep throat will be available if needed at the nurse’s office. The school nurse will facilitate the telemedicine visit.
Step 3: Get Well Sooner!
Prescription medications will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice.
A doctor’s visit without ever having to leave school or work!
Is there a cost for this service?
Medicaid/CHIP – All Texas Medicaid plans are accepted and telemedicine visits at school are COVERED 100% WITH NO COST TO YOU.
Commercial Insurance – PHS is in-network with most major plans (BCBS, UHC, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, etc) and a telemedicine visit for your child typically costs the same as a normal trip to your child’s pediatrician. COPAYS AND DEDUCTIBLES MAY APPLY.
No Insurance – A discount rate of $60 per visit if you or your child have no insurance. Ask for details on how your child can receive charity care.
School-Based Telemedicine Program
We’re excited to announce that PHS Telemedicine program is now available in your child’s school. By registering to participate, your child will have access to pediatric specialized care through high definition telemedicine video conferencing. If your child is sick and needs immediate attention, the school nurse will connect to a PHS provider and get him/her evaluated and treated. Medicines will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice.
Benefits of Participating
Convenience: When your child is sick or hurt, it can be difficult to quickly access care.Parents/caregivers often need to leave their place of work to pick up the child from school and coordinate an appointment with their primary care physician. This service allows patients to quickly access medical care while at school.
Immediate Access to Care: This service provides immediate care and assessment that otherwise would be delayed due to appointment scheduling and drive time. Our goal is to help children get well sooner by offering the same daycare that’s accessible within minutes.
Pediatric Specialized Care: Our Texas-based doctors and medical providers have extensive experience in caring for pediatric patients.
DON’T DELAY. SIGN YOUR CHILD UP!
How to use the Program
Once registered, your child will have the ability to receive immediate care while at school. The treating doctor and medical providers are experienced in treating pediatric patients through telemedicine. The school nurse will assist with the process and facilitate a HIPAA compliant secure video conference so your child will get the necessary care and treatment.
Commonly Treated Conditions
Acne
Allergies
Bronchiolitis
Common Cold/Cough
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Fever
Headaches
Influenza
Lice
Nausea/vomiting
Rashes and minor skin conditions
Throat pain/infections
Swimmers Ear
Follow Up Care
After your child is seen, a summary of the visit will be available. A record of your child’s visit will be kept with the PHS database for future reference.
Additionally, students who are registered can continue to be seen after school if needed. Within minutes, families will be face to face with a medical provider and all from the comfort of their own home. We believe that high-quality healthcare should be easily accessible to pediatric patients and want to be there to help you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can My Child Get Their Monthly Prescriptions Filled Through Telemedicine Visit?
Yes, prescriptions for ongoing or stable condition such as allergic rhinitis, eczema, and asthma can be handled via a telemedicine visit. Prescriptions for other chronic conditions such as heart/kidney/ thyroid disorders, diabetes, behavior or mental health should be obtained by your child’s primary care physician.
What if my Child Needs a Higher Level of Care?
If deemed necessary, the evaluation may require emergency room referral or immediate visit to your primary care physician for care. PHS providers are trained to assess the child’s condition quickly and will triage them to the appropriate level of care if needed.
Can my Other Children be Treated with PHS if they aren’t Enrolled in this School?
Yes, this service is open to all students and their family. PHS is available to children ages newborn through 21 years and can be accessed from home on any smartphone, tablet, or computer. Enrollment is required to receive Telemedicine Services.
Can my child be seen by PHS in the Evenings or on Weekends?
Yes, PHS is open weekdays from 7:30 am – 9 pm and Saturday’s 10:00 am – 2 pm. Your child can receive care through your smartphone or computer within minutes from wherever you are.
How Can I Register my child?
You can register online or by picking up a registration packet from the school nurse. Registration will remain open throughout the year, however, students are encouraged to register at the beginning of the 2019/2020 school year.