Grant to Nevada Health Centers supports telehealth services for children at school sites

CARSON CITY — Improving student health and reducing student absenteeism are just two of the goals of Nevada Health Centers as they bring telehealth services to schools.

Through a two-year incubator grant of more than $1 million from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, students will have the opportunity to see a doctor virtually in their school nurse’s office and their parent can join the appointment through a computer, mobile device, or in person.

“Nevada Health Centers’ mission is to provide access to quality health care services throughout Nevada and what better way to reach children than to take care directly to their school,” said Corie Nieto, Nevada Health Centers Director of Telehealth Services.

At full implementation, 39 schools in Elko County, Carson City, and Clark County will have access to telehealth. Spring Creek Middle School and Elko Grammar #2 are the first two schools where telehealth is available for patients.

Nevada Health Centers (NVHC) plans to add two schools to each of the three participating areas each quarter. Carson High School and Bordewich-Bray Elementary School in Carson City are completing technical training and two charter schools in Clark County are beginning the process to bring the service to their campuses.

“Bringing the practitioner to the school will benefit our students and families,” said Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Director Richard Whitley. “This partnership will allow students to miss less school time while also providing them quality health care.”

Each school will be equipped with a cart and video monitor, Bluetooth-connected stethoscope, handheld exam camera, and instrument with attachments to examine the ear, nose and throat that the school nurse will use to assist the doctor with their exam.

Currently there are eight doctors available to see student patients and NVHC said the reception in Elko County has been positive.

Telehealth appointments for students removes barriers to care and benefits families with concerns about transportation or time away from work or school, said Nevada Health Centers.

“We can reach kids who are sick, but not contagious. They can stay in school and avoid urgent care or the ER,” said Nieto.

Through the program, Nevada Health Centers is working to provide a holistic approach to care and providing services needed in many communities. Spring Creek Middle School’s program also includes behavioral health services; nutritional counseling, diabetes education, and chronic disease management will also be part of the services offered through telehealth appointments.

How does it work? When a school site is set to implement the program, Nevada Health Centers (NVHC) works with the school to provide education on the program and obtain parental consent.

When a student goes to the school nurse, the ailment is triaged for the potential of a telehealth doctor visit. Telehealth cannot be used for broken bones, lacerations, or other issues that have been pre-determined by Nevada Health Centers.

If the concern qualifies for a telehealth visit, the parent is contacted to see if they would like to set an appointment, and if they choose to proceed they can decide whether to join the appointment in person, or via a secure connection. The system has been tested to work on mobile phones, tablets, or computers.

The appointment can happen as soon as possible, or at a pre-determined time. During the appointment, the student and parent meet with a Nevada-licensed doctor through a secure network, and all HIPPA and confidentiality requirements are followed.

The doctor runs through their questions on the ailment while the nurse assists with a Bluetooth-connected stethoscope, otoscope, and exam camera.

From the examination the doctor can provide a diagnosis, make a referral, or send a prescription to the family’s chosen pharmacy. NVHC assists with the review of insurance or co-pay and provides information on Medicaid and other resources when needed.

Nevada Health Centers said from start to finish an appointment can take less than 30 minutes.

Nevada Health Centers is a nonprofit organization that provides health care services to more than 50,000 Nevadans in urban, rural, and frontier communities throughout the state each year. Established in 1977, Nevada Health Centers is one of the first federally funded Community Health Centers, as authorized under the Public Health Services Act of 1976. Nevada Health Centers operates 18 health centers, three mobile health programs, and seven Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offices.

For more information go to https://www.nevadahealthcenters.org/

About the Department of Health and Human Services, Grants Management Unit: The mission of the Grants Management Unit (GMU) is to help families and individuals in Nevada reach their highest level of self-sufficiency by supporting the community agencies that serve them through engagement, advocacy, and resource development.

GMU projects include Family Resource Centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Nevada 2-1-1, grief counseling, human trafficking and community action agencies.
Go here for more information.