Telehealth virtual appointment pilot offers equitable care to students

Telehealth virtual appointments allow students to see a physician on-site at school with their school nurse present to assist in taking measurements and administering medication. These appointments help make accessing care more equitable, especially for parents who struggle finding the time or transportation to take their children to receive care.

In Spokane Public Schools, Medicaid 1115 Waiver funding supported BHT facilitating a school-based telehealth pilot at six high-need elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in partnership with CHAS and Unify. Each of these entities has clinics close to the schools to provide follow-up. Telehealth appointments are covered by most insurance providers, but additional resources are provided for uninsured students so they can receive care.

BHT is leading the ACH charge to support school-based care, and has set aside an additional $600,000 to fund these efforts in rural counties in 2023. 

Telehealth is currently available at Mullan Road, Grant, Franklin, Garfield, Stevens and Holmes elementaries, Glover Middle School and Ferris High School.

For more information, visit spokaneschools.org/telehealth