FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions -
What is school-based Telehealth and how does it work?
School-based telehealth allows your child to be seen by a licensed healthcare provider without ever leaving school. When your child visits the nurse's office with a health concern, the school nurse connects with a remote provider via a secure video visit. Using a handheld device called TytoCare, the nurse can share real-time clinical information including images of the ears, throat, and skin, and readings from the heart and lungs, so the provider can conduct a thorough evaluation and, when appropriate, send a prescription directly to your family's pharmacy.
Does my child need insurance to be seen?
No. Health-e-Schools accept most major insurance plans, but no child will be turned away due to lack of insurance or inability to pay. Our goal is to make sure every student in our schools has access to care when they need it.
We have a doctor, so we don’t need that.
Health-e-Schools is an additional option for busy parents and busy doctors offices. Sometimes it can be hard to get in to see your regular doctor. Sometimes a child may not be so sick such that they need to miss a whole day of school to travel to their regular doctor. Telemedicine is available at school, all school days, and appointments can be arranged during non-core classes.
Do I need to be present for my child's visit?
Parental consent is required before your child can be seen, but you do not need to be physically present at the school. Our team will always communicate with you about what was discussed and any recommended follow-up.
What conditions or concerns can be addressed through Telehealth?
Health-e-Schools providers can evaluate and treat a wide range of common concerns including ear infections, sore throats, respiratory symptoms, urinary symptoms, skin conditions, allergies and Behavioral Health concerns. Providers can also conduct follow-up visits and manage ongoing conditions. When a concern falls outside the scope of a Telehealth visit, the provider will help coordinate appropriate next steps.
Does this replace the school nurse?
No. This is a tool for the School Nurses to use to enhance what they can offer students. The School Nurse is needed on the student-end of the conversation to facilitate the appointment.
How do school nurses coordinate with Telehealth providers?
School nurses are central to how Health-e-Schools work. They serve as the on-site clinical partner, conducting the initial assessment, operating the TytoCare device during the visit, and following up with families after care is provided. Our telehealth providers work alongside school nurses rather than replacing them.
How does scheduling work for student visits?
School nurses coordinate directly with our telehealth team to schedule visits during the school day. The process is designed to minimize disruption to instructional time while ensuring students are seen promptly when a health concern arises. Parents may additionally email appts@crhi.org directly to schedule care.
What equipment is needed and who provides it?
Health-e-Schools provides all necessary telehealth equipment at no cost to the school, including an iPad and a TytoCare device, a handheld tool that allows providers to remotely examine a patient's ears, throat, heart, lungs, and skin. No special technical infrastructure is required beyond a reliable internet connection.
Will it mess up our Medicaid?
No. Your child’s Medicaid Primary Care Physician will not be changed. We will notify (with permission) your child’s regular doctor of any findings & treatment. But it will not change which practice they are assigned to.
Who are the providers my child will see?
Your child will be seen by licensed nurse practitioners or physicians who specialize in primary and urgent care. All providers are credentialed and operate under the same standards as any in-person clinical visit.
How is my child's health information kept private?
Your child's health information is protected under both HIPAA and FERPA. Visits are conducted over secure, encrypted platforms, and clinical information is never shared with teachers, administrators, or other school staff beyond what is necessary to support your child's immediate care. You will always be informed of what was discussed and what care was provided.