The Greater Johnstown School District offers telemedicine services all four of its schools. The program is offered in partnership with Albany Med Health System’s EmUrgentCare and provides both staff and students with convenient access to high-quality healthcare without requiring them to leave school. For students, the program helps reduce common barriers to receiving necessary medical care, including transportation challenges, family work schedules and financial constraints.
“Expanding telemedicine services to all four of our schools reflects our continued commitment to supporting the whole child and reducing barriers for our families,” said Superintendent of Schools Alicia D. Koster.
“By providing students with necessary access to healthcare during the school day, we can support their health, safety and well-being while also helping them remain engaged in their learning when appropriate. This important service strengthens our partnership with families and supports our broader efforts to address chronic absenteeism by helping students receive medical care as quickly and conveniently as possible.”
Services are billed through the student’s health insurance. Significant financial assistance is available for families who may need additional support.
How does it work?
Working in tandem with the school nurse, a remote physician conducts a thorough examination using digital diagnostic tools, including a digital stethoscope to assess the heart and lungs and a digital otoscope to examine the ear canal and eardrum. Based on the physician’s evaluation, the student may be able to remain in school or, if they are ill, be sent home to recover. If medication is needed, the physician can send a prescription to the family’s pharmacy, allowing a parent or guardian to pick it up on the way to the school. Telemedicine provides comprehensive care without requiring the student to leave campus for a doctor’s appointment.
Parent/Guardian Involvement
Parents and guardians may participate virtually in their child’s appointment, helping ensure they remain informed and actively involved in their student’s care. Enrollment is required for students to use the service, and families are encouraged to register before the beginning of the new school year to support timely access when care is needed. Contact the main office of your child’s building if you need a registration link.
Confidentiality
Students and staff participate in telemedicine appointments in the privacy of the school nurse’s office. To ensure an additional layer of privacy, headphones are used so that only the school nurse, the student, parents/guardians (if they choose to join the appointment), and the physician can hear what is being said during he appointment.
Questions?
We encourage anyone who has a question about Johnstown’s telemedicine program to contact their child’s school nurse or building principal.