CoxHealth expands telemedicine clinics for students in Salem, Maries County R-II

Twenty-five school districts throughout the Ozarks have access to health care without leaving school, and now, that list includes the Salem and Maries County R-II.

The initiative allows students and staff in these districts to be seen virtually by a CoxHealth-affiliated care provider when they become sick at school. Visits are completely optional, and parents participate in the visit either in person, or by phone or video using a smartphone (or other video-enabled device) without having to leave work or home.

“This program serves students, parents and schools in a number of ways,” says Tabitha Ferwalt, Virtual Visits product manager with CoxHealth. “It allows kids be diagnosed quickly, and also helps reduce absenteeism.”

The efforts – powered by grant funding from the TKD Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth – began in early 2017. At the time, six districts were involved. Now, the list includes schools in Aurora, Ava, Buffalo, Cassville, Eminence, Forsyth, Galena, Lamar, Liberal, Marionville, Miller, Monett, Mount Vernon, Mountain Grove, Ozark, Rogersville, Seymour, Sparta, Summersville, as well as the aforementioned Salem and Maries County R-II.

If a diagnosis is made, prescriptions are sent to each family’s preferred pharmacy. CoxHealth partners with CMN Hospitals at CoxHealth to provide financial support for medications for those in need.