Information for Parents

school-parent

A call from your child's school nurse no longer means you have to leave work right away and try to squeeze your child into a last minute doctor's appointment or urgent care clinic. Cook Children's School-Based Virtual Health program is a way for your child to see one of our board certified pediatricians or a certified nurse practitioner during school hours, while in the school nurse's office.

We are proud to offer this convenient program to participating schools in the area. This program has been available to some area school districts since 2016 with a plan to add more schools and school districts in the future. Preregistration in the program by the parent is required. If your child's school is participating in our program, you can register now.

How can Virtual Health benefit my family?

Virtual Health lets your child see a doctor or nurse practitioner through a virtual connection in the school nurse's office. The pediatrician or nurse practitioner will diagnose your child, and even call in a prescription to your chosen pharmacy, if needed. You have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child has been seen by a Cook Children's doctor or nurse practitioner. It's one more way that we're working to make childhood, and parenthood, just a little simpler.

Participating schools

Here is the current list of participating school districts:

Boyd Independent School District
Chico Independent School District
Decatur Independent School District
Era Independent School District
Godley Independent School District
Granbury Independent School District
Grandview Independent School District
IDEA Public Schools
Keller Independent School District
Lingleville Independent School District
Little Elm Independent School District
Paradise Independent School District
Plainsview Independent School District
Trinity Valley School
Venus Independent School District
Weatherford Christian School

We're adding more schools all the time, so please be sure to check back often. If you don't see your child's school on this list, contact your school principal to see how your child's school can join our program.

Please note, preregistration in the program by the parent is required.

Frequently asked questions

What is Virtual Health and how does it work?

Virtual Health is a way for your child to see a nurse practitioner or doctor during school hours while in the school nurse's office. This program has been available to some area school districts since 2016 with a plan to add more schools and school districts in the future.

The school nurse will let the parent or guardian know if she thinks the child is sick and should be seen by the nurse practitioner or doctor. The Virtual Health equipment can't be used without the guardian giving permission. A nurse practitioner, along with the school nurse, will check your child by Internet connection using a special camera to look at eyes, ears, throat and skin. A special microphone/stethoscope is used to hear lung and heart sounds. This is a real-time visit with a medical provider who is in a different area than your child but can see your child by video.

What illnesses can be treated with Virtual Health?

Examples of problems that can be seen:

Ear infections
Sore throats (including strep throat)
Pink eye
Influenza
Sinus infections
Upper respiratory infections
Allergic rhinitis
Asthma flare-ups
Skin rashes
Impetigo
Lice
Scabies

Who will see my child?

A certified, licensed nurse practitioner is who will likely see your child. If your child's regular doctor is a Cook Children's doctor and works with the program, then your child may be able to see him or her. There is also a board certified pediatrician available if your child can't be scheduled with the nurse practitioner.

Can I be there with my child during the Virtual Health visit?

After the first check by the school nurse is done, she will call the parent to ask if it is OK to do the exam. At that time, the parent may ask to be there for the exam, or may join the visit by phone or computer.

Will I be given the diagnosis and a plan of care?

Yes. When you sign your child up for the program, you will be asked to join the Cook Children's Patient Portal. There, the information from your child's visit will be available after the visit is done. When you enter the portal you will choose the "My Health" tab and then chose "Care Summaries." You can even print a return to school letter from the Portal under "Task and Tools", "Health Reminders," then "Print School Letter." A return to school letter will also be faxed to your child's school nurse if indicated.

Can this program be used by me or other family members?

At this time, our school-based virtual health is only for students who go to schools that are enrolled in the program.

Are Medicaid or CHIP accepted?

Yes, both Medicaid and CHIP are accepted for payment.

What if I don't have insurance for my child?

The cash cost for a visit can be obtained upon request. If you can't pay this fee, you may be able to work with Cook's Children's financial department for a payment plan.

How does my child get prescription medicine if he/she needs it?

If your child will need a prescription medicine, the nurse practitioner or school nurse will ask which pharmacy you use and if your child has any medication allergies. After getting all the information, the nurse practitioner will electronically send a prescription to your pharmacy. If you do not have insurance, often a lower cost medication can be prescribed.

What happens if the visit cannot be completed by Virtual Health?

If it turns out that your child needs more testing or an in-person visit, then they'll need to be seen somewhere else (doctor's office, urgent care, or emergency department). The provider can help guide you to the best place for your child to be seen.

How do I sign my child up for Cook Children's School Based Virtual Health Program?

You may be asked to enroll at the time of your child's annual school registration if your child's school participates in the program.

You may also register online now.

If you are unable to complete the forms online, then you may ask your child's school nurse for a paper packet. The nurse will then send in the packet to Cook Children's to complete the registration. If you have questions or need help, ask your school's nurse to help you.

Have questions or need information?

For more information, email us at schooltelemed@cookchildrens.org.