As students head back to school, many families face a familiar challenge—how to get their child medical care without disrupting the school day. Whether it’s a sore throat, a lingering cough, or behavioral health concerns, scheduling appointments around school and work can be difficult.
That’s where telehealth for students comes in.
Healthcare providers offering virtual visits make it easier for students and their families to access timely care without the hassle of transportation or long wait times. While schools themselves aren’t providing these services, local clinics and urgent care centers can play a key role in supporting families during the busy school year.
Why Telehealth Matters for Students and Families
Getting a child in for an appointment during the school day often means missed class time and a parent leaving work. This leads to delayed care, last-minute scheduling conflicts, or even missed visits.
Telehealth offers an alternative:
- Less Time Away from Class
Students can attend virtual appointments from home before or after school, or even during the day if a parent is available to help facilitate. No need to wait days for an in-person visit. - Convenient Access to Providers
From routine checkups to prescription refills and follow-ups, students can receive care faster—without long waits or crowded waiting rooms. - Support for Working Parents
Parents don’t need to leave work or arrange transportation. Telehealth visits save time, reduce stress, and help families stay on top of healthcare needs. - Expanded Access to Mental Health Care
Behavioral health needs often peak during the school year. Telehealth gives students access to licensed therapists and counselors—resources that can be hard to find locally.
Benefits for Clinics and Urgent Care Providers
Offering telehealth is not just a benefit for patients—it’s a strategic advantage for clinics as well.
- Reduces no-shows and cancellations caused by transportation or scheduling issues
- Increases patient satisfaction with easier access to care
- Expands reach to families who might otherwise delay care due to logistical hurdles
How to Promote Telehealth for Students
Clinics can increase visibility and drive appointments by:
- Running back-to-school campaigns focused on “care without leaving the classroom”
- Highlighting services like cold & flu treatment, sports physicals, and behavioral health
- Partnering with local schools to share information via flyers or newsletters (without schools providing the care)
Telehealth helps students stay healthy and in class, and helps clinics stay connected with their community. By offering virtual care options, healthcare providers can improve access, reduce stress for families, and ensure no student goes without the care they need.