Question: What is Telemedicine or the
S.M.A.R.T. Program?
Answer:
S.M.A.R.T. stands for Student Medical Assistance Response Team. Telemedicine is a way to
connect you and your child to medical care while they remain in
school. Sevier County Schools K-8th grade have access to this
program in all schools. Sevier County School System has partnered
with a group of doctors, nurses, and support staff from Cherokee Health
System in Knoxville/Seymour, Tennessee to provide these services to
students.
Question: What
illness can be diagnosed with Telemedicine?
Answer: Allergic
Rhinitis,
Bronchitis,
Boils/Abcess,
Skin rashes,
Cuts/Abrasions, Impetigo, Lice, Ear infections, Pink eye, Sinus
infections, Strep throat, & Respiratory infections. Flu Test and
quick strep test can also be administered for quicker diagnosis.
Question: Who will
see my child?
Answer: A
certified, licensed Nurse Practitioner who specializes in
care of children.
Question: How does
Telemedicine work?
Answer: A
nurse practitioner, along with the school nurse, examine your
child via television/Internet camera using a special camera to examine
eyes, ears, throat, & skin. A special microphone is used to
transmit lung sounds to detect congestion in the lungs.
Question: Can I be
there with my child?
Answer: After
the
initial
screening
to determine if a Telemedicine exam
is needed, the school nurse will call the parent for permission to do
the exam. At that time, the parent may request to be present for
the exam, or if unable to be present a full explaination of findings
and treatment will be reported by phone to the parent by the school
nurse.
Question: Can
Telemedicine be used by me or other family members?
Answer: At
this time, Telemedicine is only being offered to
Kindergarten through eighth grade students in Sevier County schools,
but other programs may be added in the future.
Question: Does my
insurance pay for Telemedicine visits?
Answer: At
this time, Cherokee Health states that all insurance in
which Cherokee Health is listed as a provider is paying for the
Telemedicine visits. If your insurance plan has a co-pay, this
would also apply to Telemedicine visits and the co-pay would be
billed to you by Cherokee Health.
Question: What if I
don't have insurance for my child?
Answer: The
school nurse will provide a form for you to fill out called
a fee waiver which bases payment on your income. Most cases the
cost could be as low as five dollars for a visit and a minimal fee for
lab work if needed.
Question: What if I
have Tenn Care or Cover Kids will they pay for a Telemedicine visit?
Answer: Yes,
Tenn Care and Cover Kids will pay for your child's visit.
Question: How does
my child get medicine if they need it?
Answer:
During the Telemedicine visit, if it is determined your child
will need medicine, the nurse practitioner and school nurse will ask
which pharmacy you use and if your child has any medication
allergies. After receiving all the information, the nurse
practitioner will fax a prescription to your desired pharmacy for you
to pick up the medicine quickly. Usually prescriptions are
covered by insurance or are a minimal cost of four dollars.
Question: How do I
sign my child up for S.M.A.R.T. Telemedicine Program?
Answer: Each
school has applications for you to fill out in the main
office. If you have questions or need assistance with your
application, ask your school's nurse to help you.
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