Virtual Care Expands to Bolivar R-1 School District

More than 25 districts throughout the Ozarks have access to health care without leaving school, and the list will soon include the Bolivar R-1 School District. The initiative allows students and staff in the district to be seen virtually by a CoxHealth-affiliated care provider when they need care while at school.

“We are excited to partner with CoxHealth to provide this service to our students,” says Dr. Richard Asbill, superintendent of Bolivar Schools. “We know that getting quality health care to rural parts of Missouri is an ongoing struggle, and this program should help bridge that gap. Our goal is to partner with parents and provide medical access during the school day, which should allow parents to remain at work while still meeting initial medical needs for their child. This should help students stay in school and keep a minor medical need from turning into something more chronic.”

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. 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.

“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 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, Branson, Buffalo, Cassville, Clever, Eminence, Fair Grove, Forsyth, Lamar, Liberal, Marionville, Marshfield, Miller, Monett, Mount Vernon, Mountain Grove, Nixa, Ozark, Rogersville, Seymour, Spokane, Verona, Willard and Winona.