Park City School District pilots virtual healthcare program to cut student sick days

Parley's Park Elementary School. Photo: TownLift // Rayne Moynahan

Parley's Park Elementary leads the telehealth initiative, with expansion planned if pilot succeeds

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City School District (PCSD) has launched a new telehealth pilot program at Parley’s Park Elementary School (PPES) in partnership with Intermountain Health, offering virtual healthcare consultations for a wide range of common childhood ailments during school hours.

The program aims to reduce Utah’s 27% chronic absenteeism rate by providing immediate care for conditions including strep throat, ear infections, fever, pink eye, asthma, flu symptoms, and minor allergic reactions. Tests available at the school will include Rapid Flu, Rapid Strep, Rapid RSV, and COVID. PPES nurse Ben Macon oversees the initiative.

“For families like mine, where both parents work, the ability to handle minor health issues quickly through the school’s telehealth program is a game changer. It helps keep children in school and healthy,” said Macon.

Similar Reads On TownLift

Depending on insurance coverage, virtual visits cost $69 or less, with charges applying only if treatment is provided. The district has secured grant funding to cover telehealth costs for low-income and uninsured students, and most major insurance plans are accepted.

Parents must opt into the program and are contacted before any telehealth consultation. They can join sessions via Zoom without leaving work, with visits typically lasting about 10 minutes.

“The telehealth program supports our working families incredibly by providing quick access to healthcare without the need to leave work or school, essential for maintaining regular school attendance and reducing overall absenteeism,” said Dr. Carolyn Synan, Chief Student Services Officer at PCSD.

Similar programs in Utah have shown promising results, with 96% of students remaining in school after telehealth visits, contributing to significant reductions in lost school days.

“Our approach to rolling out the telehealth program has been careful and measured,” said Synan. “We’re ensuring that every step, from parental consent to actual medical consultations, is handled with the utmost respect for privacy and efficiency.”

The district will evaluate the pilot’s success at Parley’s Park before considering expansion. “As with any pilot, we’re looking closely at how effective the telehealth services are. If successful, we hope to expand it across the district, benefiting not just students but also our staff,” Synan added.