Kids shouldn’t have to miss school, and you shouldn’t have to miss work.
Mayfield Central School District has partnered with Albany Med EmUrgentCare to provide our students with convenient, high-quality medical care without them ever having to leave school.
Available for the 2026-27 school year, students will have access to full-service telemedicine visits from the school nurse’s office. With parent or guardian consent, the nurse can connect the student with an urgent care provider in real time to evaluate and treat a variety of minor health concerns. Parents and guardians can join the visit remotely without having to leave work or other commitments.
How does it work?
- Parents or guardians complete a one-time registration to enroll in the program. Registering before a child becomes ill helps streamline the process for parents, students, and school nurses.
- When a student visits the school nurse’s office, the nurse will determine if a student would benefit from a provider evaluation and contact the parent or guardian. Each visit requires verbal consent and an electronic signature authorizing Albany Med EmUrgentCare to treat the student and bill their insurance.
- Parents or guardians are welcome and encouraged to join the telemedicine visit remotely to fully participate in the appointment.
- The school nurse’s office will be equipped with specialized diagnostic hand-held devices that allow providers to conduct more comprehensive virtual examinations. These tools allow providers to examine the ears, nose, and throat, as well as listen to heart and lung sounds to support more accurate diagnoses and care plans.
- During the visit, the provider will determine whether the student can safely remain in school or should be sent home. If treatment is needed, the provider can prescribe any necessary medication and send prescriptions directly to the family’s preferred pharmacy. In addition, the provider can issue orders allowing the school nurse to administer certain over-the-counter medications during the visit, including Tylenol, Advil, and Claritin. This allows students to receive treatment that the school nurse would not normally be able to provide independently.
- When clinically indicated, COVID-19, Influenza A & B, and rapid strep testing are available during the telehealth visit. These point-of-care tests help providers make accurate diagnoses, begin appropriate treatment sooner, and reduce unnecessary time away from school.
- While the vast majority of student concerns can be addressed through a telehealth visit, there may be rare occasions when the provider determines that an in-person evaluation is necessary. In these situations, the parent or guardian may choose to take the student to the healthcare provider or facility of their choice. An After Visit Summary (AVS) will be provided to ensure continuity of care. If the family chooses to be seen at an Albany Med EmUrgentCare location, the telehealth visit will remain open so the in-person provider can seamlessly continue the evaluation, helping to expedite the visit.
- The average virtual visit takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. After the appointment, the parent or guardian will receive a detailed After Visit Summary (AVS) that includes the diagnosis, treatment plan, and any follow-up recommendations. A copy of the AVS is also sent to the student’s pediatrician to support continuity of care.
- There is no cost to families beyond their regular health insurance plan. If needed, Albany Med offers a financial assistance program to help students get quality, local care at affordable prices.
What are some of the conditions that can be treated via telemedicine?
- Sore throat, ear pain, pink eye
- Cold symptoms, fever, asthma flare-ups
- Headaches, nausea, menstrual cramps
- Skin rashes, impetigo, scabies
- Minor cuts/wounds
- Seasonal allergies, sinus or upper respiratory infections
How do I register?
Students must be registered to participate. Parents or guardians complete a one-time registration to enroll in the program. Registering before a student becomes ill helps streamline the process for parents, students, and school nurses. Please have your insurance card available when registering.
If you have any problems registering, please call 518-264-9060 or email emurgentcareschoolprogram@amc.edu.