Kylie McNeilly’s 8-year-old daughter, Amelia, experienced frequent ear infections for nearly three years. At times, Amelia would finish an antibiotic only to develop another infection a week or two later. During the most difficult period, Kylie was taking Amelia out of school for medical appointments at least twice a month.
The family visited whichever local clinic could see Amelia first. Because she was being evaluated by different healthcare providers across multiple health systems, it was difficult for one care team to see the full pattern of Amelia’s recurring infections. But access to Atrium Health’s school-based virtual care program changed how the family managed Amelia’s ear infections.
Instead of leaving work, picking Amelia up from school and driving to a clinic, Kylie joined the school-based visit by video or phone. She could see that Amelia was doing well, hear from the care team and understand the recommended next steps.
Amelia, now in second grade, was shy during her first virtual visit. But the outgoing student, who enjoys dance, gymnastics, reading and math, quickly became comfortable answering questions from the in-person telepresenter and virtual clinician. She now prefers this new way of getting care rather than traveling to a traditional doctor’s office.
“Our school-based virtual appointments use innovative technology that allow the clinician to see the student’s eyes, mouth and ears, and listen to their heart and lungs in real time,” explained Megan Cody, Atrium Health vice president of children’s primary care, virtual health & school services. “The innovative care offering provides a convenient access point so more children have the opportunity to receive high-quality, nationally recognized care from our pediatric providers.”
In addition to receiving high-quality care, these visits helped Amelia avoid unnecessary school absences. Once the school-based team determined that her symptoms were related to an ear infection and that she was not contagious, she could often remain at school rather than losing additional classroom time. The more consistent care also helped the family identify the recurring pattern that ultimately led to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) evaluation and ear tube surgery.
“I’m a big advocate of the school-based offering because it’s not only a big time saver for families but it also gets your child the care they need quickly without a lot of disruptions,” said Kylie.
Learn more about Atrium Health Levine Children’s school-based virtual care.
