Whether your student is returning to school after summer break or starting for the very first time, it’s common for both your student and yourself to feel a bit overwhelmed. Naturally as school starts, maintaining focus on general and mental health becomes difficult with all the schoolwork, extracurriculars, and other hobbies. Fortunately, telehealth services offer a convenient and effective way to address health concerns without the inconvenience of in-person visits. 

Telehealth is a valuable tool for both students and parents, offering convenient, flexible, and accessible care for both physical and emotional well-being. Through virtual appointments, students can receive timely medical advice, prescriptions, and mental health support without having to schedule and find the time for an in person visit. This not only makes appointments and care more convenient, but also ensures that students can receive support whenever and wherever they need it, helping them manage stress and anxiety and stay healthy throughout the school year. In this blog post, we will provide some great ways to utilize telehealth for a healthier and smoother back-to-school transition!

1. Schedule Wellness Check-Ups

Telehealth makes it extremely easy to schedule routine check-ups, including vaccinations, physical exams, and health screenings. Scheduling and keeping up with these appointments ensures that your student is ready for the school year with all required immunizations. Regular health check ups also allow for early detection of potential health problems, whether it’s vision or hearing difficulties, ADHD, or other conditions, addressing these issues early helps prevent them from negatively affecting academic success and social experiences.

2. Address Mental Health 

Starting school is an especially stressful time for students and parents alike. Telehealth provides access to mental health professionals who can offer counseling and support from home or another safe space. Whether it’s dealing with back-to-school anxiety, changes in schedules, social dynamics,  or academic challenges, virtual therapy is a great reliable resource to help children manage stress and build emotional resilience

In addition, telehealth services can provide parents with the tools they need to ensure that their children have a smooth transition into the school year. The start of the school year is an excellent time to establish healthy routines, such as consistent sleep schedules, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity. However, the adjustment period as children are re-adapting to their sleep schedules and easing back into their routines can come with its challenges. Telehealth gives parents the support to effectively manage these concerns. 

3. Skip Long Wait Times

Schools are environments where children are in close contact, increasing the likelihood of spreading illnesses. With the start of school, whether your student is dealing with a cold, the flu, or something else, telehealth allows you to consult with healthcare providers quickly. If your student begins showing symptoms or you have non-emergency health-related questions, a virtual visit can provide more immediate and accessible advice and guidance without the wait or an in person visit. 

4. Manage Chronic Conditions

Chronic health conditions can interfere with concentration and cognitive functioning. It’s important to ensure that they are well-managed and students are consistent with their appointments, which can be burdensome in frequency and may require travel outside of their local areas to see specialists. For students with chronic conditions, telehealth allows for regular follow-ups with specialists without frequent in-person visits that take time away from after school activities or schoolwork. This can help them with managing symptoms, adjusting treatment plans, and ensuring that your student is healthy and prepared/cleared for school activities, all while minimizing transportation and waiting times. 

5. Tips for Utilizing Telehealth

Preparation is key to make the most out of pediatric telehealth appointments. Gather medical records, list symptoms and concerns, and prepare a list of questions for your provider before your appointment. Ensure a good setup with stable internet connection, test your mic and speaker, and position your camera well. Be ready to show specific areas of concern (e.g., rashes, medication bottles, the environment). If appropriate, have your child present, especially for behavioral or developmental concerns, and encourage older children and teens to ask their own questions or share their concerns directly with their provider. By preparing in advance and communicating effectively during the appointment, parents can ensure that they receive the best possible care for their children through telehealth. 

It’s important to prioritize your student’s health, especially at the beginning of the school year. Good health is directly linked to better academic performance and children who feel physically well are more focused, alert, and able to engage in learning. Using telehealth is extremely helpful when scheduling virtual appointments for routine check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and addressing mental health needs—all from home. By making health a priority at the start of the school year, parents can help their children thrive both academically and socially, while also safeguarding their long-term well-being. 

Kismet Health is a platform designed for providers by providers specifically with these pediatric concerns in mind. Kismet enhances the telehealth experience for both providers and patients, making it easier to deliver quality care. For healthcare providers looking to enhance their telehealth services and better engage their pediatric patients, consider using Kismet! Embrace the benefits of telehealth and Kismet to support your student’s health as they head back to school!

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