New Partnership Between OU Health and Epic Charter Schools Brings Telehealth Services to Students

Epic Charter Schools and OU Health are collaborating to provide expert medical care to Epic’s more than 30,000 students through a telehealth program beginning this fall that will provide school-based, virtual medical care, regardless of their insurance status.

OU Health and Epic Charter Schools will offer the service to all Epic students for sick visits, chronic disease management and some behavioral health conditions. Each school is equipped with telehealth software and associated diagnostic devices that will allow them to perform comprehensive virtual health examinations in school.

“This collaboration exemplifies our dedication to innovative healthcare solutions that meet the needs of our community,” said Jennifer Schultz Kouandjio, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer for OU Health. “OU Health is leveraging telehealth technology, breaking down barriers to healthcare access and ensuring that all Epic students receive the care they need, regardless of their location or insurance status.”

Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health pediatricians work with school nurses via the telehealth system and can perform virtual examinations of the heart, lungs, abdomen, ear, mouth, throat and skin and can get accurate vital signs. Through the technology, students can be examined, diagnosed and treated. If the child needs a prescription, the clinician will send in the request to the family's preferred pharmacy.

“Epic is unique because so many of their students are remote learners, but this is an important opportunity for us because we will offer the program to not just students within the buildings, but to their remote students,” said Morgan Grubb, Digital Health Coordinator for OU Health. “This will allow us to provide access to healthcare to a lot more students in our state.”

OU Health introduced its first school-based telehealth pilot program in the Oklahoma City Public School System in 2022, and the program has already made a significant impact.

The OU Health School Telehealth Program aims to improve health outcomes, reduce student absenteeism and empower families. Parents benefit by having reduced healthcare costs and having lower incidences of lost time from work and the associated loss of pay. More than 50% of children who participate in the OU Health School Telehealth Program return to class after receiving services, thus reducing absenteeism.

Access to a healthcare professional during the school day removes a barrier to medical treatment some Epic students and families face, said Superintendent Bart Banfield of Epic Charter Schools.

“The health clinic at Epic Charter Schools, in collaboration with OU Health, stands as a testament to a commitment to student well-being and community health,” said Banfield. “It not only enhances the overall educational experience by promoting a healthy learning environment but also serves as a valuable resource for promoting wellness in the broader community.”

Epic Charter Schools parents can enroll their child in the OU Health Telehealth School Program by emailing studentwellness@epicharterschools.org for more information or calling 405-347-5685 to book an appointment.