COVID-19 Response
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund for Student Telehealth
Higher education institutions have a unique opportunity to leverage federal relief available to them via the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — specifically to fund a 24/7 telehealth program providing no-cost medical and mental health visits for your student population. This Q&A summarizes how the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund can be applied to your students’ healthcare needs.
Immediate Telehealth Programs Available Now
Recognizing the unprecedented challenges and uncertainty facing colleges and universities as the COVID-19 crisis continues, TimelyMD has introduced Campus.Health — an immediate telehealth solution that enables students to access medical and mental health services anytime, anywhere. Program can be launched within 24 hours.
Contact us to learn more.
TimelyMD’s Commitment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The World Health Organization announced March 11, 2020, that COVID-19 is a global pandemic. In response, colleges and universities have been forced to make difficult decisions about face-to-face instruction, as well as how to care for students who are away from campus. During this challenging time for higher education administrators, TimelyMD, a telehealth company focused on transforming healthcare in higher education, is committed to providing frontline care to college and university students.
One Year Later: 4 Out of 5 College Students are Still Stressed by COVID-19
The Role of Telehealth in Assessing for COVID-19
Telehealth has a major role to play as COVID-19, which is widely known as coronavirus, continues to spread across the U.S. In its steps for healthcare facilities to prepare, the CDC included “leveraging telemedicine technologies and self-assessment tools” in its ways to prevent patients who can be cared for from home from entering a facility and exposing themselves or others to germs.
Social distancing is a critical component to limiting the spread of this viral disease, and telehealth can support that initiative by assessing symptoms and administering the first steps of a care plan in a contained environment that is away from other individuals. Virtual care also keeps the “worried well” and potentially infected patients separate from one another to limit the spread of germs and disease.
Screening for COVID-19
How does telehealth work in the unique situation presented by COVID-19? TimelyMD’s medical providers use risk assessments based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. A student’s symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath can be assessed during a telehealth visit, whether by phone or video.
Providers ask about any recent travel or contact with people who have been traveling or who have the infection. And while a diagnosis of COVID-19 cannot be confirmed virtually, a student’s risk for the condition can be evaluated, while answering questions and recommending next steps.
Care for Physical and Mental Health
As a final step, TimelyMD medical providers help coordinate referrals for in-person care based on the college or university’s specific protocols, if it is necessary. If a student is suspected to have been infected by the new coronavirus (COVID-19), he or she will receive an outline for immediate treatment steps from the provider, as well as a referral for in-person care.
In addition to the need for physical care, research published in The Lancet highlights the need for mental health support for patients and healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19. However, the need for emotional support doesn’t stop with those infected by the disease and those caring for them. At TimelyMD, we know that the anxiety and stress that comes from the constant news and notifications about the spread of the disease takes a toll on students, who may be traveling, have a family member at risk of infection or may be worried about returning to school. TimelyMD’s mental health services, including our on-demand TalkNow and Scheduled Counseling, are ready to help students who may be in distress anytime, anywhere.
Additional Resources
American College Health Association (ACHA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
U.S. Department of Education
Download TimelyMD COVID-19 Resources
Complete the form and select which resources that you would like to download. Resources will be emailed to your inbox.
At TimelyMD, we’re focused on the health and well-being of students, and our efforts to support their needs are only increased during this crisis.
TimelyMD COVID-19 Webinar
In this webinar hosted by former Duke University VP of Student Affairs Larry Moneta, you’ll learn how higher education campuses can face the challenge of COVID-19. In addition to a list of considerations and recommendations for your school, you’ll learn about how TimelyMD can provide your students the support they need.
Complete the form to gain access. A link to the webinar will be emailed to your inbox.
