RPS expands school health services and telehealth; Medicaid billing returns cited

Health services staff updated the board Monday on care, safety and billing operations across the division.

The presentation said the division is in its second year of being fully staffed for health services and that 1:1 nursing for students with intensive needs is supported by contracted services. The district reported 88 school‑based clinics over four years and more than 2,552 immunizations administered in that time frame.

Officials described a telehealth pilot at three schools (Carver, Cardinal and Fairfield) and said telehealth visits so far have been limited but expanding; staff noted successes at Cardinal where parent consent rates are high and said telehealth can keep students in class and reduce absences when families use the service. A broader expansion could be piloted at additional schools using mobile devices and existing nurse iPads.

On financing, staff said the district has begun Medicaid billing for nursing and related services and historically has recovered about $2 million for special‑education related services; the funds are returned to the division, and staff said they will be received quarterly. The health‑services team is also billing for counseling services this year for the first time.

Board members asked for follow‑up data on telehealth participation, attendance impacts and reimbursements. Staff said they will return with usage and outcome data as they scale the program.