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‘Zoom’ the doctor: App State employs telemedicine technology

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Appalachian State University’s M.S. Shook Student Health Service began offering virtual visits for students March 31. Family nurse practitioner Jerrica Smith, left, and staff physician Dr. Leigh Beasley, are visible on the pictured laptop screen. Photo by Marie Freeman

“As technology has become more secure, telehealth options have expanded. (Telemedicine) is a good tool, and we hope it will be popular with students.”

Margaret Bumgarner, administrative director of Appalachian’s M.S. Shook Student Health Service

By Jan Todd
Posted April 6, 2020 at 12 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — A trip to the doctor for Appalachian State University students is as easy as logging on to a computer. On March 31, Appalachian’s M.S. Shook Student Health Service began offering virtual visits through Zoom — a video communications platform being used across campus for virtual classes and meetings.

While the Appalachian campus is operating under special conditions during the COVID-19 situation, the university’s health clinic remains open — virtually. With many students no longer residing on or near campus, and with physical distance recommendations in place, Zoom visits allow the clinic’s staff to continue serving students in a safe and convenient manner.

“As technology has become more secure, telehealth options have expanded. (Telemedicine) is a good tool, and we hope it will be popular with students.”

Margaret Bumgarner, administrative director of Appalachian’s M.S. Shook Student Health Service

Margaret Bumgarner, administrative director of Student Health Service, said the password-protected Zoom technology will initially be used for visits related to medication refills and adjustments, mental health needs and skin rashes. Students can self-schedule an appointment through their App State Student Health MedPortal.

Telemedicine — the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients using a telecommunications infrastructure — has been in use for some time, particularly in rural areas with provider shortages, Bumgarner said.

“As technology has become more secure, telehealth options have expanded,” she said. “It is a good tool, and we hope it will be popular with students.”

Once the COVID-19 crisis is resolved, telemedicine may remain an option offered by Appalachian, Bumgarner said.

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M.S. Shook Student Health Service
M.S. Shook Student Health Service

Appalachian State University’s Mary S. Shook Student Health Service is a primary care ambulatory campus health clinic helping meet the needs of Appalachian students. Centrally located on campus, it is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. The health clinic’s dedicated and experienced staff physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nursing and support staff provide high-quality health care at low cost.

Learn more
Mountaineers moving mountains
Mountaineers moving mountains

Appalachian State University’s faculty and staff are transitioning events and experiences to online platforms and developing new ways for Mountaineers to connect.

Learn more

About Appalachian’s M.S. Shook Health Service

Appalachian State University’s Mary S. Shook Student Health Service is a primary care ambulatory campus health clinic helping meet the needs of Appalachian students. Centrally located on campus, it is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. The health clinic’s dedicated and experienced staff physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nursing and support staff provide high-quality health care at low cost. Learn more at https://healthservices.appstate.edu.

About the Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University is committed to the development of lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. The division consists of 16 units that offer activities and services to help students develop more fully by becoming global learners, fostering healthy relationships, appreciating diversity and different perspectives, understanding community responsibility, enhancing self-awareness, developing autonomy and living ethically. These units include the Career Development Center, Campus Activities, Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, Wellness and Prevention Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Service, Parent and Family Services, University Housing, Student Conduct, University Recreation, Intercultural Student Affairs, Student Legal Clinic and Off-Campus Student Services, Electronic Student Services, Child Development Center, and Staff Development and Strategic Initiatives. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

“As technology has become more secure, telehealth options have expanded. (Telemedicine) is a good tool, and we hope it will be popular with students.”

Margaret Bumgarner, administrative director of Appalachian’s M.S. Shook Student Health Service

M.S. Shook Student Health Service
M.S. Shook Student Health Service

Appalachian State University’s Mary S. Shook Student Health Service is a primary care ambulatory campus health clinic helping meet the needs of Appalachian students. Centrally located on campus, it is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. The health clinic’s dedicated and experienced staff physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nursing and support staff provide high-quality health care at low cost.

Learn more
Mountaineers moving mountains
Mountaineers moving mountains

Appalachian State University’s faculty and staff are transitioning events and experiences to online platforms and developing new ways for Mountaineers to connect.

Learn more

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

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Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
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