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
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.
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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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 Student Affairs at App State
Student Affairs at App State supports student success and well-being by fostering a culture of care, inclusion and engagement. Its mission is to develop lifelong learners and dynamic leaders through meaningful experiences that challenge and support students. Grounded in a commitment to care, engage and transform, Student Affairs creates a student-centered environment that encourages resilience, leadership, service and global learning. Student Affairs encompasses the following units: Campus Activities, Case Management, the Child Development Center, Community-Engaged Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of the Dean of Students, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, Off-Campus Student Services, Plemmons Student Union, Student Conduct, M.S. Shook Student Health Service, Student Legal Services, Student Veteran Services, University Recreation, and Wellness and Prevention Services. 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.
