How the Dare County Schools new Urgent Care Telehealth Program works

By Outer Banks Voice on August 23, 2026

Update: Dare County Director of Health and Human Services has provided the Voice with this explanation of how payment for the telehealth services will work. There is no charge to visiting the school nurse.

If a parent elects for the student to see the telehealth provider, then Surf Pediatrics and Medicine would bill the insurance on file for the student. If the student does not have insurance, parents have the option to either self pay or if they cannot afford the services, Surf Pediatrics and Medicine will be operating on a sliding fee scale for those who qualify. Qualification is based on the federal poverty scale, similar to how we operate for public health services.

*****

This past week, the Dare County Schools (DCS), in partnership with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services and Surf Pediatrics and Medicine, announced the launch of a School-Based Urgent Care Telehealth Program for students in grades 6–12.

The pilot program, with help from the school nurse, will facilitate virtual visit for students with a healthcare provider at a private location in the school.

This information about how the program works is provided by Dare County. School-Based Urgent Care Telehealth Program | Dare County, NC. Here are the key points.

• Participation in the program is completely voluntary, and parents and guardians can withdraw a student at any time. Families can enroll students during the Dare County Schools registration process and for a limited time during the school year, with that deadline expiring on Sept. 3.
• If a student becomes ill during the school day, they should report to the school nurse who will assess their condition to determine whether a telehealth visit is appropriate. Before that visit, the nurse will contact a parent or guardian to obtain their consent. During the telehealth session, the provider will evaluate the student and recommend a plan of care.
• Telehealth services are intended for non-emergency urgent medical concerns and are not intended for routine management of chronic medical conditions. The services are available for such problems as ear pain, minor eye irritation or redness, minor rashes, cold and flu symptoms, seasonal allergies and mild stomach issues.

The DCS also advises parents and guardians to follow school illness guidelines and not send students to school with a fever, active cough, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious illness that could place other students or staff at risk.

For more information about the program, families are advised to contact their student’s school nurse or school administration office. Additional information, including financial and insurance matters, is also available here: Insured Student Enrollment Paperwork: English or Spanish and Self-Pay Student Enrollment: English or Spanish.