School Based Health Center
Ohio Hills Health Centers is pleased to partner with the Belmont Career Center to offer a School Based Health Center (SBHC) to make health and dental care accessible and affordable for students, their household members and staff of the Belmont Career Center. SBHCs are not new, but they are new in our area. For 30 years, SBHCs in Ohio have been improving the health and education outcomes of the students that they serve. Below are frequently asked questions that will help you learn about SBHCs.
Why is school-based health important?
A child who is not healthy, who must miss school for medical reasons, has increased obstacles to academic achievement. A SBHC will bring health and dental care to the students at the Belmont Career Center allowing students to miss a minimum of class time to address health and dental concerns that may not otherwise be addressed.
What is a school-based health center?
Ohio Hills Health Centers will partner with the Belmont Career Center to provide health and dental care for students and members of their household. The Belmont Career Center will supply the space and Ohio Hills Health Centers supplies the equipment and medical and dental professionals to provide the health and dental care.
Any health care service that is available in a primary care provider’s office is available at the SBHC. The SBHC may become the individuals “medical home” or regular health care provider in circumstances when the individual does not have a regular provider, but if an individual has a regular provider Ohio Hills Health Centers will consult with that physician or dentist to ensure the student receives the best care both in and out of school.
How can a student or family member receive care?
For a student or household member under the age of 18 to receive care, parents/legal guardian must complete the enrollment form and the consent form to bill insurances. Each year a student’s enrollment must be updated. Enrollment in the health center is voluntary and can be discontinued at any time. There are no eligibility requirements other than the SBHC is only open to students at the Belmont Career Center and members of their households.
How can a student or family member make an appointment?
An appointment will be made through Ohio Hills Health Centers by calling 740-239-6447. The actual medical or dental visit will take place in the new health center at the Belmont Career Center. Ohio Hills Health Centers will accept new enrollment packets throughout the year for the SBHC. Any individual under the age of 18 will not be seen without permission of a parent/guardian. If your child is too ill to attend school and you would like him/her to be seen by our staff, you may call 740-239-6447 to arrange for a same day appointment.
Is there parental involvement in school-based health?
SBHC partners with parents and caregivers for student’s health, just as primary care providers do. Parents and caregivers provide consent for care for services and are welcome to attend visits either in-person or on the phone.
If a parent is unable to be present the school-based health providers also typically connect with parents both before and after the visit, through interactions on the phone and in-person, and through after-visit summaries.
How do I pay for school-based care?
If you have insurance, Ohio Hills Health Centers will bill your insurance company. You will be responsible for any co-pays. Ohio Hills Health Centers accepts most insurances including Medicaid. If you don't have insurance, our financial counselors can help you explore insurance options. A patient discount program is also available for those who qualify, and Ohio Hills Health Center’s Financial Counselor can help with the application process.
What services are provided at the School Based Health?
- Physicals
- Immunizations
- Comprehensive health assessments for school, sports, and employment
- Care coordination for students with special health care needs
- Treatment of acute injuries
- Lab tests and screening
- Nutrition counseling
- Prescriptions for medications
- Asthma Management
- Acne Treatment
- Reproductive Health Services
- Oral Health evaluations
- Fluoride Varnish
- Dentist Examination
- Sealants
- Fillings
- Dental X-rays
- Referrals to other specialty providers
- Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance
- Sliding Fee Payment Scale
Who will my child see in the school-based health center?
For health care a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant will be on site to diagnose and treat illnesses and prescribe medications. A Medical Assistant (MA) will also assist with registration and healthcare. A dentist and dental hygienist will be available to provide dental care.
Who would have access to my child's medical records?
All medical records are confidential, as they are part of the Ohio Hills Health Centers medical records system. Before we can share records, parents/legal guardian must sign the Release Form.
Are school nurse services still available?
Yes, the school nurse will continue to provide your child with the same services, regardless of his or her enrollment in the SBHC. The SBHC will not replace the care and services provided by the school nurse.
