School Based Health Center

For 30 years, school-based health centers (SBHCs) in Ohio have been improving the health and education outcomes of the students that they serve. School-based care in Ohio has grown to over 85 traditional school health clinics, providing services to students, family members and, in some cases, community members across the state.  Currently, Ohio Hills Health Centers is working closely with the Belmont Career Center and Bellaire High School to ensure needs are met.

Why is school-based health important?

Only 54% of Ohio's children have an established medical provider.  School-based health brings services to children where they are, in school, and allows students to miss a minimum of class time.  Students who are sick or who have unaddressed health conditions often cannot focus inside the classroom and are more likely to miss school altogether. When a child’s education is negatively impacted, they face lifelong consequences — including a greater risk for poor health, higher healthcare spending, and increased economic instability in their future. Healthy students learn better and are, in turn, better equipped and supported to reach their full potential.

What is a school-based health center?

School-based health care is a partnership between a school and a hospital, health department, or federally qualified health center, such as Ohio Hills Health Center (OHHC), to deliver care at a school. The school supplies the space; OHHC supplies equipment and a medical professional to provide care. The care may be a discrete service or services, like immunization, or it may be more comprehensive, like general primary care that can be found in a provider's office.

Traditionally, any health care service that is available in a primary care provider’s office is available at a school-based health center. The school-based health center may become the child’s regular health care provider in circumstances when the child does not have a regular doctor, but these centers also work to connect or reconnect children to community providers. School-based clinic staff can also consult with a student’s doctor to make sure they get 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 or, in some cases, a community member to receive care, parents/legal guardian or adult patient must complete the enrollment form and the consent form to bill insurances. Each year enrollment must be updated. Enrollment in the health center is voluntary and can be discontinued at any time.

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 appointment will take place in a designated area of the SBHC. Ohio Hills Health Centers will accept new enrollment packets throughout the year. 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
• 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 may be available at some sites 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/patient 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.

Forms:

SBHC Enrollment Form
SBHC Consent Form - Belmont Career Center
SBHC Consent Form - Bellaire High School