Dear Parent and Guardians,
The staff at the CHANGE, Inc.'s Famliy Medcial Care School Based Health Centers are excited to assist your children with all of their health care needs Monday through Friday. Our licensed healthcare staff is on site in a safe, child-friendly environment. We closely work with the school nurse and faculty to provide convenient care to your child.
So what services are available?
Well check exams, sick visits, injury treatment, immunizations, allergy shots, ADHD evaluation and treatment, sports physicals, behavioral health, dental care, chronic health care maintenance- like being on site to assist with Diabetes, Seizures, and Asthma. Just think of us as a doctor’s office inside the school.
Parents can schedule appointments for their child before, during, or immediately after school. We welcome parents at the appointment, but a child can be seen without you present at your request. We recognize that parents work and there are transportation issues that create barriers to healthcare. We are more than happy to communicate with you via phone after seeing your child. So for example, the school nurse calls home stating that your child came to her with an earache. With your permission, the nurse can bring your child right over so we can evaluate to see if an infection is present. You can also call us or send a note to have your child’s teacher send him/her down to us for a visit as well.
What dental services are offered?
Our dentists schedule weekly appointments at our affiliated sites for a range of services which include cleaning, x-rays, state required dental assessments, and applying sealants to teeth.
How does the Behavioral Health Services work?
We have individual counseling on-site provided by a licensed behavioral health specialist. A referral can be provided from the parent/guardian, our healthcare providers, your local healthcare provider, or school staff. Some children have chronic issues like depression or anxiety, others have lost loved ones and need grief support, and others have been through personal crises like divorce or abuse. Our specialist can also assist with management of ADHD or disruptive behaviors such as arguing with adults and defiant behavior. An individualized plan will be developed for each situation.
What about my current doctor’s office?
We encourage all families to maintain a relationship with your current doctor. We understand however that it isn’t always convenient or possible to get your child to their office on short notice and we can help fill that gap.
All children enrolled in the school-based health services program are eligible to receive service regardless of insurance status. For children insured by CHIP or Medicaid, the services are covered 100% (no charge We accept most insurance plans. Our rate is the same as a physician office, which is likely less than urgent care and emergency room visits on most insurance copays. If you have no insurance, please ask about the CHANGE Inc. discount program.
Our goal is to have your child enrolled in the SBHC to help alleviate any barriers to receive healthcare. We will not be able to provide any services without your permission. The forms are to gather medical history and allow us the information to serve your child. You never know when an urgent health concern will arise. In order to obtain enrollment forms, you can stop in the office, call us to have them sent home with your child, or download at www.changeinc.org.
We look forward to meeting you and your children. We welcome you to stop by to ask questions and meet our staff. For questions please call 304-797-7733.