School-Based Health Centers
Getting health care for your child can be complicated. Many doctors can only see patients during the school day, and their offices might be far from school or lack open appointment times when you need them. To see the doctor, your child might have to miss school and you might have to leave work — which isn’t always an option.
School-based health centers make going to the doctor simple — kids can just walk down the hall to their school nurse.
Why Have Health Centers at Schools?
When students aren’t feeling well, they have a harder time learning. They may miss class a lot — and when they are in class, they might have trouble paying attention. Giving kids and teens access to health care at school puts them in a better position to learn.
Teens who might resist going to a doctor, are more willing to get help for problems like depression, anxiety, and weight issues at a school-based health center. This might be because they see the health center’s staff at school each day, which helps build trust.
Most school-based health centers are open whenever school is in session.
Although a student can get many health care needs met at a school-based health center, it is not meant to replace the child’s regular doctor. If your child already has a doctor outside school, the health center will work with that doctor to offer consistent care. For kids and teens who don’t have a regular doctor, school-based health centers can offer care during the school year and link students to a doctor or other health center when school isn’t in session.
How Do Health Centers Keep Parents Informed?
School-based health centers work hard to keep parents in the loop about their child’s health. You might be invited to participate in your child’s visits via phone, email, or computer — or in person, if your schedule allows.
How Much Do Services Cost?
Many school-based health centers offer care on a sliding scale based on family income. Depending on the center and your situation, care could be free. Most also accept health insurance, such as Medicaid, a state-run child health insurance plan (CHIP), or private health insurance. Your school-based health center or insurance provider can give you more information.
