SBHC FAQs

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Q: WHY IS THE DISTRICT PARTNERING WITH DAYTON CHILDREN'S TO ADD A SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER (SBHC)?
A: It is our goal to keep students in the classroom, healthy and engaged in learning all year long! Illness and chronic health conditions can lead to hundreds of missed hours of learning, and medical appointments for treatment can result in students being out of the building for hours at a time. If students aren’t here, they aren’t learning with us!

Ultimately, providing access to care as a resource for families right in the school setting has been shown to reduce the number of absences for students, and can also minimize time away from work for busy families.

Q: HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT THAN THE REGULAR SCHOOL CLINIC?
A: Every XCS school has a clinic that is staffed by clinic aides who are supported by the district’s four full-time school nurses. They handle day-to-day medical needs for students, but cannot diagnose or treat students beyond treatment as prescribed by the student's regular doctor.

The XCS school-based health center (SBHC) is a new medical health center that will be housed at Warner Middle School. It is being created in partnership with Dayton Children’s, and the pilot program for Fall 2022 will include having medical staff on site who can treat students ONLY once the parent/guardian has given permission. They can assist with medical emergencies, as well as help students with chronic health concerns.

Q: WHAT SERVICES CAN THE SBHC PROVIDE?
A: The SBHC can help with many common needs for our students! They can provide physical exams for sports, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe and/or renew prescriptions for medication, and provide other care similar to your child’s doctor.

As part of this care, the nurse practitioner can order any lab tests and issue any prescriptions needed to address medical concerns for the student.

Families should be aware that the SBHC is subject to the same privacy laws that govern all healthcare providers. The district will refer families to this optional service, but will not have control over SBHC treatment plans, medical records or other data.

Q: WHO IS PROVIDING TREATMENT IN THE SBHC? IS THERE A DOCTOR?
A: Care will be provided by a nurse practitioner from Dayton Children's. In addition, telehealth appointments will also available through Kids Express in the event the NP is treating another student or is not on-site.

Q: WHAT IF MY CHILD ALREADY HAS A DOCTOR?
A: If your child already has a doctor, then the SBHC staff will work along with the care that your child’s doctor provides. If needed, the School-Based Health Center staff will talk to your child’s doctor to make sure your child gets the best care both in and out of school.

Q: IS THERE A FEE? HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SEE THE PRACTITIONER?
A: Like a regular doctor visit, the SBHC can bill insurance for many of the services they provide. School-Based Health Centers rely on billing for funding, which will allow them to keep caring for your child. 

The Health Center will provide care regardless of insurance coverage, and support may be available for families. Contact Dayton Children's at 937-641-4623 for more information about billing support options.

Q: DOES A STUDENT NEED TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE TO BE SEEN AT THE SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER?
A: School-Based Health Centers provide care to students whether or not they have insurance. If the student has Medicaid, or other insurance, it is important to inform the School-Based Health Center so that they will be able to bill for the services.

Q: I DO NOT WANT MY CHILD SEEN BY ANYONE IN THE SCHOOL SETTING AT THIS TIME. DO I HAVE TO OPT OUT OF ANYTHING?
A: Absolutely not! The SBHC is entirely voluntary, and a parent/guardian must actively consent to treatment. Families may actively opt out of treatment using the consent form, but it is not required. In addition, families will be engaged throughout the process, just as you would with your regular doctor.

Q: THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT FIT FOR MY CHILD! HOW CAN I ACCESS SERVICES THROUGH THE SBHC? WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
A: Families can opt into treatment by completing the consent form. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 937-641-4623, and walk-in appointments may be available. In the case of an injury or other minor emergency, the parent/guardian may give verbal consent by phone.