ABOUT PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES INC., AT PLSD (SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CLINIC)
School-Based Health Clinic at Tussing Elementary School: Pediatric Associates Inc.
Pickerington Local Schools and Pediatric Associates Inc. have partnered to provide advocacy and accessible healthcare for all students and their families, including those facing financial barriers and other social determinants of health.
When students are healthy, they can better focus on their education. This on-site clinic ensures students miss less class time for routine check-ups or health concerns while offering families the convenience of in-school care.
Why a School-Based Health Clinic (SBHC)?
Our School-Based Health Clinic (SBHC) supports the well-being of students, siblings, and the greater Pickerington community (ages 0-21). The decision to establish a SBHC stemmed from community feedback highlighting access to care as a major concern.
Research shows that on-site healthcare services improve student attendance and academic performance while promoting healthier long-term outcomes. Having access to care at school reduces scheduling challenges for working families, ensuring students receive timely medical attention.
Available Services
To ensure comprehensive care, our SBHC offers a range of health services:
Preventive Care
- Wellness check-ups and physicals
- Immunizations and vaccinations
- Health screenings (vision, hearing, etc.)
Treatment Services
- Care for common illnesses (e.g., colds, flu, ear infections)
- Management of chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, allergies)
- Referrals for specialized care if needed
Behavioral Health
- Behavioral health services and consultations
Location & Accessibility
Our School-Based Health Clinic – Pediatric Associates Inc. is located within Tussing Elementary School (7117 Tussing Road), providing students with quality healthcare without leaving school grounds.
Through this partnership, Pickerington Local Schools ensures students receive essential healthcare conveniently and efficiently, keeping them healthy and ready to learn. Services include well-child visits, sports physicals, and school-required vaccinations—all provided with parental consent.
Hours of Operation
Appointments are available on:
Tuesdays & Thursdays - Tussing Elementary School, 7117 Tussing Road
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
How to Schedule an Appointment
All Pickerington Local Schools students are welcome!
- Complete the consent form to allow your child access to clinic services.
- Call 614-864-3222 or contact your school nurse to schedule an appointment.
- Appointments are available Tuesday & Thursday (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) at Tussing Elementary School.
The Importance of Accessible Healthcare
This partnership breaks down barriers to care, ensuring all families have access to essential healthcare services for their children. By integrating medical care within the school setting, Pickerington Local Schools and Pediatric Associates Inc. are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and healthy learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Why was an SBHC added to our school?
A: We want to keep students healthy and actively engaged in their learning. Illnesses and other health conditions can cause students to miss valuable class time to stay home or attend medical appointments. By placing a healthcare provider in the school building, students can access care quickly and easily, allowing them to return to class sooner and families to miss less work as well. Research shows that healthy kids perform better in school, and an SBHC allows us to continue nurturing every child’s potential.
Q: What is a school-based health clinic?
A: a school-based health clinic aims to improve access to health care services for students. SBHCs provide services similar to a pediatrician’s office, including annual well checks, sick visits, behavioral health supports and vaccinations. Remember, this service is not meant to replace your child’s pediatrician or family physician. If you need help finding a primary care physician for your family, let us know, we can help.
Q: How is an SBHC any different from a school nurse? Is this replacing school nurses?
A: Absolutely not! School nurses are vital members of the care team for our community’s students. School nurses will continue to attend to the day-to-day needs of students, providing first aid and care for illnesses or injuries that occur during the school day. The SBHC will expand the care available to students, providing new services such as the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions, and prescription refills. By working together, school nurses and SBHC providers deliver comprehensive care to PLSD students.
Q: Who can use the Tussing Elementary School-based health clinic?
A: The clinic is available to all students enrolled in Pickerington Local Schools and their immediate family members.
A: The clinic is available to all students enrolled in Pickerington Local Schools and their immediate family members.
Q: Do we need to schedule an appointment, or are walk-ins accepted?
A: Walk-ins are accepted, but scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure timely service.
Q: How will parents & guardians remain informed about the care of their child?
A: Parents and guardians are essential partners in ensuring that the SBHC will provide effective support to students. Please know that no care will ever be provided for your child without your consent. Parents are always welcome to attend appointments, but it is not required for their child to receive care. We’ll talk to you over the phone and will also give your child an after-visit summary that explains what happened during the visit, with any needed medicine or follow-up. Your confidence in our care of your child is very important to us.
Q: Are services free, or will we need to pay?
A: Most services are covered by insurance, and Pediatric Associates, Inc., accepts various insurance plans, including Medicaid. Out-of-pocket costs may apply depending on your family's insurance coverage.
Q: What should I bring to my child’s appointment?
A: Please bring your child’s insurance card and any relevant medical history or vaccination records.
Q: Will my child miss class for the appointment?
A: Appointments are designed to minimize class disruption. School staff will coordinate with clinic personnel to ensure your child can return to class promptly after their visit.
Q: Can the clinic provide care for ongoing conditions?
A: Yes, the clinic can help manage chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and allergies in coordination with your child’s regular healthcare provider.
Q: Will the clinic share my child’s medical information with the school?
A: No, the clinic maintains strict patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Information will only be shared with school staff if parents or guardians authorize it.
Before the start of each school year, please be sure to contact your school nurse and child’s teacher to discuss any health concerns your child has, including severe allergies, seizures, diabetes, asthma, and current medication. During the school year, please be sure to update the school nurse and teacher about any new or changing medical conditions or medication.