The UA Wellness Center, operated by Children's Mercy Hospital, provides a special, professional school-based health care service for our students. The majority of UA students are already registered with the Wellness Center. If your child is not yet registered, we encourage you to contact the Wellness Center at 816-412-5978, or visit the Center located behind the Central Office reception area in the main office. Staff
Dr. Lynch is Chief of the section of Adolescent Medicine at Children's Mercy Hospital. He has been active in school-based health care for 20 years. His expertise with this model program has been recognized by the State of Missouri. Dr. Lynch is a strong advocate of delivering services to children and teens in community settings.
- Renae Altenhofen, RN, CPNP
Renae has been an employee at Children's Mercy Hospital for 18 years, and 13 of those years as a nurse practitioner in the Teen Clinic. She received her Master's in Nursing from UMKC and is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner.
Pola has been employed at Children's Mercy Hospital for 9 years as a care assistant (CA) in various roles. She has worked in the surgery clinic, the pediatric care clinic, and most recently at the University Academy Wellness Center. Pola is the person to call to make appointment for the Wellness Center. Her direct number is: 816-412-5978.
- Dee White Eye, LCSW, LSCSW
Dee has been a social worker since 1980 and has worked in agencies all over the United States as a military family. Since completing her masters in Social Work at University of Kansas in 1998, Dee specialized in school social work. Her cultural training and background has prepared her to work exclusively in at-risk schools.
FAQs
- Are there any costs for the in-school Wellness Center services?
No. Parents/legal guardians do not pay for the services provided in the Wellness Center. Students are seen regardless of whether or not they have insurance. The clinic does obtain insurance information for clinic report purposes only but no longer bills insurance companies. Services provided outside of the Wellness Center are not covered. These might include: prescriptions, X-rays, emergency hospital visits, ambulance transport, referrals/follow-up visits by primary care physicians.
- What does it take for my child to be seen in the Wellness Center?
Parents/legal guardians must complete the Wellness Center registration form and provide any health insurance information, if covered. The Children's Mercy staff can see only children whose registration forms are on file. A consent and privacy (HIPPA) form also needs to be on file. Families must renew the consent each year to receive care. It is also recommended to update the registration form yearly.
- What are some typical clinic services?
Physicals (and sports physicals), Asthma, Respiratory Illnesses, Rashes/Skin Problems, Minor Illness and Injuries, Menstrual Problems, School and Family Issues and School Concerns, i.e. - Behavioral concerns, Depression, Short-term Counseling and Community Resources.
- Who does the Social Worker see?
The Social Worker can see any student who is registered in the Wellness Center. She is available to assist with short-term counseling, case management and community resource referral for insurance, basic needs and mental health services. She also conducts various small groups including grief and loss, self-esteem, and anger management.
- Will the UA school staff be aware of the student's visit and what is discussed?
No. Mandated privacy laws are strictly followed by Children's Mercy staff. Students are given an appointment card indicating the date and time to show their teacher in order for them to be excused from class. No other information is shared with the school nurse, teachers, or other staff without the release of information form signed by the parents/legal guardians.
- How is the UA Wellness Center different from seeing the school nurse?
The Wellness Center is like a doctor's office located within the school. The nurse practitioner or physician, typically sees students by appointment. The nurse practitioner can evaluate, diagnose, treat, do physical check-ups and prescribe medication, as necessary. These services are separate from the general services provided by the UA school nurse.
- Why register if we already have a primary care physician?
The Wellness Clinic is not meant to interfere with the relationship between parents and primary care providers. The Wellness Center staff can work with your primary care provider on certain follow-up services or weight checks. These in-school services enable students to be treated at school and potentially enable parents to remain at work or home, if necessary. Students with unexpected illnesses or injuries can be evaluated and treated by Children's Mercy Hospital staff on-site and, if necessary, referred for emergency care. Students can receive sports-related health exams at school - with no fees or co-pays.
- Who provides the funding for the Wellness Center?
The Center is funded by: Baptist-Trinity Lutheran Legacy Foundation, Arvin Gotlieb Charitable Foundation, An 'Anonymous' Donor and University Academy. |
Children's Mercy Hospital Clinic
