Otsego Student Health Center

Yes. All students ages 3-21 are eligible to be seen at the healthcare facility. However, InterCare must have a signed parent consent form on file prior to any examination or treatment except for confidential services to mature minors in line with Michigan and Federal law. (See consent form and Michigan Consent Laws documents for additional details.) Note that this consent form is a one-time only form. This does NOT need to be completed each year; one form is good for the duration of your child’s time at OPS.

For well-child appointments, immunizations, consultations, etc., parents can contact the center and make an appointment for their child. For sudden illnesses such as a sore throat, stomach aches, fevers, etc., a staff member will contact the  parent/guardian and assist in making an appointment. Parents will be notified before any appointment is confirmed except for confidential services to mature minors in line with Michigan and Federal law. (See consent form and Michigan Consent Laws documents for additional details.)

Parents do not need to be present at the appointment, but are welcome to attend. If a parent or guardian is not present, the attending medical provider would contact the parents if needed, should questions arise. A detailed summary of the appointment will be provided for the parent/guardian.

The Otsego Student Health Center can serve as an urgent care provider to immediately address illness. In addition, services include routine well-child exams with immunizations, school and sports physicals, preventative care, behavioral/ mental health services, and more.

The Health Center is not free however no one will be turned away due to insurance status or the inability to pay for services. InterCare accepts all major insurance and Medicaid, and operates on a sliding fee scale for those who do not have insurance. Insurance enrollment assistance, including Medicaid and ACA Marketplace, is available on site. 

Specific days and times of operation are not yet set but will be by August 1st. However, the health center is required to be open for patients 24 hours each week. We will work out a schedule specific for Otsego students, then times for outside students to request appointments.

School-based health centers, like the Otsego Student Health Center, are meant to serve all students ages 3-21. However, separate operational times will be available for students who do not attend Otsego which will be outside of our school day hours.

Yes. The Otsego Student Health Center will see students for acute-care visits and coordinate care with their primary care provider. However, if a student doesn’t have a primary care provider (PCP), the Health Center can be their PCP.

Wait times are not expected at the health center since it is by appointment only. There will be one medical provider and one mental health provider at the office who will see patients during appointment times. This is not a walk-in clinic.

This health center is specifically for students. This is not a walk-in clinic and those from the public cannot make appointments or walk in for care. The Otsego Student Health Center is specifically for students, ages 3-21. Parents can call to make an appointment at the clinic during the appropriate hours, or staff members might refer ill students to the office to contact parents and/or the health center for an appointment. Any non OPS student who wishes to be seen would have to schedule an appointment for those approved hours which will be outside of the school day. Set hours and days of operation will be determined by August 1st.

The student health center is part of an initiative through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. MDHHS awards grants to schools who apply for a school-based health center to better serve their students and families.

The health center is funded through MDHHS grants, however, Otsego Public Schools will need to help fund construction costs and will do this through funding sources other than the general fund. 

• MDHHS Infrastructure Grant: $329,500
• MDHHS Operating Grant: $144,498 (breakdown below)
  • Computers: $1500
  • Lab Equipment: $15,000
  • Capital Expenditures: $79,598
• TMP Architecture/Design: $48,400
• MDHHS Construction Grant: $250,000
• Security Grant (from 31aa funds): $15,000
• Total in grants: $738,998

Construction costs total $1,113,400, leaving $374,402 unfunded. Otsego Public Schools is able to cover this additional cost through Bond investments.

Continuous funding: MDHHS will provide $180,000 annually for operating expenses. Otsego has a 30% match requirement with this funding.  (This would include utilities, custodial, technology, etc.)