SMSD Health Partnership Clinic opens

Yesterday, a branch of the Health Partnership Clinic opened at Shawnee Mission West High School for all SMSD students and their siblings ages 3-20. 

Services offered include physical exams, immunizations, COVID testing, referrals to specialty services, sick visits, mental health services and dental care.

“It’s primarily for students to have a medical ‘home,’” said school nurse Stephanie Ptacek. “To eliminate access issues, it’s pretty centrally located in the district. Hopefully access will be easier for families and this will give students more options”

In an effort to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all families, the health clinic accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare or KanCare. Additionally, a sliding-fee discount program is in place at this facility, which means that medical fees could be deducted or eliminated based on a family’s household size and income. 

“If you don’t feel well, you’re not going to learn, so this new service benefits our students in so many ways,” said Ptacek.