I always do a medical referral after 3-4 visits for the same complaint. I also speak with the teacher and get the counselor involved. I agree that many of these kids do have psychosocial problems and that it may take a while for them to open up. But, where do we draw the line? I am at a school where I have not 1 or 2 frequent fliers but 15-20. Most have many tardies, are failing at least one class, have many unexcused absences. I do not feel I am helping them by letting them visit the clinic 5-6 times a day on a daily basis! That is why i get others involved.
AND SOMETIMES, it really is nothing more than the child does not want to be in math class!!!
What happens when you spend all of your time on frequent fliers? I also have diabetics, asthmatics, a child in renal failure, etc. When those kids need me......I must prioritize and tend to their needs. Sorry, but there is ony one of me and i only have so many hours in a day to figure out what your tummy ache is really all about. There ae 2 counselors, 3 administrators, social workers, psychologists. I feel those people are better trained to intervene on that child and let me provide the services that only I AM TRAINED (as the only medical professional in the building) to provide!
