BCMH
Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) Nursing services
The Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) program is a health care
program provided by the Belmont County Health Department that is funded by the
Ohio Department of Health. BCMH links families of children with special health
care needs to a network of quality providers and helps families obtain payment
for the services their child needs.
BCMH’s mission is to assure, through the development and support of high
quality, coordinated systems, that children with special health care needs and
their families obtain comprehensive care and services that are family centered,
community based and culturally sensitive.
Belmont County Health Department public health nurses provide home visits and
phone consultation as needed to:
·
Assist families increase their access to care,
·
Service coordination for children with selected diagnoses and
·
Assist families to access and utilize appropriate sources of payment for
services for their child.
For more information, contact the health department at (740) 695-1202 extension
29 or 30.
Eligibility
For both the diagnostic and treatment programs, children must be under the age of 21, live in Ohio, be a permanent U.S. resident, and be under the care of a BCMH-approved physician. The Diagnostic Program assists families in obtaining an evaluation of a potentially handicapping condition regardless of the family’s income. The Treatment Program is for children who have been diagnosed as having an eligible medically handicapping condition. Families must meet financial eligibility guidelines.
Some examples of eligible conditions are:
- Chronic Pulmonary Disease
- Diabetes
- Juvenile Arthritis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cancer
- Cleft Lip/Palate
- Cerebral Palsy
- Hemophilia
- Spina Bifida
- Hearing Loss
- Heart Defects
- Seizure disorders
Examples of BCMH assisted services
- Office visits to physicians
- X-ray and lab
- Physical therapy
- Prescription Medicines
- Dental Care
- Surgery
- Hearing Aids
- Medical Supplies
- Hospitalization
Public Health Nursing Services
- Home visits
- Service coordination
- Health assessment and education
- Developmental screening
- Advocacy and referral to appropriate health care providers
Medical Nutrition Services
- Assessment & nutrition counseling
- Special formula assistance
- Follow-up and monitoring
- Referrals to appropriate services
To Apply
Families or agencies may apply to BCMH by contacting a public health nurse at their local health department, the child’s physician or the BCMH office at the Ohio Department of Health. Parents may call toll free to 1-800 755-GROW (4769). Click here for more information about BCMH from the Ohio Department of Health.
For assistance in Belmont County, call the BCMH nurses at the Belmont County Board of Health @ 740-695-1202 ext. 29 or email the program coordinator Lynn.Schrum@odh.ohio.gov.
