City & County of Broomfield

They help improve women’s and men’s general health.
They help prevent, treat, and manage sexually transmitted infections, including HIV / AIDS.
They help prevent unintended pregnancies.

What are the fees associated with these services?

Free and low-cost services are available through the Reproductive Health Services Program with funding from Title X federal grant dollars, State general fund dollars, and client fees and donations.

Client fees are determined by the client’s income and family size. This sliding fee scale allows us to provide care at a much lower cost than other health care offices. Clients whose income is at or below 100% of poverty will not be charged or billed for required services. No one will be denied services because she or he cannot pay. The fees for clients that are under 18 are based only on the income available to them.

Do teens need parental consent to receive services through the Reproductive Health program?

Reproductive Health Services are confidential and parental consent is not necessary for teens to receive services. The Reproductive Health program encourages teens to find healthy ways to discuss reproductive health issues with their parents.

Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs (HCP)

What is a Medical Home?

A medical home is a concept of quality health care.
It is a team approach to coordinating health care services.
A Medical Home promotes a partnership between families and providers.
A Medical Home encompasses medical, mental and oral health care.
A Medical Home approach is accomplished when families feel included and valued, and when care and treatment options are mutually discussed and collaboratively decided.

Where did the term "Medical home" come from?

This term, and more importantly the concept of a Medical Home, originated through the collaboration and work of many professionals and family advocates on a national level, specifically the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

How can I learn more about the concept of a Medical Home?

Visit the following websites:

Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs

American Academy of Pediatrics, National Center of Medical Home Initiatives for Children with Special Needs

Center for Medical Home Improvement

National Initiative for Children's Health Quality

Services to Children and Pregnant Mothers on Medicaid through EPSDT

What kind of services are available for my children on Medicaid?

Health care services are available to children and pregnant mothers who are Medicaid-eligible through the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program of the Broomfield Health and Human Services Department, Public Health and Environment Division.

What is EPSDT and who is eligible?

EPSDT is a special health care program within Medicaid for persons from birth to age 21. This program helps parents of children on Medicaid make the most of their health care benefits by helping families determine if their children have any health problems as early as possible. EPSDT is free access to good health care for children who have a current Medicaid card. For more information, please contact the EPSDT Coordinator at 720.887.2200 or visit the Health and Human Services Department, Public Health and Environment Division as 6 Garden Center, Broomfield, CO 80020.

What is included in an EPSDT health check-up?

A health history of your child’s growth, eating, and past illnesses,
A “head-to-toe” examination of your child,
A screening of your child’s development,
Urine and blood tests as needed, including blood lead testing,
Immunizations,
Other tests or examinations as needed, and
Regular medical, dental, vision, hearing checkups and other medical screenings as needed.

When should my child see a doctor?

Age	Number of check-ups
Birth-1 year old	6-8 per year
1-2 years old	2-3 per year
3-6 years old	1 per year
7-20 years old	1 every 1 to 2 years

Why are health check-ups so important?

Health problems can be found early and treatment started right away.
Some health problems can become a lifetime illness if not treated early.
Medicaid will pay for these health check-ups at no cost.
If a problem is found which is not covered by Medicaid, the EPSDT Outreach Coordinator will help find a program which will provide treatment at little or no cost.

What dental and vision benefits are included in EPSDT?

Dental exams and treatments
Dental cleanings every 6 months
Dental education to keep teeth clean and healthy (dental braces and retainers are not covered unless there is severe handicapped malocclusion)
Vision examinations and glasses

My child receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI); does that qualify him for EPSDT?

Yes. Your child needs a regular physician as well as a specialist. Your EPSDT Outreach Worker can help you with well child visits, referrals to community services, parenting support and related special health care and developmental needs.

Do parents receive the same benefits as children?

Please check your membership handbook or call your customer service representative at State Medicaid, 303.866.3513. Anyone 19 years or older with Medicaid will need to make a co-payment to receive medical attention or prescriptions. Only emergency dental work is covered. Vision coverage may be offered through selected HMOs for those over 21 years of age.

Can a doctor other than my primary care provider (PCP) see me?

Your PCP is responsible for your medical needs and you must call your PCP before you go anywhere else for care, even the emergency room. If you do not call your PCP first or go outside of your HMO service area, you will be responsible for bills for the services you receive.

How can the EPSDT Outreach Coordinator help me?

The Outreach Coordinator can help you get the most out of your Medicaid benefits by helping you:

Understand the Medicaid program and benefits.
Find doctors, specialists, and schedule appointments.
Understand the role of primary care providers and a medical home.
Explore other health insurance options, such as CHP+ if you are not eligible for Medicaid.
Arrange other medical needs for your family, including prenatal care.
Find a dentist and eye doctor for those under 21 years of age.
Find transportation to doctors appointments.
Find community resources by referring you to places in the community such as Head Start, Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program (WIC), Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs (HCP), food banks, etc.

Immunizations

Why should I have my child(ren) immunized?

Having your children immunized is one of the best ways for you to protect your child(ren) and the population at large from many serious infectious diseases. Plan to give your children a healthy start to the new school year by making certain they are up to date on their immunizations. Certain immunizations are required for your child to be able to attend school or daycare. In Colorado, however, parents retain the right to opt out of any of the vaccines for medical, religious, or personal reasons. Exemption forms are available from a doctor’s office or your child’s school or child care.

What immunizations are required for my child to attend daycare or school?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides information on the state immunization requirements for children in daycares and schools. Please visit their website at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/Immunization/index.html.

What are the new immunization requirements for children in school and childcare?

In January 2007, the Colorado Board of Health adopted three additional vaccine requirements for children in childcare and school settings. The requirements went into effect on April 1, 2007 for the 2007-2008 school year. The new requirements include the following.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap)

A Tdap booster is required for all students entering 7th and 11th grades. In addition to Tetanus, a Pertussis immunization is recommended for all teens and adults since these age groups are the reservoirs of the disease. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a disease that can be extremely serious and even fatal to infants. The Tdap vaccine provides protection against Pertussis and can help reduce the spread of the disease. The immunization boosts the antibodies in teens and adults whose childhood protection has decreased over time.

Additional dose of Varicella for children entering Kindergarten

Children who have not had chickenpox are required to have two doses of the varicella vaccine before entering kindergarten or first grade. If a child has had chickenpox, written documentation from the child’s health care provider is required. A second varicella vaccine is recommended for all youth up to age 18 who have had one previous does of the vaccine and have not had the chickenpox.

Pneumococcal vaccine series for children in child care

An additional dose of pneumococcal vaccine is required for children up to 23 months who are in licensed daycare. The number of doses will vary for children depending upon when the initial vaccine was administered. This vaccine is given in a series of injections to prevent pneumonia, a contagious disease that can have serious effects in infants and young children.

For further information, contact Broomfield Health and Human Services, Public Health Division at 720.887.2220.

Where can I get a flu shot?

Visit www.immunizecolorado.com to see a list of all of the Colorado sites for flu shot clinics.

Where can I get more information about vaccine safety?

The Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia provides a wealth of information to answer your questions about vaccine safety. Please visit their website at www.vaccine.chop.edu.

International Travel Clinic

I am going on a trip out of the United States, and I’d like information about disease prevention prior to my travel.

You may contact the Broomfield Health and Human Services Travel Clinic at least six (6) weeks prior to your departure to request a package of travel health information tailored to each individual for the destination(s) to be visited. Information is received from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Travax systems. The information is updated daily and includes health and disease precautions specific to an individual’s travel destination.

The Travel Clinic can also provide information about food, water and insect-borne diseases and other health concerns to ensure a safe and healthy trip whether traveling locally or internationally. We will work with your physician if you have special health concerns or if you are traveling with children.

How can I obtain immunizations that I may need for my travel to another country and what vaccines are available?

A public health nurse will arrange a consultation visit to discuss vaccines that are essential or recommended for a particular travel destination. The nurse will also review your “childhood” vaccinations. Some diseases that are no longer a threat in developed countries may pose a serious problem in developing countries.

The nurse will schedule a time to administer the recommended vaccines. The Travel Clinic offers the following vaccines and other vaccines can be ordered as needed.

Chicken Pox
Rabies
Hepatitis A and B
Polio
Pneumococcal
Typhoid Fever
Yellow Fever
Japanese Encephalitis
Meningococcal Meningitis
Measles/Mumps/Rubella
Tetanus-Diphtheria
Malaria prescriptions

Why is it important for me to request health information or receive vaccinations prior to my travel?

When you travel to another state or country, you may be at risk of certain infectious diseases. Diseases such as Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever, Malaria, Meningitis, Traveler’s Diarrhea, and diseases associated with insects, have symptoms that can last for weeks, months or can be fatal.

Is there a fee for these vaccines?

Fees vary depending upon the services rendered.

Health Promotions

Tobacco Education and Prevention Program

Why is secondhand smoke dangerous for children?

Studies show that a person breathing secondhand smoke is exposed to the same tar, nicotine, cyanide, arsenic, methane, carbon monoxide and other cancer-causing chemicals as the person smoking the cigarette.
Because their small bodies and lungs aren't completely developed, secondhand smoke can be even more harmful to children.

What are the health risks for children from exposure to secondhand smoke?

Babies whose caregivers or parents smoke are twice as likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke have more asthma attacks, allergies, colds and ear infections.
Secondhand smoke causes 300,000 cases of pneumonia and bronchitis in children every year.

How can I help minimize my child's exposure to secondhand smoke?

If you smoke, try not to smoke around your kids.
Set up a place to smoke outside, away from where your children play.
Don't smoke or allow smoking in your car.
Try to quit.
Ask visitors not to smoke around your kids and remove your children from environments where people are smoking.

Environmental Health Services

Retail Food Service Program

Can I make food and sell it to the public from/in my home?

Food sold to the public can only be made in approved commercial facilities that are inspected by regulatory authorities. Such facilities must have approved commercial grade equipment and meet all applicable plumbing, electrical, building and zoning codes.

Do I need a food worker’s card?

Colorado does not require food handler’s cards. However, it is highly suggested that any one who works within the retail food service industry attend a food safety class. Contact Gary Hague at (720) 887-2232 for more information on these classes. Classes are offered in English and Spanish.

The cashier handled money at the cash register and did not wash their hands prior to preparing my food; will I get sick?

Although money is not a proven cause of food borne illness; it is recommended that all employees at food service establishments wash their hands between money handling and food preparation and vice versa to prevent the spread of germs. It is also recommended that patrons wash their hands prior to eating their food.

I found a hair in my food. Will I get sick?

Hair, like money, has never been proven to cause food borne illness. The germs that cause food borne illness need three things to survive: heat, moisture, and protein. If one or more of these are missing, the germs will quickly die when exposed to the outside environment. However, restaurant employees are required to keep long hair restrained to avoid stray hairs from falling into the food.

I suspect that I may have contracted food poisoning from a particular restaurant; how do I report this and what will happen to the restaurant?

First, you need to consider the time it took from when you ate at that establishment until you became ill. One of the biggest myths related to food borne illness is that people often think it is the last thing they ate. In reality, it usually takes 12-72 hours before symptoms begin to appear. Most often, it is the meal eaten the day prior that is the culprit. It is also important to see a physician to determine whether the illness may be food borne or another illness unrelated to food.

However, if you have considered these factors and you believe you have contracted food poisoning from a particular restaurant, you should contact Gary Hague at 720.887.2232 to file a report.

Second, Health Departments can only immediately close down a restaurant if there is an immediate health hazard such as a sewage backup. For all other cases, the restaurant may be fined through a civil penalty process. If you observe these or other conditions, please contact Gary Hague to file a report and an investigation will be conducted.