Opinion ID: 1649129
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Shawna's Medical Contacts

Text: Clark testified that before Shelby's first removal in June 1999, Shawna had made 195 medical contacts with 11 different doctors, whereas in foster care, Shelby was seen by a doctor for illnesses approximately 8 times. But the significance of Shawna's medical contacts during Shelby's first 17 months of life cannot be reviewed in a vacuum. This record shows both that Shelby had significant health problems from birth and that many of DHHS' reported contacts are of no consequence. Clark's conclusion relied on a summary of Shawna's calls to and appointments with medical providers during Shelby's first 17 months; the summary was compiled by Clark's predecessor through a Medicaid tracking service. The summary includes an examination at birth, well-baby checkups, followup appointments, and telephone calls to make appointments or to get dosages for over-the-counter medicines. The record also shows that most of the doctors Shawna contacted were emergency room physicians or physicians to whom Shelby was referred by her primary physician. In the context of Shelby's medical history, these contacts fail to establish that Shawna placed Shelby at risk by seeking unnecessary medical care. As noted, the record shows that Shelby endured serious medical problems before her first removal. The State adduced no evidence to show that Shawna was responsible for these conditions.