HSU’s Student Health and Counseling Center, responding to student requests, has adopted a new scheduling system called same-day appointments or open access that substantially reduces wait-times for callers and walk-ins who seek consultation and treatment.
In the event a flurry of students turns up late in the day, appointments will be scheduled early the following morning.
There are a few exceptions. Dr. Rebecca Stauffer, Director of the Health Center and of Counseling and Psychological Services, recommends scheduling certain kinds of appointments further in advance, such as women’s annual exams or follow-up visits.
She underscores that the Health Center accepts walk-ins under the new system.
“Some students have expressed concern that we do not provide walk-in access anymore, but this is not accurate,” she said. “Everyday, one M.D. is assigned as the acute care doctor in the Gold Clinic and sees patients who are seriously ill or injured and need immediate care. We don’t burden this physician with routine visits, and thereby preserve walk-in services for acute cases.”
Likewise, the same-day system is a convenience to students needing routine treatment. Scheduled for appointments later in the day, they are seen promptly and spared long waits.
The new system is based on research of other student health centers and medical clinics in general. Jasmine Manuel, President of the campus Pre-Med Club, says “Same-day appointments are great, especially for student schedules. We are really busy and same-days are very convenient.”
Dr. Stauffer offers these tips to provide students with maximum flexibility:
• beat the crowd--call 826-3146 or come in early (we open at 9:00 but answer phones before that);
• avoid Mondays and Friday afternoons for routine visits;
• if you are acutely ill, don’t wait until late afternoon to come in;
• if you have more than one problem to discuss, let the front office know that, to provide enough time for your visit;
• be sure to make your scheduled visit or call early to cancel as a courtesy to your fellow students (and to save yourself a no-show charge).
There is a suggestion box in the front lobby and student comments are welcome about the new walk-in system, any other student health issue or the center’s $450,000 modernization, which is not quite finished but well-advanced. The interior is repaired and refurbished with new paint (in HSU green and gold, hence the center’s Green Clinic and Gold Clinic), new carpets and furniture, a striking slate floor in the lobby, modern cabinetry and display cases and fresh signage.
In Manuel’s words, “The new look is awesome; it feels homey and warm.”
The upgrade is financed by a $3.00 per semester student fee dedicated solely to the building’s physical plant.
The Student Health Center is an accredited outpatient medical facility that serves enrolled HSU students. Basic medical services are available at no charge and elective services are available at very low cost. Resources include health education, primary and acute medical care, x-ray capability, a laboratory and a pharmacy. “Our medical professionals are dedicated to meeting the health needs of the student community, promoting wellness and independence, and collaborating with local and regional counterparts to provide access to comprehensive services,” Dr. Stauffer said.