Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine to oversee medical services for Ohio University students

Students can expect expanded hours, improved access to physicians and services
 

(Athens, OH – Aug. 11, 2010) Ohio University students can expect positive changes in their health care on the Athens campus this year.

The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) and the Ohio University Division of Student Affairs today announced that OU-HCOM will oversee student health services beginning Aug. 12, 2010. Student health services were previously aligned with the Division of Student Affairs.
 

OU-HCOM will contract with University Medical Associates, Inc. (UMA), the not-for-profit health care organization and faculty practice plan of OU-HCOM’s clinical faculty, to provide day-to-day administration and staffing for student health care services.
 

“OU-HCOM physicians have long served the region through UMA, the college’s free clinics and in other medical practices. I’m very pleased the college can now provide UMA expertise and resources directly to the students of Ohio University,” said Jack Brose, D.O., OU-HCOM dean.
 

“Improving health services for students has been a top priority for several years,” said Kent Smith, Jr., Ph.D.,vice president for student affairs. “We have a medical school at Ohio University, and it makes perfect sense to use their expertise to improve the health care experience for students.”

Brose explained that UMA intends to create a premier student medical care experience called “Campus Care” that offers a convenient, affordable and high-quality medical experience for students.
 

“Students have asked for expanded hours. They need the ability to schedule an appointment, and they also need to be able to walk in on an ‘express’ basis to take care of quick medical needs,” said Brose. “Administratively, we know that student health services needs to function as a responsive, patient-centered model.”
 

UMA’s Campus Care will be located in the remodeled first and second floor offices of the current Hudson Health Center. OU-HCOM and the Division of Student Affairs will make substantial investments in renovations to the facility that will include expansion of waiting rooms; relocation of registration areas, labs and nursing stations; and refurbishing of some interior surfaces. Remodeling is expected to take place over the next year.
 

Campus Care will enhance access to medical services through two distinct programs:  Campus Quick Care and Campus Primary Care.

Campus Quick Care, to be located on the first floor of Hudson, will be a walk-in clinic where students can be evaluated and treated quickly and conveniently.
 

Campus Primary Care will be housed on the second floor. Students will be able to schedule appointments in advance, allowing them to better coordinate their physician visits with their schedules.
 

Counseling and Psychological Services will continue to report through the Division of Student Affairs and to be housed on the third floor of Hudson.
 

Brose also emphasized that through UMA, “students can expect improved access to chronic disease management and physician specialists. They have the ability to bring in specialists as specific health care needs are identified.”
 

Students can expect immediate changes in hours of operation. During the academic year, Campus Care will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. During summer, winter and spring breaks, Campus Care will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 

Students will eventually see improved information technology, which will include an online “patient portal” that will enable them to schedule appointments and communicate privately with Campus Care physicians and other staff members. As part of these improvements, students will also be able to view lab results, x-rays, and other tests and download forms used at Campus Care.
 

Students will see no changes to their fees, and no additional costs will be shifted to students. Students’ insurance plans will be billed for services. Co-pays and deductibles are applicable.
 

 “Over the past year, with the help of UMA physicians, we’ve already made some enhancements,” said Smith. “It’s going to take time to make a complete transition to UMA Campus Care, but I am certain that with this partnership, student health care needs are going to be well met.”
 

As part of the realignment, the student health center will be reviewed on a regular basis by a newly formed Campus Care Advisory Committee. This committee will be comprised of the vice president for student affairs, the dean of students, the dean of OU-HCOM, the student health service medical director, the student health service director of operations, three students appointed by the president of the Student Senate, and one student appointed by the president of the Graduate Student Senate. The group will meet quarterly, and will look at many different parameters to evaluate quality and performance.
 

“The advisory committee, Campus Care, and renovations – these are all positive first steps towards creating a much more satisfactory medical experience for students,” said Smith.

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Contact:  Karoline Lane, 740.593-2261, lanek@ohio.edu.

The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine is ranked 11^TH of all medical schools nationally in creating primary care physicians who serve in rural settings, according to a recent study published in Academic Medicine. Each year more than 100 osteopathic physicians and surgeons graduate from OU-HCOM, Ohio’s only college of osteopathic medicine. Fifty-two percent of OU-HCOM alumni practice in primary care fields, and more than 60 percent of its graduates remain in Ohio, where they are more likely to practice in rural and other physician-shortage areas.