Now University Health Services is turning to more traditional medical care with the introduction of a new health care system. Beginning today, students visiting health services will be asked to join one of three health care teams in the general medicine department. Each team has three to four physicians, as well as mid-level practitioners and nurses. Until now, persons who needed to see a University physician saw the first one available. Under the new plan, students will choose a primary-care provider in one of the three teams to be their physician while at the University.
Students can see any other member of their team if that provider is unavailable.
And in the event of a medical emergency, patients will still be assigned to the first available physician for immediate attention. To help students select a primary-care provider and team that will best suit their needs, the health center will publish informational brochures. The brochures will identify each provider and include information on the education, clinical and personal interests of each. University physician Dr. Larry Dansky said patients will receive better continuity in their treatment because they will see the same physician or team members during each visit. Donna Recchio, co-president of the Student Health Advisory Board, said breaking up the staff will lead to higher quality health care.