By Rona Ortiz |Staff Writer|
The CSUSB Health Center can be a lifesaver.
The clinic is a convenient option for students who do not have health insurance.
Sometimes they are too busy to schedule an appointment with their primary care physician.
“It’s convenient to visit the Health Center,” said Leticia Valdez. “I didn’t want to go all the way to my doctor’s office, and the medication is cheap.”
The Health Center offers an array of services including free routine office visits, low cost physicals, and lab and x-ray services.
There are same day and walk-in visits in addition to scheduled appointments.
For some students, the on-campus clinic is their only means of health care.
Students at CSUSB pay a Student Health Fee which provides them with health and counseling services at the Student Health and Psychological Counseling Center (PCC) at no additional cost.
An informal survey revealed that students rate the overall quality of care as good with several students mentioning the low cost of prescriptions.
“I’ve only used the pharmacy,” added Valdez. “They were nice. They knew what medication I needed and it was cheap,” Some students prefer to visit their outside provider because they have established a relationship with their doctor.
“The service was okay, but the wait was long,” said Francisca Aguilar, “I’d rather go to my own doctor.”
Wait times can vary because the clinic offers same day and walk-in appointments.
“On average students have a 10 minute wait, if that,” said Front Office Lead Lisa Graham.
The center’s full-time staff consists of two medical doctors, two nurse adult/family practitioners, RN’s, LVN’s, clinical aid, pharmacist, and medical office support.
The clinic offers an after hours service called Fonemed.
Fonemed is a telephone nurse service where they will answer medical questions or direct you to open healthcare resources at your own cost.
The service is available only to currently enrolled students, as stated on the center’s web page.
The center offers basic health care to students.
However, treatment for major illnesses and injury, as well as certain conditions requiring a specialist or hospitalization are beyond the scope of service.
In conjunction with the campus clinic, “The PCC offers a variety of group counseling options each quarter to meet the specific needs and interests of the CSUSB student population,” according to the school’s website.
The PCC offers individual, group and couples counseling.
Group counseling sessions touch on a variety of topics including women’s issues, overcoming anxiety, journaling for wellness, working through grief and managing moods.
Student Health and Psychological Counseling Centers are located just north of the Commons and between the Student Union and Jack Brown Hall.
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