The Fountain

The switch to an appointment system at the Student Health Clinic has solved some problems for the medical staff but frustrated some students.

The clinic changed to an appointment system during Christmas break. Previously, students just walked into the clinic when they needed medical attention. That system was overwhelming the medical staff, which consists of one doctor, three nurse practitioners, and eight nurses, according to Christie McCrory, assistant director of the SHC.

During the Swine Flu outbreak last semester, the doctor and nurse practitioners were seeing 40 people a day each, McCrory said. The average daily caseload for most doctors is 15-20 people a day. The medical staff was exhausted by the schedule, she said. The experience influenced the decision to switch to the appointment-only system.

Students have long supported the walk-in system and the SHC kept the system until the end of last semester, McCrory said. Circumstances, including a growing student population, forced the change, she said.

UCA junior Katie Davis said she got sick last week but couldn’t get an appointment to see the doctor for three days. McCrory said the wait wasn’t unusual. It takes several days to get an appointment at most doctors’ offices. The SHC also is operating with a reduced staff but has placed advertisements to hire another person, she said

The biggest problem the SHC is having with the appointment systems is the high number of no-shows. McCrory said they have as many as 15 per day. They are looking at implementing a fee for students that are no-shows. McCrory said to cancel your appointment all you need to do is call the SHC, 450-3136, and let them know.

To make an appointment at SHC, click here.