1STUDENT HEALTH CENTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MINUTES

September 25, 2003



Present: Lori McKee, Chair, Student Health Center

Melanie Martin, Graduate Student Council

Karin Sanchez, Health Ed Coordinator, SHC

Michael O’Larey, Assistant Director, Athletics Health

Evelyn Noyes, Human Nutrition & Food Science Association

Bonnie Russell, Student Health Center


APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the April 24, 2003, meeting were approved.


OLD BUSINESS:

1. Insurance: The super user computer access to the insurance company is not yet running, but should be by October 2003. Enrollment figures for this Fall are not yet available.


2. Student Awareness Survey: Two Hundred Ninety-six students responded to this survey, Two Hundred Fifty-eight of whom were undergraduates. The survey indicated that most students were aware of the Student Health Center. The majority of the students who have used the Center did so to visit a physician. The pharmacy was second in use. The primary reasons students offered for not using the center were that they had no medical concerns or had their own insurance or doctor off campus. Cost and services were the most important aspects of health care to the survey respondents, above hours, location, privacy and convenience. Overall, students at NMSU are aware of the SHC, but may not have a sufficient understanding of who can use it and why. The survey suggests that the SHC may need to more widely publicize the full range of services offered and who are eligible for these services. Several ads have recently been placed in the Round Up


NEW BUSINESS:

1. Stats:

Although over the past year the SHC has seen an overall decrease in numbers, it remains financially strong and stable. Decreases in percentages in Fiscal Year 2002/2003 as compared to Fiscal Year 2001/2002 are: Patient Encounters 10.25%, Pharmacy 17.41%, Laboratory 9.41%, Xray 11.95%, Total Clinic Visits 11.13%, On Call Physician 21.38%, and Saturday Morning Clinic 8.86%..


2. QI Reports:

  1. A recent charge comparison study revealed that the SHC has met its goal in pricing services at or below competitive community rates for like services. Xray services averaged 3% below; Lab charges averaged 36% below, Consultants charges averaged 74% below and the SHC’s overall average rates were 35% below local community rates.

  2. A study regarding key diagnostic categories indicates that the SHC does function as a primary care provider as most diagnoses are of primary, seasonal, and preventative care in nature.


Student Health Center Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

September 25, 2003

Page 2



3. Accreditation Preparedness: The SHC is due for a re-accreditation survey in January 2004. The surveyor welcomes opportunities to speak with SHC service users. Anyone who wishes to be contacted is asked to provide your name and telephone contact number to Lori McKee or Bonnie Russell at the SHC.


4. Health Education Report: Karin Sanchez reported that class presentations are provided upon request. On October 9, 2003, there will be a Depression Screening held, and on 10/16/03 a Health Fair (height, weight, blood pressure, glucose screening) is scheduled.


5. Other:

  1. TB Skin Testing: Free Clinic, October 13, 2003, for foreign students, at the SHC

  2. Flu Vaccine: Should be in within the next two weeks.

  3. West Nile Virus: University Safety Office has had all university grounds sprayed.





NEXT MEETING: October 30, 2003; 2:00 p.m.; Student Health Center Room 167




Respectfully submitted,


_______________________________________________

Lori McKee, Director, Student Health Center

Chairperson