MedicalClinicFAQ

We see a large number of students, faculty, and staff members every day. The numbers keep growing by leaps and bounds. Over the years, we have evaluated walk-in clinics and other types of scheduling, and we have determined the STUDENTS are best served by our appointment process. Same day appointments are required to speak with a nurse prior to scheduling. This nurse is not acting as a gatekeeper, but instead is attempting to insure that the students who really need immediate care get into the limited time-slots we have available. 50% of the students who request same-day appointments get one. The other 50% can either self-treat their condition (We can give you great tips to treat a cold) or given an appointment the next day.

2. What does my student health fee cover?

The student health fee ($6.86 per credit hour) covers office visits in the primary medical clinic, the women's clinic, and CAPS. It also supports the events, activities, lectures, and seminars put on through our health education and promotion department. The fee covers a portion of the bond covering our wonderful new facilities as well.

3. Is my insurance accepted at the Health Center?

We accept most major insurance policies; however insurance is VERY complicated. Responsibility lies with you to call the toll-free number on the back of your insurance card to see if your insurance is valid at the Health Center. Every plan is different.

4. Why do I call and have to talk to a Nurse before I can make an appointment?

Our Nurse Triage system helps those who need a same day appointment get one. We have a limited number of patients we can accommodate in one day, and the nurse attempts to assure those students who can self treat their condition or those whose condition can wait, do not interfere with those who truly need to get in quickly to see a provider. Our Triage system is currently placing over 50% of those that call into a same-day appointment!

5. What is with your parking system requiring me to walk back outside to place a slip on my car?

We wish every member of our community at the University of Arkansas would respect the fact that parking behind the Health Center is for patients only; however, historically, this did not happen. During the year in our new facility, we tried a variety of methods to secure YOUR parking as a patient. Our current method, requiring you to take a slip back out to your car, is the most effective method. We apologize for the inconvenience, but feel it is necessary to protect our patrons parking. Anytime you are too ill or sick to return to your car, a member of our staff can walk the slip out for you.

As parking is a problem on the entire U of A campus, the Pat Walker Health Center is not immune from this issue. We have a limited number of parking spaces located conveniently behind our facility for use by our patients. These spaces fill quickly, and all patients should arrive early enough for appointments to account for parking and traffic issues.

We encourage healthy behavior by walking whenever possible. We are a very short walk from the Arkansas Union. Also, we are located conveniently on the Reid and Grey bus lines.

6. Are my conversations with your staff confidential?

The Pat Walker Health Center takes confidentiality and your privacy VERY seriously! We fully comply with all HIPAA regulations regarding your information. To this extent, we can not discuss your health information with ANYONE but you without your written consent.

7. Is your clinic a REAL clinic?

Yes! We are fully accredited through AAAHC, the regulatory and accrediting agency for ambulatory health care organizations. This is a voluntary process by which we measure the quality of our services and performance against nationally recognized standards. Only around 1/3 of college health centers gain this accreditation. Also, we have a laboratory, x-ray, on-site pharmacy, and more. Along with our staff with decades of experience, we are ready to serve you!

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PWHC Staff