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Our Vision

Excellence in College Health

We embrace an ongoing dedication to provide high-quality health care and preventive services that are student centered and responsive to the changing health care environment.


Our Core Values

Commitment

We are committed to continually striving for excellence in the provision of college health care to the students of Appalachian State University.

Respect

We value students' individuality, acknowledge their rights to accurate information, empower them to make informed decisions, and protect their privacy.

To accomplish these ends, the goals of Appalachian State University  Health Service include:

  1. To provide quality healthcare for the students of Appalachian State University  that is appropriate, efficient, and accessible;
  2. To promote student and employee satisfaction in the Health Service organization;
  3. To inform students and the Appalachian State University  community about the Student Health Service, to include availability and definition of services offered;
  4. To provide an environment that teaches the student to become an informed participant in their own healthcare.

Student Health Service provides clinical services, both observation and out-patient, with on-site clinical laboratory services, x-ray services, injury rehabilitative services, and pharmaceutical services.  Student Health Service also utilizes consultants within the immediate area, as well as consultants at large medical centers when appropriate to secure additional needed services and expertise.  Student Health Service serves other components of the University in advising on safety, health and environmental concerns and in the educational efforts, both in and out of the classroom.

Appalachian State University's Student Health Service is a primary care ambulatory clinic. Students can be seen by appointment or on a walk-in basis while school is in session.  (Please see our home page for Hours and Requirements)


The scope of service includes the following:

  • Diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries
  • Preventive health care maintenance
  • Interim management of chronic conditions in conjunction with the student's specialist or primary care provider
  • Limited mental health services

Initial work-up and treatment may be initiated for certain chronic conditions of a stable nature, e.g., hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. Referral to specialists will be made as determined by the clinician, at the patient's expense. For this reason, all students are strongly encouraged to maintain health insurance.

If a patient with a chronic illness requires ongoing labs, those labs can be drawn at the Student Health Service at the patient's expense. Patients needing ongoing medications may also be seen here for that purpose but continued and documented follow up with the primary care provider managing the disorder may be required.

Prescriptions for psychotropic (mental health) medications may be given, but ongoing counseling elsewhere is usually recommended in this situation. Patients may be referred to the Appalachian State University  Counseling Center or to an outside mental health care provider.

Patients may be admitted to the clinic’s observation unit for treatment and short term care. At the close of daily clinic service hours, students in the observation unit are reevaluated by clinicians. Those deemed too ill for discharge home are sent to the Emergency Department at Watauga Medical Center.

University employees who experience job-related injuries will no longer be handled through Appalachian State University  Student Health Service.  Please contact the Appalachian State University  Workers Compensation Office (828) 262-6488 if a job-related injury occurs.

 

 

Page content reviewed: 06/04/2018 fwg