BYU Healthcare has made improvements from times gone by. There are even new and hidden elements that are not well known.

"The caliber of physicians are top notch," said Administrative Director for the BYU Health Center Rulon J. Barlow. Barlow said people have the idea that the physicians at a student clinic were retired doctors who still wanted to practice.

This is not the case anymore. Barlow said the largest folder he has right now is filled with resumes of doctors who would like to work at the clinic.

There are 12 doctors and four nurse practitioners practicing at the clinic. They also service the Missionary Training Center.

Any student, whether on the student health care plan or private insurance, can visit the clinic. There is a $10 co-pay for visits and the clinic will bill the insurance. Hours are from 8am to 6pm Monday through Friday and urgent care is open until noon on Saturday. Those who need assistance outside of these hours are referred to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center at 1040 N. 500 West in Provo.

Barlow said most cases can be handled right at the center. Those that cannot are sent to specialists. Many specialists such as podiatrists, ophthalmologists, psychiatrists and psychologists come to the clinic at a reduced price for the students.

There are two full time pharmacists and pharmacist techs working in the pharmacy. Student insurance does not include medication costs requiring students to pay on their own or apply for help through a patient assistance program. These programs through pharmaceutical companies give students medications for free. However, these programs have a lengthy application process and students will be re-checked every three months to make sure they still need the medication. Private insurance is accepted.

Student health services started in the early 1920's after many students became sick and refused to see a doctor. One young man died of appendicitis. This spurred the cooperation between physicians and the University. In 1939 the University began charging each student a fee to ensure adequate health care. During the sixties the health care center was an inpatient institution open 24 hours a day 7 days a week with 15 beds. In the eighties it switched to the hours it now has. In 1998 the services moved to the current building. It current building houses a pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, physical therapy, specialty clinic, urgent care and general medicine

The BYU Health Center also has counselors available, although for students they may not the best option.

Counseling for students is available for free through the Counseling and Career Center located on the bottom floor of the Wilkinson center. It is free of charge to all those with nine or more credits. Marriage counseling is offered and is free for both partners as long as one is a student. There are also about 20 counseling groups students can join.

If looking for that special someone, or wondering if that special someone is the right one, there is a program offer by BYU which can help the couple determine their weaknesses and strengths. It's called RELATE and gives an analysis of the couples relationship after answering questions online. It can be accessed at https://relate.byu.edu.



Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Apr 2003