Background
Student Health Centers at the University of Texas System institutions provide important services to students and play a vital role in student retention. Between institutions, variation exists in the level of service, administrative oversight and student health fees which are collected; however, the concern for high quality treatment spans across all centers in the UT System.
Recently, the UT System has advocated that its institutions seek accreditation, and as of Fall 2012, four institutions had received American Association of Ambulatory Health Centers (AAAHC), and 2 more were in the process of receiving accreditation. Part of the importance of the UT System coordination of campus student health center operations is to ensure that standards of quality, safety and reporting are being met.
The UT System hosts annual meetings of health center directors, providing opportunities for administrators to discuss common issues of concern, present effective management and treatment strategies and develop cooperative agreements. The UT System will have hosted its third annual meeting in Fall 2012.
In Spring 2012, a Student Health Center Advisory Committee (SHCAC) was formed to help formulate policy and direction for health centers and to determine viability of cooperative buying agreements. The work of the SHCAC is on-going and this group will plan the fall directors meeting.
These efforts have been the first steps to identify issues, develop communications strategies and monitor quality in student health centers.
Issues of Concern
There are a number of serious issues which Student Health Centers face. Health care costs are growing at a significant rate, the imposition of managed care is still under discussion by the Supreme Court and student satisfaction continues to be a concern among some student groups. Student health fees range from $15 to $73 with every center examining ways to augment revenue to offset increasing costs. The role and scope of the centers vary widely: for example, some health centers address mental health services and some do not; some file student claims for insurance while others do not; some offer extensive services such as x-ray, specialists and labs and pathology while others cannot. Administrative structures are equally varied with student health reporting within student affairs, academic deans, administration and finance, and contracted with outside entities. As a result, responsibility and oversight of student health centers remains a challenge as each center tackles these and other issues.
Response
In response to these ongoing concerns, Dr. Wanda Mercer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs works with the Student Health Center Advisory Committee on issues of accreditation, shared services and cooperative buying, best practices, and the annual directors' meeting. Dr. Mercer also provides support and guidance to health center directors as they grapple with issues of scope, student fees, level of service and student satisfaction.
Questions and concerns about student health center issues should be directed to Dr. Wanda Mercer, at wmercer@utsystem.edu .
See also: Student Health Center Advisory Committee
