UCF Campus Care: My Personal Experience

                Thankfully, in my lifetime, I have had few personal encounters with the healthcare system as a patient.  I have not been through anything traumatic or required extensive medical care; some mishaps here and there, but nothing too serious.  I have been at UCF since Fall 2008, and many of my healthcare encounters have been through the health care providers that are on campus.

                The on-campus health center does a pretty good job with providing students with a variety of health services that address a range of needs.  The health center offers acute care, primary care, women healthcare services, dental needs, an allergic clinic, and many other common health care needs. And if they are unable to provide a service, they have a decent referral system to local providers who are to meet more complex needs. The health center is very organized, well-kept, affordable, and accessible.

                Scheduling an appointment with the specific department is never a hassle. There is always availability for the requested services and I have rarely had a schedule conflict. I am always able to find a convenient time. I consider convenience to be an “amenity” in healthcare because there is such a lack in many organizations. I live very near to campus and having a health center with such a range of services is beneficial to me and my lifestyle.

                The health center is well organized. It is not difficult to locate the department you need when you arrive. There were no long wait times and I did not repeat similar registration steps if I returned to the same apartment for a follow-up or a different reason. The facility is also operating with electronic health medical records. Therefore, each provider is able to access all my care done within the facility and be aware of any other factors that can affect any present treatment or services offered to me.

                When paying for services, it gets better. Simply put, if I do not allow the physician to put anything in me I will have a free visit. The minute I allow a test, an injection, or a procedure to be performed, I will be billed. I can use the facilities for recommendations or expert opinions when I have fallen ill. And even if I allow a service to be done for me, the charges are not as outrageous as many other places. This matters to me the most, because I unfortunately do not have health insurance. I want to be able to get the best care I can receive with a price I am willing and able to pay.

                Of all my health experiences with campus care, I have been “healed” or the problem have been resolved. They have treated me with respect and have shown genuine concern for my need. I can honestly testify that UCF has provided quality health care services.