Student Health Services launches online scheduling platform 

Augusta University’s Student Health Services now provides an online scheduling platform where students can easily make preventive care appointments, with acute care appointments recently becoming available April 1. The platform provides a variety of resources, allowing students to take control of their health from the comfort of their phone or computer. 

When booking appointments, students can choose from a variety of services. For example, preventive care includes pap exams, physical exams and travel consults. Acute care includes symptoms such as urinary, respiratory (cough, cold, allergies, asthma), ear/nose/throat and gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain).

“This platform allows constant access to scheduling, and it is also bringing us up to industry standards,” said Shelli Larkin, DNP, director of Student Health Services. “The majority of the people in our community have this online option within their health care platforms, and we want to be able to offer that to our students to increase their access to mental and physical health care.”   

Clinic staff also expect the online platform to decrease call wait times. Lacey Owens, Student Health quality and compliance manager, believes that the 24/7 access to care will allow students the ability to create appointments in between classes and after hours, lessening the wait time for those calling over the telephone.  

Robin Atkins, Student Health Services coordinator, noted that the user-friendly platform is easily navigable. Once logged in, the user will be able to choose from a variety of tabs covering appointments, uploads, immunizations, forms (including consents), secure messages, insurance, education, visit summaries, lab results, statements and their own personal profile.  

This hub will allow students to personally take charge of their health in addition to lessening any anxiety about speaking over the phone. Student assistant Iris Kaputa, a fourth-year undergraduate business administration major, encourages all students to explore the center’s website and learn more about their on-campus health care services. 

“This platform will get more students in the door. I think a lot of students are scared to make that initial appointment, and this way a lot more people can benefit from the Student Health Center, as well as learn about what we have to offer,” Kaputa said.

Student Health Services also provides an after-hours telehealth option through HealthiestYou (by Teladoc), which requires no consultation fees for students with an Augusta University Student Health Insurance Plan and a small fee for students who use their private insurance. Telemedicine physicians can diagnose and treat most minor acute illnesses and prescribe medications, if necessary, without you having to leave your home. After-hours mental health resources can be found through Uwill, which is free to all currently enrolled Augusta University students.  

To learn more about the medical and psychiatric services provided by Student Health Services, visit their website or call 706-721-3448 to make an appointment.