Making an Appointment
When you call to schedule an appointment for medical care, please be prepared to describe the nature of your medical issue. Our staff needs this information to give you an appropriate appointment time. You may be transferred to speak with a nurse, informed to come in right away, or be scheduled for a same day or future appointment. There are same day appointments available for urgent needs. Call the Student Health Center at 209-228-2273 early in the day for best availability. Students calling later in the day may be scheduled for a future date. Advance appointments are available for routine care and physical exams. When you are given an appointment, please report to the Health Center 10-15 minutes early. If you are unable to keep your medical appointment, please call the Student Health Center to cancel at least 24 hours in advance. This will allow us to serve someone else.
Appointment Preparation
How to get the most out of your medical appointment: When you are given an appointment, please report to the Health Center 10-15 minutes early.
- Build a relationship with your provider
Studies show patient satisfaction is higher, and medical outcomes are better when patients choose a regular Primary Care Provider and maintain a relationship with them for their care. - Prepare for your visit
Prepare to review the onset, nature and changes in your symptoms with your provider. Some patients find it helpful to write down their symptoms to present to their provider. - State the reason(s) for your visit at the beginning of your visit
Start your visit by stating your main problem or primary reason for the visit, and as well as any other items you'd like to discuss, so that you and your provider can agree upon an agenda for the visit. - Plan to follow up
Be ready to return for follow up at future visits if your provider asks you to do so. Complex conditions or multiple concerns may require more than one visit to address, and chronic medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, depression, etc., often require regular follow up to get the best care. - Ask Questions
Be sure you understand what your provider recommends for treatment or further evaluation, and that you know what is required of you to optimize your health and/or recovery. If you are not sure you know all the necessary steps in your treatment plan - ask for clarification.
