The Charger Blog
This summer, Northeast Medical Group, part of the Yale New Haven Health System, began operating the University's Nicholson Student Health Center, further ensuring convenient, streamlined, and quality healthcare for students.
September 22, 2022
Diane Polo 鈥21 MPH is committed to ensuring that students receive the best care at the University's Nicholson Student Health Center. The health center is now run by , part of the , one of the country鈥檚 leading health systems.
Polo has been serving as a liaison between the University and YNHHS to ensure a comprehensive understanding of students鈥 needs and a smooth collaboration.
Polo says that, since this affiliation went into effect on August 1, they鈥檝e made sure students have received the same high level of care they received previously. There are now some new advantages and enhancements that students can enjoy. Students have access to , a secure web-based service that lets patients access parts of their electronic medical records, such as basic test results, appointments, and a summary of their medical history.
鈥淭his will enable students to be more involved in their care, which I think is really important,鈥 said Polo, associate director for health, wellness education, and prevention. 鈥淭his is really promoting individuality and student responsibility, allowing them to grow as adults now that they鈥檙e on campus and taking care of their health on their own.鈥
MyChart enables students to communicate with their providers at the University鈥檚 student health center, who are employees of Yale New Haven Health and are considered part of the YNHHS network of providers, and to view their health records. Polo says students like using MyChart, since it enables them to easily and conveniently make an appointment and communicate electronically with their providers without making a phone call.
The use of MyChart also means an easy transfer of care for students, should they need to see a provider elsewhere who is affiliated with YNHHS, since that provider will be able to access the student鈥檚 records. Most of the commonly used local hospitals also use the system.
鈥淥ur affiliation with Northeast Medical group will promote the health, wellness, and access for students and strengthen students鈥 attitudes to maintain healthy behaviors,鈥 said Ophelie Rowe-Allen, Ed.D., dean of students and chief student affairs officer. 鈥淪tudents will be more responsible and take more ownership of their health and wellness. For example, the MyChart app will allow students to access their health information in a timely and efficient manner.鈥
Dr. Rowe-Allen envisions the student health center working with the University community even more to incorporate important health-related topics as part of the University鈥檚 wellness initiatives, strengthening health education. She also believes it could enhance health disaster preparedness support for the University as well as lead to better student health outcomes and even greater educational outcomes.
Affiliated with five leading regional hospitals, NEMG includes more than 130 community practices in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Westchester County, New York. NEMG鈥檚 operating of the University鈥檚 health center does not impact students鈥 insurance, and they do need to have a copy of their insurance card when making an appointment.
The University鈥檚 affiliation with the organization means more access to testing and vaccines. It will also expand the clinic鈥檚 access to resources that are essential for preventative care.
鈥淭his relationship will help to continue to foster innovative care and provide more effective services for our students,鈥 said Dr. Rowe-Allen. 鈥淥ur collaboratory goal is to transform students鈥 health and well-being on campus.鈥
The University's student health center offers a variety of services, such as treatment of illnesses or injuries, primary care needs, and reproductive health. The collaboration between the University and YNHHS extends their existing relationship, since NEMG provided COVID-19 testing and vaccinations on campus over the past year.
鈥淭o have an affiliation with such a large, well-known, and respected organization such as Yale New Haven Health is great, and it makes the University very appealing,鈥 said Polo. 鈥淚t provides parents with that extra level of comfort. When they come to the University, they know their students will be taken care of and that we have providers who are part of a system that is renowned and holds high standards. If I were a parent, it would be very appealing to me.鈥
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