Scrappy in blue scrubs and cap is painted on a glass wall at University Health Services. Photo by Angela Foster.
Going to college marks many firsts for many college students—including seeing a healthcare provider or scheduling an appointment on their own for the first time.
Luckily, University Health Services (UHS) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga provides medical care for UTC students and helps make the healthcare process as smooth as possible.
Dr. Yasmine Key is the director and administrator of UHS, where she oversees staff, operations and services. She is also a nurse practitioner, so she does see patients, too.
“We can take care of anything from as minor as a skinned knee to helping support management of a patient’s chronic disease,” Key said. “If anyone has something like nausea and vomiting, headaches, migraine, abdominal pain, a cough, a fever or anything that may come up that you would normally see a primary care provider or walk-in clinic for, we can help support them while they’re here as students.”
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More information about University Health Services, the services it provides
and the cost structure can be found on the UHS webpage.
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While UHS does treat students for minor illnesses or injuries, it can also run tests for things such as flu, strep throat, COVID and STIs. It also provides services such as physicals, gynecological exams, wellness exams, breathing treatments and IV rehydration. In collaboration with the Physical Therapy program, physical therapy is offered to students with musculoskeletal problems.
“Rapid testing for things like COVID, flu, or strep are available in the office,” Key said. “Other lab tests such as blood work may take a couple days to a week to come back. We can also order X-rays from an offsite facility if needed. Nurse practitioners can write prescriptions and manage a lot of acute and chronic illnesses.”
UHS also has items available, if indicated, such as crutches or first-aid supplies.
Dr. Yasmine Key
Key acknowledged that medical services can be expensive, especially for college students. However, UHS wants to keep costs as affordable and convenient as possible.
“Students pay a health fee every semester while enrolled at the University, and part of the health fee is how we’re funded in the clinic,” Key explained. “We receive a part of the health fee for every student, and that fee supports the provider portion of your visit. However, there are charges for some things—such as rapid tests or urinalysis—which are not covered by the student health fee, but these costs are minimal. There are also some labs that we charge the student for and we have a client bill price, which is a reduced price that they can pay at the time of the visit.
“So, there are some times students may incur additional charges, but they are relatively small fees, and we work with students if they have trouble paying.”
Key knows that many students may feel unsure about how to handle their medical issues and schedule medical appointments on their own, but she and her staff are there to educate and care for anyone who needs it.
“We really want to empower students to be able to advocate for themselves and for what they need. We encourage students to ask a lot of questions,” she said. “More than anything, we want to be here as a resource. If they aren’t sure what to do, how to care for themselves or how to care for a certain medical need, then we want to be here as a source of information for them.”
University Health Services is located at 545 Terrell Owens Way, directly across from the University Center and connected to the back side of the Esports Complex. Students can make an appointment by calling the UHS office at 423-425-2266, and online scheduling for some appointments is now open as well.
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UHS is located in Maclellan Gym, directly across from the circular turnaround on Terrell Owens Way as you exit the University Center..
