OnSite Clinics

[LisaLynne]

The university where I work recently opened an on-site clinic. Not one for students - they already have one of those - but for staff and faculty. When they announced this, the email specifically stated that it was to reduce the amount of time we spend going to doctor appointments and picking up meds from pharmacies. Oh, they also threw in something about helping the environment because we wouldn't be using as much gas. Well, I have had the same doctor since I was sixteen and there is no way I'm ever going to anyone else.

Recently, I've read in my local paper of public schools doing this locally, too. I mean, they've always had school nurses, right, but now full clinics with doctors and pharmacies. It seems ... like it would cost a lot and granted, I am horribly paranoid when it comes to employers, but I don't really know what exactly they are getting out of this and I am growing suspicious. Are they gathering medical data to use against us? Ha, I'm sort of joking there ... OR AM I?

I just wondered if any of you smart and observant people have any thoughts either way. It seems like a trend. Just wondering if others have noticed.

[MuseRider]

1. I have not noticed this

but if you have a doctor you trust and have a relationship with stick with that person.

I am an old nurse and I would trust many many of the nurses found in these places but I have learned over this past year with my husbands tricky heart surgery and the problems we have had to deal with after that and my own very long and nasty case of pneumonia that you are on your own anymore. There are many many "doctors" and "nurses" that make very stupid mistakes.

Stick with your real doctor.

I would be paranoid too as to the reason for all of this. I can't for the life of me imagine they could do much or it would cost a fortune to set up.

[LisaLynne]

2. Thanks for the reply.

I plan on sticking with my doctor. I'm sure the staff at the clinic are great, but I just wonder why the companies are so willing to invest in such an expensive undertaking. It makes me a little nervous.

[jojog]

3. You have a right to privacy

Hippa laws require medical professionals to not disclose an individual's information to an employer.
However, some companies will survey the the entire workforce through Health events for all employees that yield trends for the entire population. They will know percent of smokers, overweight etc. and strategically start programs dealing with the issues.
The bottom line is to reduce costs.

I have an on-site clinic. It is good if you have a minor injury like a cut finger. They can give refills on routine medicine without you going to the doctor and making a co-pay just for getting a refill.

I still use my own doctor and nothing is said. I am free to do so.
I also don't have to participate in the surveys. There is no pressure to do so.

[LisaLynne]

4. That is true.

The HIPA stuff. Legally, they can't and you've made me feel a little better by pointing that out. Thanks.

Yeah, they did the whole "health" screenings here, along with the bribe of $10 off your insurance premium if you did them. My numbers are all good, so people couldn't figure out why I wouldn't do it. My paranoia cost me $10, I guess.