Erskine’s On Site Medical Program sponsored by the ARP Synod Board of Benefits and ErskineCollege and Theological Seminary

HealthSTAT allows a Nurse Practitioner, who is available on a part time basis, to provide appropriate medical care including the ability to prescribe medication as needed in our infirmary.

The primary goals of HealthSTAT:

Early detection to improve quality of life; To lower the cost of primary care with on site practitioner clinics; To engage employees in health promotion, prevention, and disease management activities resulting in healthier employees; and To assist in the reduction of healthcare costs that employees and Erskine pay each year.

 Some Services include:

Allergy care                           
Asthma          
Headaches                            
Managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol
Sprains, cuts, and stitches
Administration of allergy shots
Prescription medications
Referrals to specialists
Sinus and ear infections       
Draw blood tests and provide treatment based on results
Smoking Cessation

Why Participate with HealthSTAT

It’s Free if you are enrolled under Erskine’s medical insurance plan for employees and covered dependents.  If you are an Erskine employee but not on insurance, you are allowed to utilize this benefit for basic services for a small copay of $15.
 (Dependents of non insured employees are not eligible for services)
It’s convenient to use – you do not have to leave work and use your sick hours. No long waits in the doctor’s office for checkups and labwork. No copay or office visit charge. It’s completely confidential.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner is more than a registered nurse.  Although beginning their careers as RNs, their advanced education enables them to do perform certain functions a physician can do.  Working under the supervision of a physician, they are able to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions, provide guidelines on disease management, educational services, and prescribe medications, if necessary.

The Nurse Practitioner in your clinic is not there to replace your personal physician.  Instead she is there to support and supplement what your personal physician directs you to do to improve your health.  If you do not have a physician, the Nurse Practitioner can provide certain basic primary care services and assist you in identifying an appropriate physician to visit as needed.

Can I participate in the on-site clinic if I am not covered under the Erskine College Health Insurance Plan?

Yes. If you are a full time Erskine employee, you may participate for basic services, but not lab work, at the clinic for a small copay of $15 that is payroll deducted. Please check with Human Resources for details or clarification.

Are there any requirements to participate? 

Yes, you must complete a Health Risk Assessment on an annual basis.  This assessment provides medical history and critical information to provide treatment.  There is no cost to you for this assessment.  This assessment is paid by the ARP Board of Benefits in order to identify and minimize potential claim costs.  (All information is confidential)

When will the assessments be conducted?

New assessments and re-assessments are conducted on a periodic basis. 

 A blood sample as part of a health assessment process.  The blood test will assess triglycerides, cholesterol, blood sugar, and PSA test for men over 40.  A health questionnaire should be completed on the day of the testing.

Based upon the results, a personal health profile will be prepared and presented by Health STAT, the company providing this program.  This report will explain any high risk health issues you may have.  Your information will be maintained confidential and will be only available to you and the practitioner.

To ensure the accuracy of these results, do not eat anything for 6-8 hours before your blood sample is taken. (We will have light refreshments available after the assessments.)

How do I sign up for the assessments?

Contact Connie Abbott, our Nurse Practitioner at 864-379-6583 or email your request to abbott@erskine.edu to sign up.  Assessments will be performed as needed and
takes about 15 minutes. 

Will the blood taken during the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) be tested for anything other than the lipid panel and glucose?

No. There will be no other lab tests done as a part of the HRA other than the lipid panel and glucose.  However, if you wish (or need) to have further testing done, your Practitioner will be glad to run any lab tests you may need. 

Will the health risk assessment be a finger-stick?

No. The blood drawn will be a venipucture because it is more accurate than a finger-stick.  The sample of blood is very small, about a 6-inch vial.  However, to prevent a hemotoma, it is suggested that you wait 15 – 20 minutes after the blood draw before resuming any heavy lifting.

Can my test results be sent to my personal physician?

Yes.  If you want your results sent to your physician, be sure to complete an authorization form during your HRA, and your results will automatically be sent to your personal health care professional.

Can I drink water while fasting for the health risk assessments?

Yes. Please drink plenty of water so that you will not become dehydrated.  Please refrain from drinking sugary drinks such as sodas and juices.  You can have black coffee with no cream or sugar.  Remember, it is our goal to provide you with the most accurate results possible from the screening.

How long will it be before I receive the results of my HRA?

The results of your HRA will be sent to you within 3 weeks of your individual assessment.
Please know that as the results are determined, HealthSTAT will send the informational letters in the order that the assessments were completed. 
 
Will dependents be able to visit the Practitioner in the on-site clinic?

Yes. Dependents that are covered under the medical insurance program are now eligible to participate in the on-site clinic.  However, this benefit is not offered to dependents that are not currently enrolled on our insurance program. 

Who is our Nurse Practitioner and the physician supervising the Practitioner?

Connie Simpson is our Nurse Practitioner, and Dr. Brian Henry, who owns Due West Family Medicine, is the supervising physician.

Can the Practitioner write prescriptions?

Yes, the Practitioner can write and re-fill prescriptions you might need.  You can make an appointment to speak with your Practitioner about prescription medications.  Lastly, the Practitioner will assist you in getting the best benefit from your prescription drug card plan by prescribing generic and formulary medication whenever possible.

Can the Practitioner fill the prescription?

No. You will need to have your prescription filled by a licensed pharmacist.

Will Erskine employees have access to my medical records at any time?

Absolutely not.  The Practitioner keeps all medical records on a laptop computer that will be kept with him/her at all times.  Only the Practitioner and HealthSTAT have access to the software program that stores the electronic medical records.  Please remember that ALL associates are protected under the HIPAA law that does not allow the release of your personal health information without your written permission.

Can the Practitioner administer allergy shots?

Yes. The Practitioner will be able to administer employees’ allergy shots.  The employee will be responsible for obtaining allergy serum from your personal physician or specialist.  The Practitioner will store the serum in the clinic and then be able to administer your shots when needed AT NO CHARGE.

Will I still be able to continue seeing my personal physician if I see the Practitioner?

Absolutely.  This program is not designed to take the place of your relationship with your
personal doctor.  If you need to see the Practitioner for a common cold, but you would like to work with your physician for further medical needs, we encourage you to do so.  With your written permission, your Practitioner can transfer medical records back and forth with your personal physician, therefore establishing an important working relationship with your doctor.  In addition, the Practitioner can order your lab work BEFORE an appointment with your personal physician, if you desire.  If handled by the Practitioner, the majority of lab work will be at NO COST TO YOU and the results will be sent to your physician.

Will associates see the same Practitioner every week?

Yes.  Except for vacations and sicknesses or scheduled absences, Erskine will have the same Practitioner each week in the on-site clinic so that you can develop a relationship with the provider.

Must I make an appointment to see the Practitioner?  If so, who do I call? 

No.  An appointment can certainly help prevent you from waiting.  You may contact Connie Simpson, our Family Nurse Practitioner, at 379-6583 to schedule an appointment.  The clinic hours are as follows:

Tuesdays from 8 AM-12 Noon
&
Thursdays from 1 PM -5 PM

You may leave a message if she is unavailable and she will return your call.  She does not check her voicemail on days that she is not in the clinic so if you leave a message, do not expect it to be returned until the next scheduled day the clinic is open.

For questions regarding the program, contact:
Connie Abbott
Nurse Practitioner
864-379-6583