Remaining healthy and productive during the school year is a challenge. Prisma Health’s office on Wade Hampton Boulevard now offers a walk-in service to assist students with their medical needs.
Restitching the Relationship
Before becoming a part of the Prisma Health System, the office on Wade Hampton Boulevard was closely related to BJU. “We cared for the BJU faculty, staff and students as well as patients from the Greenville community,” said manager Neil Bowens. “We still have three original employees from those University Medical Associates days.” One of those employees is clinical manager and BJU graduate Gayle Johnson.
The renovated space provides pediatric and internal health services to patients of all ages. A walk-in service is now offered exclusively to BJU students, faculty and staff.
Measuring Vitals
The walk-in service was created to meet the needs that health care representatives saw on campus. “As we reestablished the relationship with BJU and attended their new student orientation, we noticed a need for medical services for the students,” said Johnson. Students with minor health concerns (cuts, nausea, fever, upper respiratory infections, etc.) can stop by the Prisma Health office between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“You can simply walk into Entrance Side B during the designated hours and let the front desk know you are here for the BJU walk-in services,” said Bowens.
All patients should bring a copy of their insurance card, ID and medications they are currently taking. Students should speak with a representative or check online to ensure the location is included in their insurance network.
After the typical information gathering and vitals check, “most appointments take about 15 minutes depending on the severity of the illness,” said Johnson.
Staying Healthy
While the office space offers assistance with coughs, fevers and colds, flu season is upon us. Nurse practitioner Khita Rhodes recommended some preventive measures students should take.
- “Get a flu immunization,” she said. Vaccines can protect both the individual and those around them from infection.
- Good hygiene is also essential. “Wash your hands after you have been in contact with an ill person or use hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash your hands,” said Rhodes.
- “If you have flu-like symptoms, make an appointment to see your primary care physician,” said Rhodes.
- Rhodes’ final words of advice were to “get plenty of rest and stay well hydrated.”
For more information about providers and other services offered at the Wade Hampton location, visit Prisma Health’s website.
