Resources

FAQs

General ISU Meridian Health Care Questions

Who can receive care at the ISU Meridian Health Care?

• Any faculty and staff may go to the ISU Health Care. The clinic accepts private insurances.
• Students are welcome, however we will have to bill your insurance for the visit.  Unity Health is still the contracted Provider for the student community.
• Anyone in the local Meridian community seeking care.

How should I schedule an appointment?

• Patients may either make appointments online through our patient portal or call the ISU Meridian Health Care at (208) 373-1734.

What are the advantages of using the Patient Portal?

• Patients can schedule appointments online, complete new patient forms, and communicate with healthcare providers by sending secure messages.  Appointment reminders can be sent via text or email.

Where should I go after hours?

• Urgent care may be obtained at a local hospital or care center. In case of an emergency—poisoning, severe injuries, burns, etc.—take immediate action. See the After Hours Care section for more specific details.

General Provider Questions

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides a wide range of health care services to patients of all ages. They often focus on disease prevention and promote the health and well-being of the whole person. A NP maintains patient records, develops treatment plans, treats both acute and chronic illnesses, including injuries that fall under primary care. NPs practice in a variety of settings from community health centers, private practice, health care systems and universities (AANP, 2019).

Will I see a student or a provider?

This is an academic clinic and there is the possibility that you will see a healthcare student during your visit. Students at this stage in their education are trained to take your complete history, and in some cases complete an exam. They then will confer with their supervising Nurse Practitioner, who reviews the information. Together, they come up with a plan for you.

There are several advantages to being seen by a student:

• You get more time and will likely feel less rushed.
• You’re getting the most up to date care as students are constantly preparing for the completion of their degree, are regularly attending lectures, and have the latest information on evidence-based care to benefit patient health and wellness.
• You get two sets of eyes on you, the student’s and the supervising Nurse Practitioner’s. Although it is a safeguard in your care, it also is an enhancement to have two providers reviewing your concerns.
• You can help shape a career. By allowing students to participate in your care, you are helping them develop their assessment skills, interpersonal skills and healthcare knowledge to carry through to the remainder of their career.