ISU Meridian Health Care

Idaho State University recognizes that our mission is to care, support, and educate individuals and families affected by health conditions that diminish their quality of life. We acknowledge that individuals may experience discrimination in the healthcare system, which can adversely affect their health outcomes.  We recognize that both conscious and unconscious discrimination occur. Overt and conscious discrimination is not tolerated. Unconscious or unintentional discrimination need to be identified, challenged, and addressed. We believe everyone has the right to be healthy and have access to the resources they need.

We strive to achieve the following commitments to our colleagues and our patients:

•  Goal 1: We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
• Goal 2: All patients receive the highest level of care possible delivered in a patient and family friendly approach using evidence-based medicine.
• Goal 3: We recognize racism, not race, as the cause for healthcare disparities and therefore will examine our healthcare treatment plans for bias.
• Goal 4: We will track information on factors that create disparities as they relate to health outcomes to better identify how we may actively seek to eliminate such disparities in healthcare.
• Goal 5: We intend to improve the diversity of our workforce to reflect the community we serve.
• Goal 6: We commit to listen, learn, and seek to understand in order to create impactful and sustainable positive change.
• Goal 7: We will recognize and reward practices that promote health equity.

Definition of health equity: The state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/

While the terms equity and equality may sound similar, the implementation of one versus the other can lead to dramatically different outcomes for marginalized people: Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome within the scope of care provided at ISU Clinics.

Walk-Ins welcome based on availability!

Make an Appointment

Call (208) 373-1734 to schedule an appointment:

• Clinic Hours:  Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Patient Referrals

The ISU Meridian Health Care Clinic accepts referrals for both in-person and telehealth appointments via phone or fax:

• Phone:  (208) 373-1734
• Fax:      (833) 390-1293

Consent Forms

Consent forms are traditionally sent via DocuSign to your email account.  If you are unable to sign consent forms electronically, paper copies are also available for your convenience.  Please print and return with you on the day of your appointment.

• Patient Consent Forms
• Telehealth Consent Form
• ISU Notice of Privacy Practices

Parking

ISU provides free parking for clinic patients/clients:

• Clinic parking is outlined in yellow directly in front of the ISU Meridian Clinics' entrance.
• The parking area is located on the southwest side of the building facing I-84.

For non-emergent care, patients of record may contact our after hours Nurse Practitioner at 208-851-9077.

Billing

If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card with you to every appointment. Our clinic accepts and bills the following insurance plans:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross of Idaho
• Cigna
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Pacific Source
• Regence Blue Shield of Idaho
• Select Health
• Tricare
• TriWest (with VA authorization)
• United Healthcare
• UMR

Payment

Some services are non-covered or may be subject to your deductible.

• Payment, including co-pays, is expected at the time of service. 
• We accept cash, check, and visa/debit payments.
• Ask about our income-based sliding scale.
• Click here to make an online payment:
  
  Pay Online

Lab Fees

Lab fees are billed directly to your insurance by Quest Diagnostics.  You will receive a bill from them for any remaining balance for lab services.  To receive an estimate for cash prices offered by Quest, check out this link to receive a Good Faith Estimate:

• QUEST GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE

No Surprise Billing Act

General ISU Meridian Health Care Questions

Who can receive care at the ISU Meridian Health Care?

• Anyone in the Treasure Valley community seeking care.
• ISU faculty and staff. 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.

What are the advantages of using the Patient Portal?

• Patients can view their lab results 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. An NP maintains patient records, develops treatment plans, and treats both acute and chronic illnesses, including injuries that fall under primary care. NPS practices 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 students and the supervising Nurse Practitioner. 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 careers.