Idaho State University Meridian Health Care clinic celebrates successful first year

Idaho State University Meridian Health Care, a nurse practitioner family practice health care clinic,  has provided care for residents in Meridian and the surrounding community for one year. With an increasing number of patients in the initial year, the clinic plans to expand clinic days to meet the demand within the next year. This is in keeping with fulfilling a mission to improve access to health care and increase health care services for Idahoans, residents of Meridian, Boise and rural area residents in the Treasure Valley. The clinic opened in September 2021 and a ribbon cutting was held May 10, 2022.

Millions of Americans choose an NP as their primary care provider. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are prepared at the master’s or doctoral level to provide care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. As clinicians who blend clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an emphasis on disease prevention and health management, NPs bring a comprehensive perspective and personal touch to health care.

Michelle Anderson, clinical assistant professor and co-director of the clinic says, “NPs provide a wide range of health care services including the diagnosis and management of acute, chronic, and complex health problems, health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and counseling to individuals, families, groups and communities. In today’s ever-changing health care landscape, the role of the NP has never been more important in acute and primary care.” 

“When possible, NP students at ISU participate in care so that they are learning alongside their faculty instructors. This hands-on approach provides improved learning and enhanced health care for the populations they will go on to serve,” Anderson said.

The ISU Meridian Health Care Clinic offers:

• Wellness visits for all from newborn to older adult
• Women’s health, including cervical cancer screening  
• Sports physicals
• Health screening (skin, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases)
• Evaluation for and removal of minor skin lesions, skin tags, moles and warts.
• Basic immunizations in conjunction with our ISU Clinics Pharmacology vaccine program.
• Acute visits for illnesses such as ear pain, upper respiratory symptoms, abdominal pain, etc.
• Chronic care visits to address health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc.
• Visits for sprains, strains, and other joint related issues.

“ISU Meridian Health Care specializes in health care for the whole family. We have been able to provide care for over 100 patient visits in our first year and look forward to providing increased access to patient care this second year,” Anderson said.