Calvin ranked eighth in the Princeton Review’s health services category, marking an improvement in the rankings since last year, as well as the first time that Calvin has ranked in the top ten for health services.

Laura Champion, the director for Calvin health services, said that health services has implemented some changes and improvements that may have contributed to Calvin’s placement in the top ten.

One of the new changes to health services is direct billing for insurance costs.

“The patients appreciate that the bill goes to their insurance directly, so they can just copay when they come into health services,” Champion said.

Another change is Calvin’s recognition as an official primary care office on campus. This designation is rare in college health unless it’s a medical school, Champion said.

Because Champion is identified as a primary care doctor, patients only have to pay their copayment for visits to health services.

Calvin health services’ medical records are now fully electronic.

Another change to health services involves a reduced premium for patients. Because of the excellent care statistics from Calvin health services, the insurance company decided to reduce rates.

“Our student health plan premium was reduced by nearly six percent, when premiums are usually going up in our country,” Champion said.

Calvin health services has a staff of one full-time physician, two adjunct physicians, two nurse practitioners, five nurses and two dieticians.

“The care team here loves what we do and we love helping students keep healthy,” Champion said. “Our goal is to give students high quality care and teach them how to take care of themselves lifelong.”

Aside from professional and quality care, faith is a distinctive element of health services at Calvin and differentiates Calvin’s health care team from other secular colleges and universities, Champion said.

“It’s a Christian community, and we consider this our ministry and our mission to students,” she said. “And that’s a whole different way to look at giving students care. It’s good to have someone who’s also a believer when they are going through hard times.”

Long-term and compassionate care is another distinguishing characteristic of Calvin health services.

“The care providers here are very invested,” she said. “It’s not just about getting you through today. They are very thorough and they follow up well.”