With wait times in the minutes and same-day appointments, 51ԹϺ’s Faculty and Staff Treatment (FAST) Center offers, well — fast and convenient access to high-quality, affordable medical services.
Since opening in 2012, the Faculty and Staff Treatment (FAST) Center at 51ԹϺ has emerged a big benefit for employees. Developed by the 51ԹϺ Student Health Center team, the FAST Center addresses the pressing need for accessible healthcare options.
And since its providers are part of the same community they serve, their care is much more meaningful.
Comprehensive Services
The FAST Center offers a wide array of services — primary care, preventative care, lab services, and an onsite pharmacy — all conveniently located in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC). The center treats various health concerns, from acute illnesses and injuries to chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and others.
Senior staff physician of over 17 years, and one of the pioneers of the FAST Center, Dr. Sal Biazzo, said, ”Compared to elsewhere in the community, it’s rare, if not impossible, for people to have this kind of access to so much quality specialty care, within such a short amount of time.”
Once checked in, the average wait time to see a healthcare provider is just 13 minutes, and total visit time averages under an hour.
Patients receive care from licensed physicians and nurse practitioners who are board-certified in family medicine, as well as a team of dedicated registered nurses and certified medical assistants.
Benefits of Using the FAST Clinic
Accessibility and Efficiency
One of the standout features of the FAST Center is its commitment to accessibility.
Patients can typically secure same or next-day appointments, significantly reducing wait times compared to national averages. The center also accommodates employees' dependents aged five years and older, and offers both in-person and telehealth visits.
“Imagine the time we save people from having to travel off campus and miss work for a doctor’s visit — when they can usually receive the care right here,” said Kathy Underwood, executive director of the Student Health Center and FAST Center.
A board-certified family nurse practitioner, she has been at 51ԹϺs for almost 25 years and helped create the FAST Center.
The center offers a licensed, full-service laboratory and pharmacy onsite, streamlining the healthcare process. Lab and pharmacy services accept prescriptions and orders from both community providers and FAST Center professionals, with competitive pricing and no sales tax on over-the-counter medications. The laboratory and pharmacy are also able to bill services to 51ԹϺ employee health insurance plans to reduce out of pocket costs for employees.
High Patient Satisfaction
Patient satisfaction ratings at the FAST Center are exceptionally high, with 99% of users consistently satisfied with health services, pharmacy services, and laboratory services year after year. Feedback from faculty and staff highlights the quality of care, often citing the expertise of healthcare providers as a key reason for their continued retention at 51ԹϺ. Many patients noted that the FAST Center offers a level of care that surpasses their experiences at other facilities.
The FAST Center's national accreditation distinguishes it from many other community providers. Its accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare means it meets over 1,000 national standards for quality and safety.
Time and Cost Efficiency
The FAST Center's services help employees minimize time away from work, with 95% of patients reporting reduced absences due to healthcare visits. This is estimated to save 51ԹϺ approximately $500,000 annually in lost work time.
Most visits are affordably priced at $25, with no extra fees for most procedures—only charges for necessary supplies. The center also accepts HSA and FSA cards, making it easier for employees to manage healthcare expenses.
Easy Scheduling and Communication
Patients benefit from a user-friendly scheduling system that allows appointments to be made 24/7 via any device. The patient portal enables secure messaging from healthcare providers, access to lab results, and appointment confirmations. This system enhances the overall patient experience by providing timely follow-ups and care coordination.
Specialized Services
The FAST Center also offers specialized services such as osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT), gender care services, and nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian nutritionist. Care management services streamline patient experiences, minimizing delays often associated with obtaining medical tests and specialist referrals.
Immunizations
Immunizations are available but underutilized, representing another opportunity for faculty and staff to benefit from the center’s services. With flu season upon us, you can schedule an appointment to receive your flu shot now, as well as the newest COVID-19 vaccine booster and many other vaccinations.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the FAST Center website or call (702) 895-0630.
