Robert Kevess Highlights Best Practices for Coordinating Campus and Community Health Resources

Berkeley, CA – As universities continue to expand their focus on comprehensive wellness for students and staff, effective coordination between campus-based health services and community healthcare providers has emerged as a critical priority. Robert Kevess, MD, also known as Bob Kevess, is highlighting best practices for strengthening these connections to support continuity of care, preventive health, and long-term well-being across academic communities.

Drawing on decades of experience in adult family medicine and university-affiliated health environments, Robert Kevess emphasizes that coordinated care models are essential for reducing fragmentation and ensuring individuals receive consistent, informed support, particularly during periods of transition such as enrollment changes, graduation, employment shifts, or relocation.

The Need for Stronger Coordination in University Health Systems

University health programs often serve diverse populations with varying needs, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, administrative staff, and visiting scholars. While campus health centers are well-positioned to provide accessible primary care and wellness services, many patients require specialty care, long-term management, or services delivered off campus.

According to Kevess, challenges frequently arise when information does not flow smoothly between campus clinics and community providers. These gaps can lead to duplicated tests, unclear follow-up plans, missed preventive screenings, or confusion around medication management. Coordinated systems, by contrast, help ensure that care remains seamless regardless of where services are delivered.

Establishing Clear Referral Pathways

One of the foundational best practices highlighted by Robert Kevess is the development of standardized referral pathways between campus health services and external providers. Clear referral protocols help ensure that patients are connected efficiently to appropriate resources while maintaining continuity.

Effective referral pathways typically include:

• Defined criteria for when referrals are needed
• Structured referral documentation summarizing relevant health information
• Clear communication of follow-up responsibilities
• Timely exchange of consultation notes

By standardizing these processes, campus health programs can reduce administrative burden while improving patient confidence and engagement.

Prioritizing Communication and Information Sharing

Communication is central to coordinated care. Bob Kevess underscores the importance of reliable information transfer between healthcare settings, particularly during transitions. Secure sharing of essential clinical information—including medication lists, recent test results, and care plans—helps prevent errors and supports informed decision-making.

Equally important is communication with patients themselves. Clear explanations about where care will occur, who is responsible for follow-up, and how to access support empower individuals to remain active participants in their health journey.

Managing Transitions as Clinical Risk Points

Transitions are among the most underrecognized risks in adult healthcare. Students moving off campus, employees changing roles, or individuals shifting between insurance plans may experience disruptions in care if transitions are not managed intentionally.

Robert Kevess emphasizes that universities can mitigate these risks by treating transitions as planned clinical events rather than administrative afterthoughts. Best practices include providing transition summaries, outlining pending preventive care needs, and offering guidance on how to establish or continue care in community settings.

Integrating Preventive and Wellness Services

Preventive care is a shared responsibility across campus and community health systems. Coordinated wellness strategies ensure that screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling remain consistent regardless of care location.

According to Kevess, aligning around preventive priorities, such as routine screenings, mental and physical health integration, and lifestyle education, allows institutions to reinforce positive health behaviors while avoiding duplication. Collaborative wellness initiatives also support population health goals and improve long-term outcomes.

Leveraging Community Partnerships

Universities benefit from strong partnerships with local healthcare providers, public health agencies, and wellness organizations. These relationships expand service capacity and provide students and staff with access to specialized care beyond campus resources.

Bob Kevess emphasizes that effective partnerships are founded on trust, shared expectations, and open communication. Regular collaboration meetings, shared educational initiatives, and mutual feedback help sustain these relationships and ensure alignment with institutional wellness goals.

Supporting a Multidisciplinary Approach

Coordinated care thrives in multidisciplinary environments where clinicians, counselors, wellness educators, administrators, and community providers work together. This collaborative approach allows diverse expertise to inform care planning and supports holistic health strategies.

Robert Kevess’s experience in university-affiliated health settings reflects the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the complex needs of academic communities.

About Robert Kevess (Bob Kevess)

Robert Kevess, MD, is a physician with an extensive background in adult family medicine and university-affiliated health services in the Berkeley and Oakland region. Over the course of his career, he worked within community and campus health environments, contributing to patient-centered care and preventive health planning. While no longer in active medical practice, Kevess continues to share guidance and insights focused on care coordination, patient education, and wellness program design.

Looking Ahead

As universities continue to evolve their health and wellness strategies, coordinated care between campus and community providers will remain a cornerstone of effective service delivery. By adopting best practices centered on communication, planning, and collaboration, institutions can reduce care gaps and support healthier, more resilient communities.

The perspectives shared by Robert Kevess and echoed by Bob Kevess’s emphasis on continuity and preventive planning, offer a practical roadmap for strengthening coordination across healthcare systems serving university populations.