services and eligibility

 

Who is Eligible for Services at the Health Center?

• Full-time undergraduate students on and off campus are eligible for care as long as they complete and return the Health Examination Report.
• Part-time students living on campus are eligible as long as they complete and return the Health Examination Report and meet the undergraduate matriculant insurance requirement.
• Full-time graduate students on and off campus are eligible if they complete and return the Health Examination Report.
• Eligible Students are NOT required to have SCHOOL insurance to use Health Services.    However, all students are required to have some kind of Health insurance.                  
• Students, faculty, staff, and visitors may receive referral services and urgent care related to on-campus incidents. 

What are the Health Requirements?

• Full-time undergraduate students, part-time undergraduate students who live on campus, full-time graduate students who wish to use the Student Health Service, and part-time graduate students who live on campus must have a completed Health Examination Report on file.

Connecticut State Statutes require all matriculated students to show proof of adequate immunization against:

1. Measles (Rubeola) - Two doses are required, the first dose on or after 12 months of age and given in or after 1969, second dose given on or after 1/1/1980, and
   
2. German Measles (Rubella) - one dose given on or after 6/9/1967. The only exceptions are the following: 
       - Those born prior to January 1, 1957. 
       - All online students. 
       - Those with valid medical exemption signed by a physician. 
       - Those who provide documented laboratory proof of immunity         to both measles and German measles. 
       -Those who provide a statement that immunization is contrary to their religious beliefs. 
       - Those who graduated from a Connecticut high school in 1999 or later.
3. Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is available at Health Services for a fee of $20

All students living on campus will be required to show proof of immunization with meningococcal vaccine or:

• present a certificate from a physician that it is contraindicated because of a physical condition or

• present a statement that the vaccination is contrary to the student's religious beliefs.

Menactra is available at Health Services for a fee of $20.

Students must show their I.D. cards to obtain services at the Health Center.

WHAT IS THE HEALTH EXAMINATION REPORT?

The Health Examination Report is sent to all students upon acceptance to the university. It is mandatory that students (1) complete the form and mail it to the Health Center, and (2) meet the immunizations requirement.

 

IS THERE A CHARGE TO BE SEEN AT HEALTH SERVICES?

There is no charge to be seen at health services.  There may be nominal charges for some testing and some medications. You will be informed of any charges that will be billed to your student accounts.  See below for some of the charges.

WHAT SERVICES DOES THE HEALTH CENTER PROVIDE?

The Health Center provides the following services at no cost or at reduced cost:

• Examination and treatment by a university physician or APRN when referred by the nursing staff
• Gynecology services by appointment only
• Pregnancy testing for a $4 fee
• Plan B (emergency contraception) for $20 fee
• Men's health services by appointment only
• Free and confidential gonorrhea and chlamydia urine testing
• HIV counseling and testing for a $10 fee
• Rapid (10 Minute) HIV testing for $12 fee
• General health counseling
• Tuberculin skin testing (PPD).
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) $20 fee 
• Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) vaccinations $20 fee
• Menactra (Meningitis) $20 fee 
• Hepatitis B vaccine available for $25 fee.
• Allergy injections for students whose allergists prepare their allergens
• Loan of equipment, such as crutches and canes
• Referrals to physicians in various clinical specialties in the community
• Registered Dietitian/nutritionist to provide individual nutritional counseling by appointment
• Registered Dietitian/nutritionist run group sessions on nutrition and diet topics of interest to students

Is there Any Charge for Services?

There are charges for the following services:

• Emergency room care, ambulance, and hospitalization
• Physician's services in the community
• Clinical laboratory services
• Medications prescribed by Health Center physicians
• Prescriptions filled in drug stores

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?

Use the www.chickering.com website to download a claim form, insurance waiver form, insurance coverage information and link to Provider search screen.

Some medical expenses may be covered by insurance carried by you or your parents. In addition, each year you attend Southern as a full-time student, you receive accident protection through the university's insurance carrier. The premium is included in the General Fee paid by all full-time students.

In addition to accident coverage, the university makes available an optional sickness insurance plan, which covers some surgical expenses and hospitalization costs. This plan is mandatory for full-time students who are not otherwise insured. There is also a dental insurance plan that can be purchased through the Chickering Group.

In the event of accident or sickness, the insured must obtain a medical claim form as soon as possible from the Student Health Center.

Students are advised to consult the Accident and Sickness Insurance Program brochure available from the Admissions Office and the Student Health Center.

Are my records confidential?

The confidentiality of the doctor-patient relationship is essential to good medical care. The record of care you receive at the Health Center will be kept in total confidence. Medical information is not revealed or discussed with University personnel, parents, or others without your signed release.  See HIPAA policy.

 

What is the late policy?

Students who are 10 minutes late for a scheduled appointment will have to reschedule for another time.  When you are late for your appointment it causes delays for the students who have appointments after yours.  It is advisable for you to come 5 to 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to allow time for signing in and any paperwork that is needed.

 

WHAT IS THE EXCUSED ABSENCE POLICY?

Student Health Center will not routinely issue medical excused absence notes for confirmation of illness.

The Student Health Center medical staff will provide a medical excused absence note only if the student was treated at the health center and the student must have been absent from class for three or more days for medical reasons.

A student who is absent from class less than three days for a medical reason should discuss the issue with his/her professor. If a professor requires a note for a medical absence of less than three days, a written request on university letterhead must be submitted to the Student Health Center by the professor.

The Student Health Center medical staff will not write excused absence notes for illnesses or problems for which we never provided care. If you received care for your illness or injury from your private physician, the emergency room or a clinic in the community, you should request your excused absence note from that medical provider rather than from the Student Health Center.