Our Services
Student Health offers a variety of services, including:
- evaluation and management of acute and chronic illnesses
- emergency and injury care assessment
- allergy shots (maintenance)
- health promotion and prevention (weight reduction, nutrition, smoking cessation, fitness, and stress reduction counseling)
- family planning (contraceptive counseling, pregnancy testing, and emergency contraception)
- sexual health satellite clinic -bi-weekly
- women's health (Pap smears, breast and pelvic exams, routine gynecology)
- sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and treatment
- c-nurse - an online question and answer service
Laboratory Services
The following diagnostic tests are available through the Health Center:
- strep test
- mono test
- urinalysis and culture
- hematocrit
- pregnancy test
- blood sugar analysis
Through the bi-weekly St. Luke's Family Planning satellite clinic:
- Pap smear
- STD screening
Other laboratory specimens can be collected at the Health Center and sent to independent laboratories for testing as needed. Anonymous HIV/AIDS testing is available in Cedar Rapids at the Linn County Health Department and in Iowa City at the Free Medical Clinic.
X-rays
Patients requiring X-rays will be referred to Mount Vernon Family Practice. Referrals for X-rays are scheduled through the Health Center.
Counseling
Counseling services are provided by the college counselor at the Counseling Center in Ebersole. Appointments may be scheduled by calling extension 4292.
Insurance
Students are required to have health insurance. This may be through an existing family policy or through Cornell's accident and sickness insurance. A photo copy of their insurance card must be kept on file at the Health Center. Filing a claim with Cornell's Student Insurance is the student's responsibility. Assistance in filing a claim and information regarding benefits is available in the Health Center.
Referrals
If a health problem requires further evaluation or treatment that cannot be provided at the Health Center, then a referral to a physician in Mt. Vernon will be arranged. In some cases an individual may be referred to specialists in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City. Note: All patients with the Cornell insurance must first be screened by Student Health Services staff at the Health Center before an appointment with the college physicians or specialist can be scheduled.
Transportation
Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to medical appointments. The college assists in but is not responsible for obtaining transportation to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City for emergency situations. Ask for assistance at the front desk of the Health Center if transportation is a problem.
Medications
A limited selection of over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as cough syrup, throat lozenges, pain relievers, and cold remedies are available at the Health Center. Samples of aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, Sudafed, and cough drops are provided free of charge. Condoms and contraceptive foam may also be purchased. Prescription medications are called into Shepley's Pharmacy located at 113 First Street East unless otherwise specified by the student. Prices of prescription medications are determined by the pharmacy and are generally available at the Health Center.
Equipment
Crutches, canes, heating pads, cold packs, and thermometers are available for loan from the Health Center. Charges will be assigned for late returns or damage of equipment.
Service Fees
Fees are charged for the following health services:
- laboratory testing
- physician visits
- St. Luke's Family Planning Clinic
Payment for physician and St. Luke's services must be made by cash or check at the time of the visit. Laboratory testing fees may be billed to the students' Cornell address. Diagnostic tests sent to an independent laboratory will be billed separately.
Medically Excused Absences
A strict policy has been implemented regarding medical drops. Medical drops can be recommended for infectious mononucleosis and hospitalization. Other medical conditions may merit a medical drop recommendation and will be considered on an individual basis by the Student Health Staff.
Consideration for medical extensions is given to students who have missed class due to health reasons. Students must be seen at the Health Center during the time of the illness/injury before medical extensions are recommended.
Confidentiality
All records are maintained in strict confidence and are securely stored. No information is released without the student's permission through written consent.
For more information contact:
Student Health Services, Cornell College, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Phone: (319) 895-4292
