Our Services
Student Health offers a variety of services, including:
- evaluation and management of acute and chronic illnesses
- emergency and injury care assessment
- seasonal influenza vaccinations
- health promotion (weight reduction, nutrition, smoking cessation, fitness, and stress reduction counseling)
- travel health counseling and vaccines
- sexual health education (contraceptive counseling, pregnancy testing, and emergency contraception)
- women's health clinic (Pap smears, breast and pelvic exams, routine gynecology and birth control)
- sexually transmitted disease (STD) education and referral
- c-nurse - an online question and answer service
- campus health education programs
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
- HIV test
Through the 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.
X-rays
Patients requiring X-rays will be referred through the Health Center to the appropriate medical facility.
Insurance
It is highly recommended that all students carry a health insurance policy. The Student Health Center is staffed by registered nurses only. All referrals to off- campus providers, including doctors, dentists and physician assistants, will be billed to the student by that specific provider at their full and customary fee.
If you have out of state coverage you will need to check with your insurance policy to see what your coverage is in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.
If you need to purchase health insurance and don’t know what to do, please refer to the Health Insurance section of this website regarding information on how to find an insurance policy.
Referrals
If a health problem necessitates further evaluation or treatment that cannot be provided at the Health Center, a referral will be made to a medical provider in Mount Vernon. In some cases an individual may be referred to a specialist in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City.
Students who are referred to a physician will be charged the physician’s customary office fee. Payment will be expected at time of service, regardless of insurance coverage. The medical office will file a claim if the student presents an insurance card.
Transportation
Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to medical appointments.
Medications
A limited selection of over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as throat lozenges, decongestants, antihistamines, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and antacids are available at the Health Center. Condoms and dental dams may also be purchased at The Great Barrier Reef located in the Health Center lobby. Prescription medications are called into Shepley Pharmacy located at 113 First Street East unless otherwise specified by the student.
Equipment
Crutches and soaking basins are available for loan from the Health Center. Charges will be assigned for late returns or damage of equipment. Hot/cold packs and thermometers are available for purchase at reasonable prices.
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 student's Cornell address. Diagnostic tests sent to an independent laboratory will be billed separately.
Medically Excused Absences and Health Withdrawals
The Health Center will provide a verification of illness for a missed class if it is a significant illness and the student was seen at the Health Center during that time. Students who know that they will be absent should notify their instructors in advance. Those who are unable to do so because of illness or personal or family crisis should notify their instructors as soon as possible. Instructors will decide on the basis of their explanations whether or not to accommodate them and in what way.
A Withdrawal for Health (WH) can be recommended for serious or extended illness. Students requesting a Withdrawal for Health 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. Permission of the professor must be obtained before an extension will be granted.
Confidentiality
All records are maintained in strict confidence and are securely stored. No information is released without the student's written permission.
For more information contact:
Student Health Services, Cornell College, 600 1st. St. SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Phone: (319) 895-4292
Fax: (319) 895-5894