Medical FAQs
Where is the Health and Counseling Center?
The Health and Counseling Center has moved from its previous location across from Eliot Hall to next door to the Community Safety building (28 West). This is on the west side of campus.
What kinds of medical professionals work at the Health and Counseling Center?
We have registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants. In Oregon, nurse practitioners practice independently, have full prescriptive privileges, and are considered first-line providers.
Is it possible to make an appointment directly with a Nurse Practitioner?
Appointments are made via the student portal or by phone. You can request any provider.
What kinds of services do you provide? Are they free? When might I be charged?
All visits are free. If tests are recommended there might be a fee. We can perform rapid strep and mono tests for a minimal fee. Urinary tract infection tests are free. We also have liquid nitrogen to treat warts for a small fee. Many students choose to have fees placed on their tuition accounts rather than paying with cash or check. If an imaging study (x-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.) or an EKG is ordered, then you will be referred to the appropriate clinic and those fees will be processed by that clinic through your insurance.
Do you have a pharmacy at the HCC?
No, we do not have a traditional pharmacy where we re-fill prescriptions. We do have a limited stock of primary care medications, including: antibiotics, one brand of birth control pill, emergency contraception pills (Plan B), inhalers, nebulizer treatments, steroids, anti-virals, anti-fungals, and anti-nausea medications. These are available at cost and are reimbursable by your insurance. We also carry a few over-the-counter medications, such as analgesic throat spray, anti-fungal cream, antihistamines, etc.
What kind of immunizations can I receive at the HCC?
We stock the following vaccinations: MMR, Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis, Hepatitis A & B, and Gardasil 9 (HPV). We also carry the skin test to rule out tuberculosis (PPD). These immunizations are at cost and charges will be placed on your tuition account. Most insurances fully reimburse these routine immunizations.
What if I need prescriptions or vaccines for traveling abroad?
We can help you figure out what vaccines you need and where to get them locally. Please refer to the CDC Travel page and search by country. We can supply refills for your daily medications; please note there is often a process through your insurance called a "vacation override" that must be done in order to receive the supplies that you need. Specialty prescriptions, such as anti-malarials, can be obtained here at the HCC.
How do I receive a prescription for PrEP?
As you would for any other visit, please schedule a medical appointment. We will start with STI testing per PrEP guidelines. Our goal is to get you what you need to stay healthy.
Do you have a billing clerk who processes insurance forms, etc.?
We do not have personnel who process insurance claims for students. We can instruct and assist you with the process, but you are responsible for getting claims and receipts into the insurance company for reimbursement. We do recognize that this is a new skill for many of you and we are glad to help along the learning curve!
I've just had an STI screening and I don't want my parents to know. How confidential is the billing?
We take confidentiality very seriously. Your medical records are yours alone; no information is shared with others, including your parents or the primary insurance holder. However, while there are stringent laws governing confidentiality of medical information, we cannot control who opens your mail, such as a lab bill, at your home address.
We recommend that you list your local address when dealing with insurance billing. If you have a blood draw, make sure that the lab has your local address. Have a discussion with your parents about forwarding your unopened mail to school versus "helpfully" opening it for you.
What if I don't have Reed (Pacific Source) insurance?
Our staff treats all students regardless of insurance type. However, type of insurance can become an important issue when we assist you in referrals beyond what we can provide at the Health and Counseling Center. Insurance is complicated! We'll help you find providers who accept your insurance so that you get the care you need.
What should I expect when I go to the hospital?
See our information on the hospitals page.