Services

Student Health Services is a clinic that is designed to accommodate the basic health needs of the students of NGCSU and teach prevention and self help skills to students. The services of the clinic are included in the Health Fee.

A Nurse Practitioner and a Physician Assistant is available during operating hours. A College Physician is available by appointment only.

Student Health Fees are $70.00 per semester. The fee covers any service rendered in the health clinic except specific immunizations (see web site) and laboratory test and medications provided in the Women’s & Men’s Health Clinic. Graduate Students, Student Teachers, and Students Interns should contact the Business Office to ensure that their Health Fee has been paid. All students must have paid their Health Fee in order to take advantage of the services offered by Student Health Services.

Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome, but all situations the nurse deems an emergency will be taken first. Among the services provided are general health maintenance, wellness education, resource information, acute illness care, acute injury, and routine blood pressure screening. Over-the-counter non-prescription medicines are available in the clinic. A selection of prescription medications is available. A visit and diagnosis by the Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or College Physician is required for prescription medications. A self-care center is available with basic medical supplies and several over-the-counter medications.

Screening tests include CLIA-waved test such as Strep A., Mono, Accu-checks, hemoglobin, urine dip screening, and urine pregnancy testing are also available. X-rays are not available at the clinic.

Injections available include antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and steroids. Immunizations and vaccinations are also available.

When patients need more specialized care after our evaluation, they are referred to an off-campus specialist or to their own physician based on the student’s insurance policy.

Pre-existing conditions are not treated at the clinic. The student’s home physician should monitor a pre-existing condition.

Student Health Services offers specialized Women’s & Men’s Clinic. Some of the services offered at the Clinic include wellness exams, breast health, testicular health, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment, and we also offer birth control options. A minimum fee, at cost, will be charged for laboratory tests and medications.

Student Health Services offers a Nutrition and Training Program which provides guidance regarding healthy eating habits and exercise. Student will be seen by appointments only.

What If I Get Sick After Hours?

When medical treatment is needed after clinic hours or during the weekends, there is a hospital located nearby. Chestatee Regional Hospital: (706) 864-6136. The 911 Emergency number is also available.

Health Form

A medical report form must be completed by the student and by on file in the clinic before receiving treatment. This form includes a medical history and emergency phone numbers.

Costs

The Student Health fee is included in the tuition fee. This fee covers basic services, medications and tests available through the clinic with the exception of specific immunizations (see web page), and laboratory test and medications provided in the Women’s & Men’s Health Clinic. If outside services, medication, or tests are needed, the student will be referred and be responsible for this cost.

Insurance Information

Students should have a copy of his or her insurance card with them. An available copy of your insurance card can be attached to your medical history form for information only. The clinic does not provide billing for insurance. The clinic does not treat auto-accidents or workman's compensation due to insurance requirements. A school insurance policy is available for students to purchase. Information regarding this is found on our website at: http://www.studentinsurance.com.

Confidentiality

• All medical information is strictly confidential. All medical information is protected and secured. Only medical personnel have access to the medical information.
• Student Health Services comply with the Federal HIPPA regulations. Medical information will be released only upon written consent given by the student.
• All medical information is retained for seven (7) years as required by law.
• The SHS building is secured and has limited access.

Patients Rights and Responsibilities

You have the right to:

• Reasonable access to care, regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation
• Considerate and respectful care to the individual needs, value, and beliefs
• Reasonable access to care within our mission and scope of practice
• Participate in decisions involving his or her health care
• Information about diagnosis and treatment
• Know the identity and professional status of the provider
• Personal privacy and confidentiality of information
• Accept or refuse care and to be informed of the medical consequences of refusal
• Expect reasonable healthy, safe, and secure environment in the clinic
• To request consultation with another provider if needs cannot be met - will refer to appropriate provider
• Be informed of research and educational projects affecting care or treatment, and to refuse to participate in such activities
• Approve or refuse release of information, except as required by law
• Present concerns and complaints and to receive a response
• Information provided about services, hours, fees and payment, eligibility

You have the responsibility to:

• Provide accurate and complete health information to the best of his or her knowledge
• Report unexpected changes in condition to the provider
• Report whether you clearly comprehend the plan of treatment and what is expected of you
• Express any concerns about plan of care and ability to follow it
• Follow the treatment plan
• Understand the consequences of noncompliance with the treatment plan and accept the responsibility for refusing treatment or failing to follow instructions
• Present any significant concerns to the provider or other Health Center representative
• Keep appointments, or if unable, to inform the health center
• Respect the rights and the professional integrity of those providing care
• Respond to Health Center requests for feedback and evaluation of care provided
• Respect the rights and property of patients and staff
• Follow Health Center policies and procedures

Pharmacy Information

We are not a retail pharmacy and are not able to fill outside prescription medications. Prescription medications can only by prescribed and delivered by the Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or College Physician. A prescription can be written by the College Physician or called into a local pharmacy by the Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant if the needed medication is not available at the clinic. There are several pharmacies available in convenient locations.

Allergy Injections

Allergy injections are not available in the clinic. Students who are receiving desensitization injections prescribed by their physicians at home can receive their injections by an off-campus, local physician. The student must establish a patient base with that office. A list of offices is available upon request.