Medical Authorization for Minors
Students who are younger than 18 years old at the beginning of their first term at Berea College must have consent for treatment signed by a parent or legal guardian before they can register for classes.
Services
Student Health Services (operated by White House Clinics through Berea Primary Care) is the health services provider for students. http://www.whitehouseclinics.com/index.htm
Student Health Services of Berea Primary care is operated by White House Clinics. There are 8 offices in the region and students may be seen at any location. Most students will find it most convenient to go to Berea Primary Care which is located in St. Joseph Berea Hospital through the main hospital entryway (not through the Emergency Room entrance).
Services provided by Student Health Services include:
- acute care (sore throats, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.)
- chronic care (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)
- screenings/health maintenance (pap smears, sports and other physicals, health education, etc.)
Tetanus boosters, meningitis, hepatitis A & B, and various other immunizations necessary for travel to certain countries are provided by Student Health Services to patients at cost.
http://catalog.berea.edu/en/current/Catalog/Student-Handbook/Student-Rights-and-Responsibilities/Education-Abroad-Policies/Policy-on-Medical-Immunizations-for-Education-Abroad
Allergy injections ordered by an allergist are administered to students during regular Student Health Services hours at no charge. Tuberculosis (TB) screening is also provided.
Students are entitled to unlimited visits at Student Health Services for no additional charge each term after the required health fee has been paid. Student’s dependents may utilize Student Health Services for an additional health fee (also must be paid each term.)
Student Health Services of White House Clinics has a strong network for specialty care, and provides referrals for various procedures, tests, specialists and sub-specialists that are not covered by the student health fee and may be charged to the student’s insurance including:
- x-rays,
- medically necessary diagnostic studies (MRI, CT Scan, etc.)
- other tests as determined
- specialty physicians as medically warranted
Missed Health Service Appointment Charges
A $10.00 missed appointment fee will be assessed for students who do not call or formally cancel scheduled one-hour appointments. A $5.00 fee will be assessed for students who do not call or formally cancel scheduled half-hour appointments. See also Student Accounts, Term Bills, and Payment Plan
Student Health Services Appointments
For an appointment at Student Health Services call (859) 985-1415.
Prescriptions ordered for students may be filled at the student’s expense at any of the White House Clinics pharmacies, or at a pharmacy of the student’s choice.
Prescriptions are not covered by the College health-insurance policy.
Summer Services
Students who pay the summer health fee will receive the same medical services as provided during the school year.
Health Insurance Requirement
All students attending Berea College are required to carry health insurance through the College. For those students who are covered by parental or individual plans, this mandatory College policy serves as secondary, “excess” coverage. The policy provides primary coverage for students with no other insurance.
The insurance premium is part of the Student Expense budget and reflected there as a fee. Students’ dependents may be added to the College plan at an additional premium. For those students who are covered by parental or individual plans, the mandatory College policy serves as secondary, “excess” coverage.
Policy benefits and exclusions are explained in a brochure sent to each student along with an insurance card each term. This card must be presented when seeking medical care, other than at CHS, such as at an emergency room or a specialist’s office. Students are responsible for submitting claim forms. The College Health Service Office Manager may assist with this task.
Hospitalization
Inpatient services, including some surgeries, are available at St. Joseph Berea Hospital. All costs of hospitalization, including specialists' fees, will be billed to the student's insurance. Any outstanding balance will be the student's responsibility.
After-Hours Care
When Student Health Services is closed, an on-call physician at St. Joseph Berea Hospital can be accessed by calling the hospital operator (859-986-3151) and asking for the physician on call for Berea Student Health Services.
Emergencies
If a situation is deemed a health/illness emergency, care should be sought at the St. Joseph Berea Hospital Emergency Room. Emergency room expenses not covered by insurance are the student/patient’s responsibility.
Ambulance
If a student has an emergency while in Berea and is unable to get to the clinic or hospital, an ambulance should be called through 911. As soon as possible, Public Safety (ext. 3333) or a member of Residence Life staff should also be contacted to further assist as needed. The student is responsible for the ambulance charge.
Off-Campus Emergencies
When a health emergency arises during approved off-campus activities, the College designated person-in-charge shall confer with medical providers at the Student Health Services if at all possible. When the emergency is such that the student can safely be brought back to campus, s/he will be placed in the care of the medical staff at Student Health Services. When an emergency is such that the student cannot be brought back to campus safely, the student shall be cared for at the nearest appropriate facility.
Confidentiality
The relationship between physicians, other health-care providers, counselors and patients is always confidential. Patient records are confidential and all records are managed according to HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guidelines. Patient information is not shared with other college personnel or parents without the informed, written consent of the student/patient except in cases of extreme urgency in which the life or safety of the patient or other persons is at risk.
At times, health providers may be required by law to report infectious diseases to public health officials. Patients will be informed when reporting of this information is mandatory.
Student Health Services complies with and abides by the provisions of HIPAA. Patient access to professional records also is subject to the Records Access and Protections provision in this publication. http://catalog.berea.edu/current/Catalog/Student-Handbook/Student-Rights-and-Responsibilities/Records-Retention-Access-and-Protection
Medical Absence Excuses
Student Health Services staff will not provide written absence excuses due to illness or office visits. Students who miss class or work for medical reasons should tell the instructor or supervisor in advance, if possible. Instructors or supervisors may request supporting information, as appropriate, in writing with the student’s signed authorization for release of medical information or confirmation.
Human Subject Research
Students occasionally are asked to be part of, or participate in, research conducted by faculty and other students. Student participation in this type of research is voluntary and subject to the College’s Human Subject ‘’Research Guidelines and Procedures”, which are available in the office of the Academic Vice President and Dean of the Faculty. Any student who has questions about the nature of the research in which he or she is or might be involved should contact the Academic Vice President and Dean of the Faculty.
http://catalog.berea.edu/current/Catalog/Student-Handbook/Student-Rights-and-Responsibilities/Human-Subject-Research