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Health Iowa staff members make every effort to address as many questions as possible in a timely manner, however, not all questions are answered. Written responses are general in nature and should not be used as specific diagnoses or treatment of conditions. Search the Q&A to see if your question has already been answered.

If you have a specific, personal health issue, contact your healthcare provider. University of Iowa students can call 335-8394 to schedule an appointment.

Recent Questions


I am a student at the University and need to find somewhere close to get the Pill and have yearly exams done. I am currently taking Norinyl 1+35 and I currently do not have to pay any money up front to get my Pills. Will I get the same price at the University? My insurance is Wellmark.

As a UI student, you can get your yearly physical exam, including pap smear and pelvic exam at Student Health Service. For the 2010-2011 academic year, the cost for a yearly exam is $100* prior to insurance coverage. I recommend checking with your insurance provider to determine any out-of-pocket costs associated with this exam.

If your current birth control pill prescription does not have future refills, you will need to see the Student Health Service gynecologist for an exam before a new prescription can be provided. If you are still under a current prescription, your physician can call it in to the Westlawn pharmacy at Student Health Service (319-335-9200). The Westlawn pharmacy carries Nortrel 1+35, which is the same drug as Norinyl 1+35, just a different brand. Your prescription co-pay should remain the same when you switch pharmacies. However, Wellmark offers many options for prescription coverage, so it is important to check with your provider to determine coverage specifics for your individual insurance plan.

To make an appointment with the Student Health Service gynecologist, call (319) 335-8394. To contact the Westlawn pharmacy at Student Health Service, call (319) 335-9200.

For related information on this topic, go to:
Birth Control Dispensary For UI Students
Prices of the Pill

* Costs subject to change

Lindsay Wetzel, M.A.
Health Risk Assessment Coordinator
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Resources
SHS pharmacy staff (2010)
SHS FY10 Fee Schedule
Mayo Clinic. (2010). Birth Control.


Written 6/14/10

 

Question Link : http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1172

I am currently a part time student because I dropped a couple of classes this semester, but I still paid the full tuition for the semester. I was wondering if I can still go there and not get charged as a non-full time student?

Yes, you can still see Student Health Service health care providers and Health Iowa staff with no charge for office visits. As a full-time student at the beginning of the semester, you paid your health fee in addition to tuition and other fees. All students enrolled in at least 5 semester hours at the beginning of the semester are charged this health fee, and are eligible for free office visits.

Keep in mind that there may be charges incurred for any tests, procedures, and additional materials or costs. These may be paid via U-Bill, cash, or may be submitted to your insurance provider. After charges are billed to insurance, any unpaid balance will be placed on your U-Bill.

If you are a University of Iowa student and would like to schedule an appointment, call (319)-335-8394.

For related information on this topic, go to:
http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1004

Lindsay Wetzel, M.A.
Health Risk Assessment Coordinator
Health Iowa/Student Health Service


Resources
SHS website.

Written 6/14/2010
 

Question Link : http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1171

I am a student with a four year old child. I have been out of class the last few days due to my own flu illness, and because my symptoms didn’t warrant it, I did not visit a healthcare provider. As of yesterday, my child developed similar symptoms, and today she is much worse. I am feeling somewhat better and would otherwise be able to go to class, but my daughter needs to stay home and I need to care for her. If I miss class due to my daughter’s flu illness, do I need documentation from her pediatrician, even if her symptoms are similar in severity to my own?

Attendance policies and documentation requirements for missed classes are determined by individual departments and instructors. I recommend reviewing the syllabus for each course you have missed, as each should include a section detailing the class absence policy.

Have you emailed or talked to your instructors to let them know what is going on? If not, it is important to discuss the circumstances with your instructors as soon as possible to determine documentation needs, as well as plan for your return to class and making up any missed work.

Lindsay Wetzel, M.A.
Health Risk Assessment Coordinator
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written 6/18/10

Resources:
UI Office of the Registrar. (2009). General Exam Policies.

UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Teaching Policies & Procedures: Course Planning.

UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. (2010). Classroom Absences: Information for Faculty and for Students.
 

Question Link : http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1170

I am a PhD student here. How can I get a physical body check? Is it covered by our insurance? Is it free or covered half?

You can see a Student Health Service health care provider for a physical check-up. For the 2010-2011 academic year, the cost for a physical is $100* prior to insurance coverage. Insurance coverage for this visit will depend on your specific plan. Keep in mind that there may be additional charges incurred for any tests, procedures, and additional materials or costs.

The University of Iowa offers two insurance options for graduate students; SHIP and UIGradCare. Health care coverage and out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific insurance plan. SHIP does not cover preventive care, with the exception of covering one gynecological exam per year for women. UIGradCare does cover preventive visits, including yearly physicals. Depending on the type of care received, a co-payment may be due at the time of service.

To learn more about SHIP and UIGradCare plans, including current fees and coverage details, please visit the UI Benefits website at http://www.uiowa.edu/hr/benefits/health/student/index_grad_hs.html or email benefits@uiowa.edu with questions.

*Costs subject to change

Lindsay Wetzel, M.A.
Health Risk Assessment Coordinator
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written 6/14/2010

Resources:
SHS FY10 Fee Schedule

UI Benefits Office (2008). Health Insurance Information- Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

UI Benefits Office (2008). Health Insurance Information-UIGradCare Plan

 

Question Link : http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1169

If I go to the UI Hospitals and Clinics, does my student insurance cover the cost?

The University of Iowa offers two insurance options for students; SHIP for undergraduate and graduate students and UIGradCare for graduate students. Both of these plans offer coverage for appointments at the UI Hospitals and Clinics. However, what is covered, and how much your co-pay will be depends on the type of visit, as well as your specific insurance plan.

To learn more about your specific insurance plan, including current fees and coverage details please visit the UI Human Resources/Benefits Insurance Information website at http://www.uiowa.edu/hr/benefits/health/student/ or email benefits.uiowa.edu with questions.

Lindsay Wetzel, M.A.
Health Risk Assessment Coordinator
Health Iowa/Student Health Service

Written 6/14/2010

Resources:
UI Benefits Office (2008). Health Insurance Information.
 

Question Link : http://www.uistudenthealth.com/question/default.aspx?q=1168