Services:
Physician evaluations related to possible illnesses are performed at the Health Center during scheduled office hours. Students are asked to call extension #2238 to schedule an appointment to see the physician. The Center allows for observation and care during hours of operation.
Students requiring diagnostic procedures (blood work, x-rays), determined medically necessary by the College Physician will be referred to Hubbard Regional or Harrington Memorial Hospital out-patient department for testing when individual insurance coverage allows. If unable to refer due to individual insurance plan will refer to Primary Care Physician for follow-up and treatment.
Limited testing is available in the Health Center; (rapid strep, mono, pregnancy, influenza, urinalysis, blood sugar) additional testing is available through outside laboratories.
Some "over the counter" medications are available through the Center.
Follow-up care as ordered by a student’s Primary Care Physician will be done if possible.
Any student requiring medications by injection may be evaluated by the Health Center to determine our availability to provide. Please call to discuss in greater detail.
Students are encouraged to visit our information center which includes numerous up-to-date pamphlets regarding health issues as well as books available for borrowing. It is located inside the Health Center and open for use during operational hours.
ALL EMERGENCIES are referred to the local Emergency Medical System located approximately 1.5 miles from the campus.
Medical Excuses:
NO written medical excuses are issued by the Health Center. Students are responsible for notifying their instructors when absent from class due to illness or injury. Faculty may verify a student visited the Health Center by calling us. NO MEDICAL INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED UNLESS WRITTEN AUTHORIZED FROM THE STUDENT.
Fees:
Full time students are eligible for routine health care and exams delivered at Merrill Health Center without additional cost. Visits to physicians referred to, lab testing, diagnostic procedures, emergency room visits and prescribed medications are the responsibility of the student. IT IS STATE LAW THAT ALL STUDENTS HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE. To ease the process of treatment and avoid unnecessary costs it is important to be aware of your insurance plan and its coverage. ALL STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE AN INSURANCE CARD. If your insurance mandates you identify a Primary Physician you may want to call them for a list of providers that are local to the college. If you are carrying the college plan our physician is a participating provider. Any prescribed drugs can be obtained from a local pharmacy. The closest in proximity to Nichols are: Brooks Pharmacy 508-949-0512 and CVS 508-949-0641.
Your medical records are confidential and are maintained separately from your academic records.