Services Offered
Services provided:
- Health and wellness promotion
- Assessment, evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of minor illness and injury
- Diagnosis of medical conditions
- Diagnostic tests (strep screen, COVID-19 test, mono test, urinalysis, blood sugar, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection)
- Sexual health education (contraceptive counseling, prescriptions)
- Prescriptions for medications, when appropriate
- Additional/seasonal vaccination clinics including, but not limited to those for influenza and COVID-19
- Tuberculosis screening
- Initial evaluation and treatment for mental health conditions, with possible referral to psychiatrist and/or therapists
- Physical exams for uninsured students
- Free reference materials on a variety of health topics
- Kohawk Wellness Program/Fitness Programs
- Refresh Sleep Program
- Medical referrals as necessary
If X-ray or other imaging studies are indicated, students will be referred to either St. Luke’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital or RCI in Cedar Rapids. You must take your insurance card. These services are not paid for by Coe College.
Medications and health care supplies:
A limited selection of over-the-counter medications, such as throat lozenges, decongestants, antihistamines, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, nasal sprays and antacids, are available at Health Services. Also available: ice packs, hot packs and soaking basins. Condoms, dental dams and lubrication are available to all students, free of charge. Crutches and a wheelchair are available through loan.
Hospitalization/Insurance:
If a student should require hospitalization, these costs are not covered by Coe College. Each student is responsible for his/her own expenses. All students must carry some form of medical insurance, and many are covered by family health insurance as long as they are in school. Students must check to be certain they have insurance coverage and know the procedures for using their insurance.
To request information regarding independent insurance carriers, call the Vice President for Student Development Office at 319.399.8843 or the Health Services Office at 319.399.8617. Coe College does not offer medical health insurance policies.
Parents are notified of the hospitalization of a student by the college if the student is younger than 18, is unconscious or gives his/her consent for such notification. Parents are not notified of a student's hospitalization by the college if the student is 18 or older and does not wish for his/her parents to be notified.
Confidentiality:
All health records are maintained confidential and securely filed. Information is released only when a student's permission is given by written consent. (Please note that if you are 17 or younger, your parent(s) or guardian must give permission for you to receive health and mental health services, and they have the legal right to be informed about your treatment.) There are some limits to confidentiality, but they occur only in extreme situations:
Suicidality/homicidality: When there is a reasonable suspicion that you are at imminent risk of committing suicide or homicide, or if you describe yourself to your nurse or counselor as being at such risk, we will take action to protect your safety and the safety of others. Sometimes this will require breaking confidentiality.
Emergency care: If you require emergency medical or mental health care, we will provide relevant information about you to those involved in accessing and providing your care.
Prescription Medications:
Students should bring an adequate supply of their prescription medication. For controlled substances (ADHD medications, anti-anxiety medications, etc) it is highly recommended you obtain a lock box for storage of these medications.
Prescriptions given to Coe College students at Health Services can be filled at any pharmacy in the area, with the closest located within walking distance at First Avenue Hy-Vee Pharmacy. Other pharmacies in the area include CarePro, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Target.
The Iowa Drug Card is a free discount prescription assistance program for all Iowa residents, accepted at all major pharmacies, and applies to generic and name-brand medications. Click here to print an Iowa Drug Card.
Special Health Problems:
Please inform Health Services of any special health condition or needs you may have. It is important your roommate and/or Resident Assistant be aware of your health problems, such as diabetes, seizures and asthma. This ensures proper treatment is given if a medical emergency occurs.
Special Diets:
Provisions can be made through Sodexo Food Service for students who have dietary restrictions. You may also call Sodexo Food Services at 319.399.8648.
Class Excuse Policy:
Coe College Health Services class excuse policy and procedures are comparable and congruent with area Iowa colleges and universities. Our current policy states Health Services will not provide medical documentation of illnesses/class excuses. In the event of illness, it is necessary for the students to become informed consumers of their health care and receive optimal care. As a health care practitioner, it is necessary to teach appropriate health care consumerism and protect confidentiality.
The practice of providing medical class excuses sends a mixed message to the student about appropriate use of health care resources.
However, the student may complete this Reason for Absence Form to provide to their faculty/professors.