Campus Health offers general, holistic care

What do you do if you suddenly come down with the flu, break out in a weird rash or twist your ankle on the way to a midterm?

Campus Health, located at the corner of North Cherry Avenue and East University Boulevard is one option available to UA students.

The most common ailments that Campus Health doctors treat are sore throats, ankle injuries and fatigue, said director of nursing Carrie Torrington. But many students also take advantage of the counseling, nutrition and women's health services.

Some of those students see it as an affordable, convenient option.

"I definitely think it is useful for freshmen and sophomores, because it is convenient to those who live near campus," said Micah Zahler, a studio art senior. "My freshman year I had no car, so it was convenient."

A visit to the doctor or a physical exam costs $10, a 20-minute chair massage costs $16 and a visit to an acupuncturist is $34.

Campus Health also offers insurance coverage through United Healthcare of Arizona. Coverage for the fall semester costs $469 and last from Aug. 16 to Jan. 15. The registration deadline is Sept. 8.

The insurance coverage includes medical, vision and chiropractic care, but does not include dental or prescription coverage.

Campus Health also provides supplemental insurance, called Campus Care, for $65 a semester that covers various services like lab work and x-rays only when done at Campus Health.

"Usually Campus Care is purchased by students who have outside insurance." Bernardez said. "(Students) don't need to have outside health insurance to have Campus Care."

Another service for which students don't need outside insurance is the Campus Health Pharmacy

The pharmacy also offers good prices, service and convenience (students can charge their prescriptions to their bursar accounts), according to Sharon Peppler, chief pharmacist.

"Our prices are generally excellent compared to the community because we are a teaching institution and not for profit," she said.

The most common prescriptions filled at Campus Health are antibiotics, pain medications and contraceptives, she said.

The pharmacy also provides a wide range of affordable birth control, including condoms in bulk: 100 condoms for $11 or 12 for $3.25.

A prescription for birth control can be obtained from Campus Health's Women's Care, but triage nurse Alberta Hopkins said students should make an appointment four to six weeks in advance because the schedule is almost always full.

The clinic does hold some appointments for women who need same-day care.

The same is true of the rest of Campus Health's services.

"We save same-day appointments for people who are acutely ill," Torrington said.

For more information about the available care plans, visit the Campus Health website at www.health.arizona.edu.