Frequently Asked Questions

If I need to come to SHC, what steps should I take?
The FIRST step you should take is to CALL (573) 882-7481. If your problem is non-urgent in nature as determined by our health care professionals, an appointment will be made with a primary care provider on one of our collaborative practice teams. However, if your problem is more urgent, a nurse will advise you to come in at a specific time on the same day.

What does the Student Health Center have to offer me?
The SHC is a comprehensive health care facility that is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). We offer primary medical care including health maintenance examinations, chronic disease management, acute illness/injury, women's health and pre-employment physicals. We take a student-oriented approach to address your special health care needs.

Will my parents be notified of my visits to SHC?
Students are viewed as autonomous individuals with the right to confidential health care. If you want our staff to contact a specific family member about a healthcare issue, you must give us written permission to do so. On the other hand, if your parent calls requesting information, the staff will not release any information without your consent.

What are the credentials of the healthcare professionals at SHC?
The medical staff consists of board-certified physicians in family practice, internal medicine, adolescent pediatrics and psychiatry. In addition, there are certified family nurse practitioners, licensed clinical psychologists, a licensed clinical social worker, certified health educators and registered physical therapists.

What types of healthcare information should I be aware of?
You need to know about your past medical problems or surgeries, immunization history, any medications you are currently taking, as well as any drug or environmental allergies you may have. If you are covered by a major insurance carrier, you should bring your insurance and prescription cards with you. You should come to the university with a copy of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription. There are many optical shops in town to utilize. In addition, you should be aware of any family medical problems (i.e. cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease).

How can I stay healthy while at the university?
SHC is committed to preventive medicine and health promotion. We emphasize healthy behaviors such as good nutrition, physical activity, getting adequate sleep, making time to relax and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Our goal is to help you achieve optimal health.

What if I have a chronic medical condition?
Our goal is to maintain the continuity of care for your chronic medical condition. Because of your chronic medical condition, you may need acute medical care at any given time. We recommend that you make an appointment early in the semester to establish a relationship with one of our primary care providers. It is extremely helpful to have a letter and/or recent pertinent medical records from your current primary care providers. This letter should be addressed to our director, Dr. Susan Even, or a specific SHC physician.

How do I pay for services received at SHC?
Each semester, all full-time students are charged the pre-paid health fee. Part-time students may choose to purchase the pre-paid health fee or utilize the Student Health Center on a fee-for-service basis.

What about the charges I incur that are not covered by the pre-paid health fee?
Any charges not covered by the Student Health fee can be submitted to your major medical insurance carrier. Any remaining charges can be paid by cash, check and credit card or will automatically be billed to your student account.

What if I am not covered by a major medical insurance carrier?
There is a university-sponsored Sickness and Accident Insurance that you may purchase in the first 30 days of each semester at the Jesse Hall Cashier's Office. This policy will help finance services not covered by the Student Health fee as well as any hospital or emergency care. If you are not covered by a major medical insurance carrier, you need to purchase a plan.

What is the Measles Policy?
In accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, if you are a new student or a transfer student, you must mail or deliver in person to SHC the dates you received two doses of measles immunization. If you do not comply with this policy, you will not be allowed to register for your second semester. Measles shots are covered by your pre-paid health fee. For a copy of the MU MMR requirement, click here.

Is there a class excuse policy?
SHC providers will not routinely write excuses for classes or exams. Class attendance is an administrative matter between the student and faculty member. If you miss a class or an exam while at the Student Health Center, your receipt may be used as proof of your visit.