December 14, 2012
Health Center opens faculty/staff Convenient Care
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale employees now have an opportunity to receive same-day treatment for minor health issues at the University’s Student Health Center.
A new Convenient Care service, on the first floor of the Student Health Center, is not a replacement for an employee’s primary care physician, Dr. Ted Grace, director of Student Health Services, said. The clinic is for SIU Carbondale faculty and staff needing medical care for acute minor illnesses including colds, flu, bladder infections, sinus problems, earaches, and pink eye, or minor trauma such as cuts, sprains or strains.
The new clinic offers an alternative location for employees to receive quick examinations, and depending upon their physical condition, return to work that day. Patient visits typically take about an hour. Ancillary services, including laboratory visits and X-rays, are also available.
Faculty and staff will pay their usual medical insurance copayment at the time of service, and the clinic will bill insurance companies for the remaining cost.
University faculty and staff can have their prescriptions filled at the Student Health Center’s pharmacy, although University-related insurance plans are not accepted. For convenience, however, many patients choose to pay cash or use credit or debit cards for the economical generic prescriptions, Grace said.
Same-day appointments are available between 8 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the clinic is open during lunch hours. Call 618/453-3704 to make an appointment.
Convenient Care service is limited to University faculty and staff. Spouses, partners, dependents, University retirees, and faculty and staff who have chronic medical conditions or emergencies are not eligible to receive treatment in the facility.