CSU Home > Health Services > FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need an appointment?
2. Where are you located?
3. What about confidentiality?
4. Am I eligible/is there a fee?
5. Is there an immunization requirement?
6. Is having a supplemental insurance plan a good idea?
7. What about a student excuse?
8. Where are Urgent Care facilities in Columbus?
9. Where can I find 24-hour pharmacies in Columbus?

​1. Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes!

To make an appointment to see a nurse or doctor, obtain a prescription refil or get shots, call 706-568-2039. Appointments for the Women's Health Clinic must be made in person.

A triage nurse assessment is available on a walk-in basis.

Note:

• Remember to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
• Your student ID card or number is required on the day of your appointment.
• For Women's Health Clinic appointments, students arriving more than 15 minutes late may be rescheduled.
• Failure to cancel a Women's Health Clinic appointment 24 hours in advance may delay your next scheduled appointment by as much as one month.

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​2. Where is Student Health Services?

Student Health Services is in the Health & Safety Center, near the clock tower in the center of CSU's main campus.

Call 706-568-2039 for more details.

Campus map

Mailing address:
Student Health Center
Columbus State University
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, Ga. 31907-5645

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​3. What about confidentiality?

Patients can feel comfortable knowing Student Health Services adheres to a strict confidentiality policy. Patient information is held in confidence and will not be released without the patient's signed consent. A student's Health Services records are not part of the university’s records.

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​4. Am I eligible/Is there a health fee?

Eligibility determination is based on enrollment at Columbus State University and payment of the Student Health fee of $38 each semester (fall or spring). Enrolled students are automatically assessed this fee and are eligible for Student Health Services upon registration.

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​5. Is there an immunization requirement?

All incoming students must comply with the University System of Georgia's and the Board of Regents' immunization requirements, which must be met before registration.

All students must provide documentation of immunization for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella and tetanus dipththeria. The Hepititas B Vaccine is also required for students who are 18 years of age or younger at the time of expected enrollment.
Download a Certificate of Immunization (PDF).

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​6. Is having a supplemental health insurance plan a good idea?

Yes. Even though Student Health Services will meet many student health care needs, it does not cover the cost of emergency or specialized care, hospitalization, out-patient diagnostic tests and surgery.

Student Health Services offers a voluntary accident and illness policy to help cover these unexpected and potentially expensive costs. Pearce & Pearce Inc. is the administrator and underwriter for the Student Health Accident and Insurance Plan.

For more information and online enrollment, visit http://www.studentinsurance.com.

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​7. What about a student excuse?

Documentation of a visit to Student Health Services (nurse or physician) is available after a student is seen. Students often request an “excuse” or “note” for missing a class when they may not actually need to see a doctor or after their symptoms have resolved. It's impossible to determine the degree of impairment from a past condition when there are no longer symptoms; it may also be difficult to determine if someone should attend class or go to their job. A self-care center is available in Student Health Services for obtaining over-the-counter medications without seeing a physician; documentation is not provided for visits to self-care.

Class requirements and attendance are administrative concerns between a faculty member and student. Not all illnesses require a student to see a physician. There is also the potential for exaggeration of symptoms, consciously or unconsciously.

Student Health Services provides documentation that a student was seen on a specific date, but because health records are strictly confidential, no information about a student may be released without that student’s permission. Faculty members may wish to pursue the nature of the problem with the student if necessary to determine the validity of the request. It is the responsibility of the student to notify professors as soon as possible that a class, or especially an exam, will be missed as a result of an illness or injury. If the class or exam has already been missed, students should call or e-mail their instructors within an appropriate amount of time. It is at the professor’s discretion to excuse the student.

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​8. Where are Urgent Care facilities in Columbus?

For after-hour services, please visit one of the 8 area urgent care facilities. Here is a list of urgent care facilities in Columbus with contact information, address and distance from both campuses.

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​9. Where can I find 24 hour pharmacies in Columbus?

Several CVS and Walgreens locations are available throughout Columbus. Here is a list of 24 hour pharmacies in Columbus with contact information, address and distance from both campuses.