Health Center Frequently Asked Questions

1. Immunizations need to be verified with an Immunization record signed by a healthcare provider and uploaded to the patient portal.
   1. Two measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations
   2. A Tdap Vaccine within the last 10 years prior to enrollment date
   3. At least one dose of the Meningitis ACWY (Menquadfi) between the ages of 16-21 years old (within 5 years of enrollment date)
      1. Georgia state law requires that you receive a meningitis vaccine (Menquadfi/ACWY) within the last 5 years or waive this immunization.
      2. A meningitis waiver form may be completed online via the Medicat Patient Portal (health.berry.edu)
2. A tuberculosis screening form to be completed within the patient portal
   1. If indicated by the screening tool, you may also be required to have further TB testing (TB skin test or QuantaFERON Gold) and verified by a healthcare provider.
3. A self-reported health history form completed within the patient portal

The Health Center is compliant with FERPA and HIPAA to protect your health information and privacy. Everyone who works at the Health Center has signed a strict confidentiality agreement. Only those directly involved in your care will access your medical record. Our recent transition to electronic medical record keeping has added an additional level of security. We will not share your health record or discuss your information with anyone unless you have given us written consent to do so.

Typically, there is no additional cost for services provided within the Health Center, including visits with any healthcare provider. We also supply a variety of over-the-counter medications to help manage symptoms of minor illnesses and injuries at no cost.

In addition, we loan medical equipment, such as crutches, which must be signed out and returned after use. When necessary, referrals can be made for off-campus services such as laboratory testing or imaging (e.g., X-rays). Any charges associated with these external services are billed directly to the student’s medical insurance by the respective provider.

Our front desk staff is comprised of student workers who will greet you, verify your completed forms, and complete the intake process. Depending on the reason for your visit, the provider will complete an assessment and make appropriate recommendations for treatment. During your visit it may be necessary to do point of care testing, such as COVID, flu, or strep testing. You may be offered common over-the-counter medications to manage your symptoms or given a prescription as indicated. Prescriptions will be sent electronically to the student's pharmacy of choice and must be picked up and paid for by the student.

Yes. To make an appointment, please call the Health Center at 706.236.2267. Make sure to communicate the appropriate appointment reason to ensure that you are scheduled with the appropriate provider. Same day appointments are often available. Walk-in availability cannot be guaranteed.

Yes. Prescriptions can be provided within the current scope of practice per provider’s discretion. The Health Center DOES NOT prescribe any controlled medications (e.g. benzodiazepines, opiates, and medications to manage ADD/ADHA). These medications must be managed outside the Health Center by another provider.

Yes. The Health Center offers students a free flu shot clinic in the fall.

Yes. You must provide the following to receive your injections in the Health Center:

1. A doctor's order stating that you have permission to receive your injection at Berry.

2. Serum for the injections (must remain in our refrigerator while you are at Berry.)

3. The injections must be given while the MD or nurse practitioner are in the building.

4. You will need to stay for at least 30 minutes to be observed for any adverse reactions. There are no exceptions.

5. You will need to have an EpiPen with you to receive and allergy injection.

6. We will NOT be responsible for skin testing, the initial dose for new patients, or those resuming therapy after an extended delay in treatment.

No. The Health Center does not provide or manage a student health insurance plan, so students are encouraged to maintain their own coverage.