Student Health for Dummies
This semester I have been sick and injured so often that I feel as if student health has become my home away from Cole. However, that means I have learned a great deal about Vanderbilt’s medical care for students to share with y’all!
First of all, since my family lives in Switzerland and therefore I am not attached to my parents’ insurance, Vanderbilt’s automatic student health insurance is perfect! Every year, you are automatically enrolled in this insurance unless you opt out of it. For only $700-1000 a year, you get to go to student health for free and get a significant discount on any medications you need.
The student health center offers consultations with nurse practitioners about everything from the common cold to gynecological visits. This semester, I visited them for the flu, a sprained ankle, a pulled back, regular checkups, skin care, lice check, and more. See what I mean about being consistently sick? :P They also have a variety of medical professionals there who meet with students for more severe issues, give allergy shots, and provide free contraception.
Students can make appointments with their preferred providers, or else can walk in if they have a medical emergency. I have done both, but prefer to make appointments because it can take a while when you walk in. Student health is also able to complete blood and urine tests since they have their own lab. I got tested for anemia there last semester–so it’s definitely a useful resource! All of your medical information gets put onto the website My Health at Vanderbilt, and so you have a lasting record of all of your treatments.
Furthermore, the medical center can also refer students to other areas in Vanderbilt’s medical community such as the center at 100 Oaks and the regular medical center. I once got referred to a dental surgeon because I had jaw problems. Student health is a gateway to providing you with all of the medical care you need. When I first got to Vanderbilt, I never thought I would make use of this resource, but now I’m glad that I have!
…Until next time! :)