The purpose of Troy University’s Student Health Center is to “provide health care and education to the students of Troy University,” according to the Student Health Center website.
According to Dimple Gilbert, the director of student health services, the health center is “basically like a walk-in doctor’s office.”
The Student Health Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, located in Hamil Hall. You must have an appointment to see a doctor, but a nurse and nurse practitioner are available at all times.
A gynecologist is also available on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
“We handle anything except trauma,” Gilbert said. “We handle basic and acute illnesses, and can send referrals to other offices in the community or wherever if needed.”
The Student Health Center does not require any upfront payment because copays can be put on the student’s university bill.
“They (students) can pay up front, but most of the time they don’t have the money on them,” Gilbert said. “We understand that, and it isn’t a problem.”
According to Gilbert, the price of a nurse visit is $25, a nurse practitioner visit is $45 and a doctor visit is $65 without insurance.
“The nurse practitioner and doctor can prescribe medication, but we do not have an in-house pharmacy,” Gilbert said. “The students can have the prescription filled at the pharmacy of their choice.”
Gilbert said she feels that some students take advantage of the services the health center offers while others “are not even aware that we are here.”
“The health center is here for the convenience of the students,” Gilbert said. “For students who live on campus, or for those who don’t have a car, it makes it easier for them to see a doctor.”
Gilbert emphasized that the health center does not take care of dental or eye problems.
“We can refer you to someone else in the community if necessary,” Gilbert said. “If we can’t help you, we can point you where you need to go.”
The health center will be offering free flu vaccinations until the end of January 2016, according to Gilbert.
“Students can come anytime when we are open for flu shots,” Gilbert said.
According to Gilbert, the health center is planning to schedule some clinics with the School of Nursing, so that nursing students can get clinical hours by volunteering to give vaccines.
If it is after hours or on the weekend, when the health clinic is not open, Gilbert recommends students go to the SARHA clinic, which takes walk-ins.
Gilbert said that students should always dial 911 if they have a true emergency.
“It is better for the help to come to you rather than you trying to get a ride or catch the bus,” Gilbert said. “You don’t want to cause any more damage to yourself.”
“They gave me helpful antibiotics for a stomach virus,” said Corey Gary, a junior sport management major from Opelika, of the health center.
Gary said that he would recommend that students utilize the health center because “it’s way more convenient, and you don’t have to wait close to an hour to be seen.”
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