Rhodes Policies

Policy

The Moore Moore Student Health Center, hereinafter referred to as the Health Center, is firmly committed to preserving the confidentiality of all patient encounters within the limitations of the law of the State of Tennessee and the requirements of third party payors. Health Center employees include all Health Center staff; Health Center student employees; the physician and/or nurse practioner; the physician and/or nurse practioner′s contract vendors.

Practices

Patients who come to the Health Center may anticipate that healthcare providers and other Clinic employees will treat patient information as confidential and will act in such a manner to protect the privacy and confidentiality of both clinical and personal information. This means that no sensitive information will be discussed with a student′s parents unless authorized by the student, except in situations as listed below in Limitations of Confidentiality. Confidential services include, but are not limited to, contraception, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted disease, treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, and mental health services.

Patients must understand, however, that there are circumstances in which certain aspects of their healthcare services can be and will be made available to outside parties. These parties may include, but may not be limited to, health insurance companies and other payment guarantors such as parents, legal guardians, or third party payors. This loss of complete confidentiality occurs because of the need to report healthcare services to insurance companies and/or in situations as listed below in confidentiality limitations. Information which may be made available can include diagnoses, diagnostic testing information, therapeutic procedures and prescription drug information.

Patients having specific questions about confidentiality should address their concerns to the nurse practitioner or nurse at the time of service. There are a number of ways the student and healthcare professional can work together to preserve confidentiality in sensitive matters.

Any concerns about confidentiality of information should be brought to the attention of the Director of Health Services.

Limitations of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is limited in the following situations:
1) A court order or subpoena for medical records is issued
2) A patient is determined to be at risk of harm to self or others
3) The patient makes or authorizes a claim under a health insurance or other health benefit plan or otherwise designates someone else as responsible for payment
4) The law requires reporting of information (e.g., communicable diseases, injury by violent means)
5) The patient is a minor

In any of these situations, information in medical records may be released, without the consent of the patient, to necessary parties, which may include but not be limited to, a court of law; parents; health insurance companies and other payment guarantors such as parents, legal guardians or third party payors; College officials; public health officers; and other healthcare professionals or law enforcement authorities.

In Tennessee, persons under the age of 18 (minors) generally must have the consent of an adult parent to obtain medical treatment. Parents of minors who obtain medical treatment will likewise normally be entitled to information about that treatment. Exceptions are recognized for the provision of contraceptives, drug abuse treatment, prenatal care, and emergency care.

Rhodes College requires all students to have accident, sickness and hospitalization insurance coverage.

Students must accept or decline Rhodes' insurance offering on an annual basis.

Students may be covered under a family policy or a private carrier, and insurance coverage must continue as long as the student is enrolled. The Health Insurance Information Form you filled out before entering Rhodes needs to be current. Students may be treated for most ordinary illnesses at the Moore Moore Student Health Center on campus. When specialists are needed or laboratory work is performed by AEL, your health insurance will be billed by them.

Student Insurance Plan

Rhodes College offers a student health insurance plan to ensure that all students have access to comprehensive health insurance in Memphis while attending the college.

Eligibility

All undergraduate students enrolled in 9 or more credits and graduate students enrolled in 6 or more credits must waive or enroll in the Rhodes Health Insurance Plan. 

Enrollment Deadlines

• Annual Enrollment Deadline – September 29, 2023

• Spring/Summer Enrollment Deadline – February 14, 2024

Rates

To Waive or Opt-In

• Please visit studentcenter.uhcsr.com/rhodes.
• Click on "Waive Coverage" or “Opt-In.”
• Follow the directions to complete and submit your waiver request and print/save the confirmation page.
  • You will need your student ID number and date of birth to access the waiver form.
  • Your waiver must be completed in its entirety. You will be asked for detailed information about your current coverage, so have the following available:
    • A copy of your insurance ID card;
    • Insurance company name, policy holder's member ID, and group number; AND
    • The primary subscriber’s/policyholder’s name.
• You will receive a waiver approval notice if this plan meets coverage criteria.
• If you are a student-athlete, contact your primary insurance to confirm your coverage for orthopedic physician visits and MRIs in the Memphis area.

Benefit and enrollment information can be found online at UnitedHealthcare StudentResources.

You should keep a copy of your insurance card with you.
You should also be familiar with your plan—you may want to ask your parents to make a list of what it covers. Some coverage requires the insured to call in order to receive pre-certification before seeing a nurse practitioner or physician. Check with your private insurance provider to ensure that possible visits to our health center, Memphis area physicians, minor medical centers or emergency rooms will be covered under your plan.

Insurance Facts

• Most young adults can stay on their guardian′s insurance plan until the age of 26.

• If you have a pre-existing condition and are uninsured, there is a Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. Please click the link in order to learn more about available plans in your state: https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Programs-and-Initiatives/Insurance-Programs/Pre-Existing-Condition-Insurance-Plan.html

• If you are on a new insurance plan, insurance companies cannot charge a deductible or copays for recommended preventive services (flu shots, immunizations, etc.).

• Most insurance companies cannot deny coverage to children under age 19 due to pre-existing conditions.

In order to learn more insurance facts, please click the link: www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2011/03/betterbenefits-young-adults.html

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions for student health insurance, please click here.

Medical records are kept on file in the Health Center and are held in confidence. Medical records are retained for seven years, after which they are destroyed. 

*Senior Reminder*

Don′t forget to request a copy of your Immunization Record before you graduate! You never know when you may need it and it′s always good to keep a copy for your personal records.

How Do I Request a Copy of My Immunization Record?

• Fill out this Medical Release form (electronic/typed signature not accepted)
• Email it:
  • To: health@rhodes.edu
  • Subject: Immunization Request
• This form may also be requested in-person at the Moore Moore Wellness Center.

Health services are offered to students on a confidential basis. The staff does not issue medical excuses from academic obligations. The Student Health Center staff does not excuse students from classes or academic work. If a student authorizes it, the staff will verify that a student has been treated at the Student Health Center.

Students who miss class because of illness or other emergencies should contact their faculty by e-mail as soon as possible to make the necessary arrangements to complete missed assignments. Faculty members who wish to verify that a student was treated at the Student Health Center may contact the health center staff.

In the event of a serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization or extended absence from classes Student Life should be notified. The Dean's office will assist the student or their family in notifying the faculty.

Religious Exemption Request for Immunizations