The Health Center basics

The Student Health Center provides basic healthcare to currently enrolled students with valid student identification; basic healthcare is also available at other CSU campuses for students enrolled at Cal Poly. Routine medical visits, urgent care services, x-ray, routine lab tests, education and counseling services are provided at no cost.        

Oral health consultations are available on a limited basis, at no charge and by appointment with Dr. Ryan Ross and Dr. David Lacey. If ordered, a panoramic x-ray is provided at no cost. Both dentists offer discounts to students on further dental care.

Vision screenings are available on a limited basis, by appointment and for $25 with Dr. Derek Coombs. Coombs offers a student discount on contact fittings.

A specialty clinic in orthopedics is available by appointment. Orthopedic supplies are available at cost and for rent.

The Health Center pharmacy provides prescriptions and over-the-counter items at a cost. Over-the-counter items include toothbrushes, contact solutions and acne creams. It is all cash and carry; insurance is not accepted.

“Check your prices with us,” pharmacist June Gelling said. “Most of our items are very cost effective.”

Individual, couple and small group counseling is available through Counseling Services. Students may discuss issues including homesickness, stress management, depression, roommate issues, dating problems, substance use, anxiety or suicidal feelings.

Cal Poly supports three peer health education teams; a nutrition team, a thoughtful lifestyle choices team and an education resources on sexuality team. Students work with students promoting healthy behaviors, providing consultations and giving presentations.

The Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for Wednesdays during the academic year when Health Services opens at 9 a.m.  Appointments are recommended as wait times for the walk-in clinic range from 30 minutes to one hour.    

For medical treatment referrals, emergencies, hospitalizations and after-hour care, students will need supplemental health care insurance. For information on a policy available to CSU students, contact health services for a brochure.

All new students born before Jan. 1, 1957, are required to present proof of immunization against measles and rubella. New students who are 18 years of age or younger are required to show proof of hepatitis B vaccinations. Vaccinations are available at the Health Center at a cost. Students who do not show proof of required vaccinations may have a hold placed on registration.

All records and visits to the Health Center are considered confidential.

Other than members of Health and Counseling Service staff, no person or agency may receive information about a patient without the written consent of the student.

There are currently five physicians, 10 nurse practitioners, three lab technicians, one x-ray technician and one full-time and one part-time pharmacist on staff in the Health Services. In Counseling Services there are four counselors and two doctoral interns on staff. The Health Center provides care to approximately 200 to 300 students each day.

“We are very, very busy during midterms when students have worn themselves out,” said Rojean York-Dominguez, director of health education. “Last year we saw a lot of students with mono.”