The medical staff at the University Health Center includes Michelle Dunn, LPN, (left); Jeanne Strunk, FNP, (women’s health); Dr. Robert Wade, medical director; Harriet Vincent, FNP; and Bethany Rothwell, RN.
As cold and flu season cranks up, it seems an appropriate time to share with you some information about our University Health Center, a resource available to all currently enrolled Longwood students.
Clinic Director Ronald Goforth, Medical Director Dr. Robert Wade and the rest of the University Health Center staff are committed to providing a high level of care and to keeping your student healthy so they can be successful at Longwood.
Toward that end, the center directors asked me to emphasize one thing in this post:
Encourage your student to get a flu shot!
The University Health Center’s primary goal is to see all students needing care within 24 hours, “but most of the time they are seen the same day,” says Dr. Wade.
Now, on to some basic information about the University Health Center. For more detailed, comprehensive information, please visit the center’s website at
http://www.longwood.edu/health/
Or give them a call at the phone number listed below.
Services
The center provides primarily acute, wellness and preventative care. This means the medical staff can help if your student
- is experiencing a short-term (acute) illness
- is injured
- wants to take precautions to avoid getting sick
- wants an annual wellness or women’s health exam
In addition to these primary services, the University Health Center medical staff can also
- administer flu shots
- administer allergy shots (with serum provided by the student and a medical order from their allergist; fee required)
- write prescriptions for ADD/ADHD (with proper documentation of psychological workup within the prior three years; see website FAQs about this topic. Students who need this testing can have it done through Counseling and Psychological Services at Longwood. Information about CAPS services and fees is available at http://www.longwood.edu/caps/.
- administer IV fluids for students who have become dehydrated due to illness
- provide osteopathic manipulation for neck and back pain
- perform a tuberculosis skin test, which is required for nursing students
- collect lab specimens for testing and coordinate with LabCorp
Medical Staff
When your student visits the University Health Center, they will be seen by a member of the medical staff, which includes
- a physician
- a general family nurse practitioner
- a women’s health nurse practitioner
- three nurses
Appointments
Appointments are preferred but not required. Your student can make an appointment
- online through the student portal: https://cumulus.longwood.edu/cas/login?service=https://longwood.studenthealthportal.com/CASIf no appointment slots are available online, please encourage your student to call.
- by phone: 434-395-2102
Walk-ins
The clinic accepts walk-ins, but your student should be prepared to wait if necessary. Also, the earlier they get to the health center, the better, though every attempt will be made to see all walk-ins the same day.
Talking to the Medical Staff About Your Student
Parents of students who are 18 or older should be aware that FERPA (Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act) prevents members of the medical staff from discussing your student’s health issues with you unless your student signs a separate release form for each day they were seen at the center. (These forms are available at the center.) Of course, your student can share any and all information with you about their conditions and treatment.
After-Hours Care
If your student feels their illness or injury can’t wait until the center reopens, they can go to
- Centra Medical Group at 935 S. Main Street: 434-315-2850
- Centra Southside Community Hospital Emergency Department at 800 Oak Street: 434-315-2530
- Their primary care provider (PCP)
In addition, if your student has a non-life-threatening medical issue after hours, they may contact the health center’s nurse advice line at 805-858-3117.
Hospital and Emergency Care
Centra Southside Community Hospital and its emergency department, located at 800 Oak Street, are within walking distance of the Longwood campus. Your student may be referred to Centra Southside for X-rays and other diagnostic procedures, as well as care outside the scope of the University Health Center.
If your student has a medical emergency, they should call 911 or the Longwood University Police Department at 434-395-2091.
Payment
Being seen by a member of the medical staff is covered by student fees. If the student has health insurance, the clinic will bill the insurance provider, but no copay is required. Charges for off-site services such as prescriptions, visits to the emergency department or other health providers, hospitalization, injections and laboratory tests are the student’s responsibility.
University Health Center
Location, Hours and Contact Info
Location: Longwood Landings (106 Midtown Ave.) across from Subway
Hours of operation: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday except university holidays
Phone: 434-395-2102
Fax: 434-395-2738
email: studenthealth@longwood.edu
A Partnership with Potomac Healthcare Solutions
The University Health Center is operated by Potomac Healthcare Solutions, headquartered in Woodbridge, Virginia. PHS operates clinics and provides medical staffing in the U.S. and abroad, including for the Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration.
—Sabrina Brown