Medical Care
Student Health
Insurance
Student Health Services
Private Doctor
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
University of
Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Family Care Center
Mercy Hospital
Free Medical Clinic
Speech and Hearing Center
University Dental Clinic
Women's Health Care
Student Health Insurance
Many health insurance policies are available through the University. Most graduate students choose either UIGRADCare or the Student Health Insurance Policy (SHIP). Both policies are through Iowa Blue Cross/Blue Shield. SHIP covers much of the cost associated with treating illnesses, major medical problems, maternity and well-child care. It does not cover routine visits to the doctor, non-emergency visits to the emergency room, medication for routine illness, routine dental work, vision examinations, or eye glasses. UIGRADCare is slightly more expensive but covers more of these services. However, it also requires referrals from your primary care physician, who must be affiliated with Student Health, for all medical treatment that cannot be done at Student Health. Graduate students with a GA, RA, or TA position at quarter time or more, or those with fellowships of at least $5500 per academic year, qualify for the Health Insurance Allowance. The HIA pays for up to 3/4 of the cost of your health insurance, so that SHIP and UIGRADCare cost the same for HIA recipients. More information on health insurance and the HIA provided to graduate assistants is available from the Benefits Office, 120 USB, 335-2678.
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Student Health Service is available to all students. Located at Westlawn, Student Health is an efficient and reliable health care provider. For students who pay the health fee (mandatory for those taking more than 4 credits), no charges are assessed for consultation, exams, and treatment by a physician for a routine visit. However, there may be charges for certain procedures. Students who have not paid the mandatory health fee may still use SHS but will pay charges for whatever insurance will not cover. During the fall and spring semester, Student Health is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 6:00, Friday from 8:30 to 4:30, and from 9:00 to noon on Saturday. Hours change during breaks and summer. Call first for an appointment. For more information or to make an appointment call 335-8370.
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Private Doctor
There are many health care providers in private practice in the Iowa City area. The Yellow Pages of the local phone directory provide a listing. Some medical services are offered by private practitioners in the Mercy Hospital complex. In addition, many physicians on the staff at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics take private patients. If you need a specialist, you may wish to contact the appropriate department of the UIHC. If you choose the UIGRADCare Health Insurance Plan, you must see your primary care physician at Student Health and obtain a referral from that doctor in order to see another.
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University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC)
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Aerial view of UIHC. Named as one of "America's Best Hospitals" by US News and World Report. |
There are UI clinics in Family Practice (both at the main hospital and at the Oakdale Campus), Allergies, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Planning, and many other medical areas. UIHC’s main phone number is 356-2456. The quickest way to gain a referral is by visiting Student Health Services first at Westlawn. If you have UIGRADCare, a referral from your primary physician at Student Health is necessary.
University of Iowa Hospitals and
Clinics Family Care Center
UIHC offers family medicine, general internal medicine, and pediatrics as well as counseling and health promotion. There is an onsite lab, a radiology unit, and a pharmacy. It also offers patient education services. Located at the UIHC on Melrose and Hawkins Dr., the UI Family Care Center has easy-access adjacent parking. Hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mondays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 8 a.m. - noon Saturday. Their phone number is 384-7000.
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Mercy Hospital
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Mercy Hospital (500 East Market Street, 339-0300) offers extensive medical services, including an emergency unit, maternity care, outpatient services, a physician-finder service, and an array of wellness and education programs. Since it is much smaller than The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Mercy Hospital has less of the "large organization" atmosphere. Because it generally does not treat patients whose medical problems are considered exceptionally severe or unusual (those patients are usually referred to UIHC), its rates are somewhat lower. A hotline for medical questions or concerns is also available: 358-2767.
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Free Medical Clinic
The Iowa City Free Medical Clinic, located downstairs in the Wesley Foundation at 120 N. Dubuque St., provides general out-patient health care to low-income families and individuals as well as HIV counseling and testing. Services are available to anyone in the Johnson County community, but students are encouraged to utilize University Student Health Service when possible. Evening clinics are held Mondays and Thursdays beginning at 6:15 p.m. Same day appointments are scheduled by calling 337-7909 between noon and 3 p.m. The clinic does not schedule medical appointments in advance. Day clinics operate Tuesdays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. - noon, and Fridays 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. For more information about the clinic or about volunteer opportunities, call 337-4459 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mon. - Thurs.
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Speech and Hearing Center
Any University student with speech or hearing problems may receive needed clinical services, by appointment only, from the Speech and Hearing Clinic without charge (non-students must pay). Services include diagnostic examinations, consultation, individual conferences, individual therapy sessions, instruction in small groups, and referral to other clinics as needed. The Speech and Hearing Clinic is located in the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Center on Hawkins Drive near the UIHC. Call 335-8736 to make an appointment.
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University Dental Clinic
University students and their families may benefit from the use of the Dental Clinic, which offers comprehensive dental care. In addition to routine cleanings, the Dental Clinic covers all aspects of dentistry including orthodontics, pediatric care, cosmetic treatment, and oral surgery. It is located in the Dental Science Building and is staffed by professional dentists and students who are training to become dentists. The Dental Clinic is a teaching clinic, so while the fees are low, it is more time-consuming than most dental visits. Treatment from a faculty member can be requested and is less time-consuming, but the fees are the same as those of local private practice dentists. The telephone number is 335-7499.
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Women's Health Care
There are many alternatives for confidential health care for women in Iowa City. In addition to services provided through the UIHC and Student Health, women may also choose to utilize Planned Parenthood Clinic (820 Orchard St., phone 354-8000) or the Emma Goldman Clinic (227 N. Dubuque, phone 337-2111). The Emma Goldman Clinic provides well-woman gynecology, including massage therapy and some education services. Planned Parenthood provides comprehensive health care for women. Both offer emergency contraception.
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