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Laboratory

The Clinical Laboratory is located to the rear of the Student Health Center and across from the X-ray Department. It operates under a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification.

A full range of laboratory testing is available to support the diagnostic needs of students (lab tests must be ordered by a SHC clinician or nurse). The majority of specimens are collected and processed at the Student Health Center Laboratory and transported by courier to a contracting laboratory for analysis.  Fees for outside laboratory tests are competitively priced and generally affordable (see Fee Information for lab pricing).  Lab results for lab work analyzed by the contracting lab are typically available in 7-10 days.  A number of in-house lab tests are performed on site and are offered to students at no additional cost.  Results of these tests are ready the same day.

Lab results are generally given to students by appointment from the ordering clinician.  Certain results may be received by students on a walk-in basis through the Express Care Clinic.  The Student Health Center confidentiality policy prohibits the laboratory staff from releasing test results to students. 

It is not the policy of the Student Health Center to give laboratory test results over the telephone.

Pharmacy

A pharmacist is available to dispense medications prescribed by Student Health Center clinicians. In addition, some medications prescribed by outside clinicians may be filled (subject to availability).  A variety of over-the-counter medications are available without prescription.  Most medications are provided at a reasonable fee especially priced for Cal State L.A students (see Fee Information for prices or call the pharmacy at (323) 343-3317 for further information).

The pharmacist is also available to students for consultations regarding medications.  A private consultation room is available for students who wish to speak to the pharmacist in a more private atmosphere.

Students may take prescriptions written by Student Health Center clinicians to outside pharmacies for filling if desired.

X-Ray Services
 

The X-ray Department is located to the rear of the Student Health Center and across from the Laboratory.  Diagnostic x-rays are taken by the Student Health Center radiologic technologist upon the request of a SHC clinician or nurse.  X-ray procedures are performed under a variety of circumstances, such as:

• Trauma cases where the patient has experienced an injury.

• Non-trauma cases where patients may experience pain or have symptoms that require diagnostic x-rays such as severe cough, back pain, head ache, etc.
• Students with positive TB skin tests may have chest x-rays that are required for pre-employment, various academic classes and as a prerequisite for University enrollment.

The ordering clinician will do a preliminary reading, when appropriate, before the patient leaves the X-ray Department.  All x-rays are then interpreted and reported by a consulting radiologist.  X-rays are provided at no additional cost.

X-ray results are generally given to students by appointment from the ordering clinician.  Certain results may be received by students on a walk-in basis through the Express Care Clinic.  The Student Health Center confidentiality policy prohibits the x-ray technologist from releasing x-ray results to students directly.

Students may ask for copies of their x-rays to take to a private medical provider. There is a nominal at-cost fee for this service.

Students needing verification of a negative chest x-ray for academic or job related purposes may obtain a report from a nurse through the Express Care Clinic. Copies of other types of x-rays, such as trauma, may be obtained from the Medical Records Office after signing a Release of Information Form.

Specialty Clinics

Chiropractic Clinic
The Chiropractic Clinic, offered at no additional cost beyond the mandatory health fee, provides spinal adjustments, treatment of low back and neck problems, and preventive exercises for posture, movement, flexibility, endurance, strength, balance, and coordination.  Services are provided by chiropractic interns under the supervision of licensed chiropractor.

Treatments used are based on the presenting problem and may include:

• Joint manipulation (“adjustments”) and mobilization

• Muscle work
• Specific stretches and exercises
• Muscle stimulation and ultrasound

Please allow one hour for appointments for new problems.  Follow up appointments generally take 30-45 minutes.  You can help us make your appointment more efficient by coming prepared.  Clothing, such as shorts or T-shirts, that lets us get at the areas of your problems will help.  It can also help to think of, or even write down, your main concerns and questions about your problem.

The Chiropractic Clinic runs Tuesday - Friday.  See General Information for Clinic hours.  Students are seen by appointment only.

Dental Clinic
The Dental Clinic is staffed by a dentist and dental assistant.  For a nominal fee (see Fee Information), the Dental Clinic offers brushing and flossing instruction, an oral examination of the teeth, bitewing dental x-rays if indicated, teeth cleaning, a written dental evaluation, dental fillings, and referral to an outside dentist if requested.  The Clinic runs Tuesday - Thursday (see General Information for hours).  Students are seen by appointment only.

Nutrition Clinic
Nutrition Clinic services are provided by Cal State L.A. Department of Kinesiology and Nutritional Sciences Dietetics Interns.  These students are supervised by a faculty member and the Medical Chief of Staff.  Dietetic interns are not allowed access to students' medical records.  Clinic services include nutrition counseling, diet analysis, body fat assessment, dietary plans, sports nutrition, and dietary supplement and diet aid facts.

The Nutrition Clinic is offered to students at no additional cost beyond the mandatory health fee.

Optometry Clinic
For a competitive fee (see Fee Information for pricing information), the Optometry Clinic offers complete refraction by an optometrist, glaucoma screening when indicated, and a written eye health evaluation.  The licensed optician offers single vision and bifocal eyeglass lenses, a variety of frames, eyeglass fittings, and standard and disposable contact lenses.  Clinic hours are Tuesday & Wednesdays 9-5 p.m.  Patients are seen by appointment only. 

Psychiatry
Upon referral from a Student Health Center personal counselor or clinician, students may make an appointment with the consulting psychiatrist.  The first appointment is one hour in duration. Psychiatric services are offered to students at no additional cost (except medications) beyond the mandatory health fee.  Services include:

• Psychiatric evaluation
• Short-term psychiatric case management
• Psychiatric medication prescribing and management
• Referrals to outside psychiatric providers

Medical Records

Security/Confidentiality of Records

• Medical Records are maintained and secured in locked files in the Medical Records Department.
• Access to medical records, as well as to the Medical Record Department, is limited to authorized Student Health Center employees.
• The Medical Records Department is locked whenever the Student Health Center is not operating.
• Your medical record will only be removed from the Medical Records Department for justifiable need and will be returned to the department as soon as the need is met.

Denial Of Access To Medical Information
Patients or their representatives and parents of minors may have access to health records except where the law permits denial of access:

• Where state law specifically precludes access
• Minors governed by legal constraints
• When the provider determines that such disclosure may have a detrimental effect on the patient's physical safety or psychological well-being
• Patients determined to be incompetent.

Release of Information
Release of medical information requires a written authorization from the patient prior to disclosure and must contain the following information:

• The name of the health care provider that may disclose the medical information.
• The name of the person/facility authorized to receive the information.
• The name of the patient.
• The purpose or need for the disclosure.
• The specific nature of the information to be disclosed.
• A specific date at which time the authorization expires.
• The right of the patient signing the authorization to receive a copy of the authorization.

Counseling/Mental Health information is released only when specifically specified and after the mental health provider has reviewed the counseling record and the request for release of records. The provider may choose to furnish a summary report in lieu of copies of the counseling record.

Confidential HIV Test results are released by the ordering clinician or health educator in the presence of and only when specifically requested by the person confidentially requesting the lab test and signing a Release of HIV Information/Laboratory Test authorization form.

Time allowed for response to requests for medical information is 3 working days. Copies of medical records are available at a nominal cost (see Fee Information). There is no charge when medical records are mailed directly to a private physician/facility or hand-carried when a patient is referred to an outside physician/facility.

Medical information received from other physicians/health care facilities used in the care of the patient is integrated into the medical record and becomes subject to the same provisions as those records generated within the Student Health Center.

Subpoenas
Medical information can be released without patient authorization, whenever disclosure is compelled by law such as court orders and subpoenas whether served by a party to a suit or administrative proceeding, or by a governmental agency in the course of an investigation. The Student Health Center, as a professional courtesy, will notify the patient that medical records are being sought and forward a copy of the subpoena to the patient when possible.

How To View Your Record
Requests for access for the purpose of reviewing the original medical record requires a written request from the patient prior to disclosure. This written request should be submitted to Student Health Center Administrative Office, Room 220. Access to medical information is carried out under the direct visual supervision of the providing clinician.

Medical Services
HIV/AIDS Services

Clinical Services
The Student Health Center provides a variety of clinical services for students living with HIV infection or AIDS.  Student Health Center clinical staff will work with a student's outside primary HIV/AIDS care provider to provide certain medications, lab work, immunizations and other services.  Assistance is also provided for students without a primary HIV/AIDS care provider.  For more information, schedule a consultation visit with the Student Health Center Medical Chief of Staff by calling (323) 343-3302.

Counseling
Individual and couple HIV/AIDS counseling is available from Student Health Center clinical and health education staff.  This service can be obtained on an appointment or walk-in basis. 

HIV Antibody Testing
HIV antibody testing is available on a confidential and anonymous basis.  The SHC offers confidential HIV testing by appointment, Monday - Friday.  Free anonymous HIV testing is available twice per quarter (see the Health Promotion and Education Center for more information about HIV testing through the SHC).

HIV/AIDS Referral Services
Where appropriate and/or requested, the staff of the Student Health Center will provide students, faculty, and staff with referrals or information regarding community HIV/AIDS and other health service agencies.

Education Services
The Health Promotion & Education Center staff coordinate the majority of the Student Health Center's HIV/AIDS education services. These services include counseling, classroom presentations, workshops, and educational resources. All services are available, at no charge, for students, faculty and staff for personal and Cal State L.A. related needs and activities. The health promotion and education staff can be reached by calling (323) 343-3340.

Scheduling Appointments
Same-day and future counseling and clinical appointments are available. Future appointments may be made by calling the Student Health Center Appointment Coordinator at (323) 343-3302. Same-day appointments may be made by calling (323) 343-3303. Appointment/information requests for Health Promotion And Education staff may be made by calling (323) 343-3341.

For More Information About HIV/AIDS and Related Community Services:

Call one of the following hotlines or see HIV LA.