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Student Health Center FAQ

What should I do if I am injured or feeling ill? 

Call the Student Health Center at (570) 208-5852 to make an appointment. If you are not sure that you need a visit, ask to speak to a staff member who will help you decide. If you are severely ill, you might be referred to a local hospital, urgent care center, or specialist.

What should I do if I need help and the Student Health Center is closed? 

In the evenings, nights, or on weekends, please contact your Resident Assistant or Resident Counselor for assistance. If a student is severely ill, or in need of further evaluation, you may be referred to an emergency room or an urgent care center. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go directly to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital, or Geisinger South Hospital. An ambulance may be requested for transport to a local hospital, but please note that students are responsible for all bills incurred that are not covered by health insurance.

What happens to students who are too ill to stay in the residence halls? 

King's College is located in Downtown Wilkes-Barre in close proximity to hospitals and urgent care centers. Depending upon the nature and/or seriousness of the illness, a student can be sent home or be admitted to one of the local hospitals.

How do students get to local hospitals or to medical appointments off-campus? 

If necessary and available, security will transport students to a medical facility within a 5-mile radius of campus.

Does the Student Health Center provide medical excuses? 

The Student Health Center provides a visit verification for a student  if requested at time of visit with recommendations if isolation is suggested. It is the purview of the faculty to decide when or if a student is excused. Students who need to miss class due to illness/injury are encouraged to:

  • Notify the instructor(s) that they are ill or injured and unable to attend class or complete an assignment
  • Follow the directions for missed class/assignment provided by the faculty member on the course syllabus
  • For severe cases or extended absences, the student must notify Student Affairs who will assist with dissemination of information

How much does it cost to use the Student Health Center? 

The cost depends on the student's residence status. Resident students pay a mandatory wellness fee each semester, which includes services rendered in the Student Health Center. Off-campus and commuter students are on a fee-for-service basis only.

The wellness fee covers all services provided at the Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, and all wellness activities throughout the academic year.  This fee provides for medical care, medications dispensed by a King's College healthcare provider, and diagnostic procedures and tests done at the Center in addition to available counseling services and wellness events on campus

What does fee-for-service mean?

Commuter and off-campus students who have submitted their health services requirements are eligible to use the student health center on a fee-for-service basis. Refer to the fees page for current costs.

What is the difference between the health fee and health insurance? 

Health insurance provides coverage for medicine and/or doctor or hospital visits outside the Student Health Center. The wellness fee is not a substitute for health insurance. Payment for off-campus care or medication is the responsibility of the student. Students are responsible for all bills incurred that are not covered by their health insurance carrier.

Do I need health insurance? 

Health insurance coverage is mandatory for resident, intercollegiate athletes, and international students. Please refer to the insurance information for more information.

Do I need health insurance if I live off-campus or commute? 

Health insurance coverage is strongly recommended but not mandatory for full-time commuter and off-campus students. Please refer to the insurance information for more information.

What if I don't have health insurance? 

If you need health insurance, King's College offers referrals to several agents who can discuss purchasing options. Please refer to the Insurance page for more information.

Can I keep medicine in my room? 

Yes, you can keep prescription medicine and over the counter medicine in your room. Medicinal marijuana or any prohibited controlled substance is not permitted on campus. See the Student Handbook for details.

What should I know about my personal medical history? 

Before coming to King's College, you should familiarize yourself with your personal medical history, including allergies, medications, and chronic diseases. You are encouraged to know if your health insurance carrier requires pre-authorization for treatment and which health care providers they allow. You should make a copy of your health information for your records.

Is my health care confidential? 

Your medical care is strictly confidential, and no information will be released to parents, faculty, administrators, insurance companies, or anyone else, without your permission. Please refer to the Confidentiality and Medical Records page for more information on exceptions.

Where should my health information be sent?

All students should submit their health information on the Student Health Portal. If not possible to upload online, and with prior approval from Student Health Center staff, hard copies can be mailed to the following address:

King's College
Andre Hall
133 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711