Services
A page within Student Health Center
Our specialized team provides Mayo Clinic care to UWL and Western students. Below are general descriptions of services available at the Student Health Center.
Primary Care
The Student Health Center provides a wide range of primary care services to students including physical exams, management of acute or chronic illness, pain management, injury treatment, along with mental health and dietary counseling.
Same-Day Care
Acute medical needs may be addressed by our highly-trained staff via scheduled appointments during office hours. The Student Health Center provides care for sprains, strains, lacerations and contusions.
Allergy injections may be arranged at the Student Health Center when the allergens (i.e. medication) and written orders are supplied by the student's personal physician or allergist. Students are required to make an appointment with a Student Health Center provider before beginning allergy injections. All orders must be updated annually. There is a $10.00 administrative fee per visit for this service.
With the student's permission, consultations and referrals can be made with several on-or-off campus resources. The student's personal health care provider, local clinics and hospitals, Dean of Students, Counseling and Testing Center, Disability Resource Services, Athletics Department, Office of International Education, Office of Residence Life and/or the La Crosse County Health Department can be contacted.
Individual counseling provides the opportunity to talk confidentially about anything you want and to get help in solving problems, addressing relationship issues, resolving a personal crisis, or addressing issues of depression, anxiety, stress, disordered eating or sexual assault.
- UW-La Crosse students: https://www.uwlax.edu/counseling-testing/
- Western students: https://www.westerntc.edu/counseling-and-case-management-services
Services include annual examinations, PAP testing, contraceptive services and genitourinary care.
Confidential sexually-transmitted infections (STI) testing is available at the Student Health Center by appointment or via our walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic. The walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic is available to any student who may have been exposed to chlamydia, gonorrhea and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
To utilize the walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic you must answer “no” to all of the following questions:
- Has a sexual partner tested positive for a sexually-transmitted infection?
- Are you currently having any disconcerting symptoms? (i.e. pelvic or testicular pain, burning with urination, urethral discharge, change in vaginal discharge). The walk-in STI clinic is NOT appropriate for symptomatic individuals.
- Do you have a concern about an assault or non-consensual sex?
- Do you have questions or concerns that you would like to speak to a provider about?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, an appointment should be made with a provider.
Walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic hours:
Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri: 8-11a.m.; 1-3 p.m.
Tues: 9-11a.m.; 1-3p.m.
Walk-in HIV and STI testing clinic FAQs.
What are we testing for?
Chlamydia- a bacterial infection that often does NOT have associated symptoms. When symptoms are present a woman may experience vaginal discharge and/or bleeding, pain or burning with urination, or pain in the lower abdomen. Men may experience pain or burning with urination. Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women as well as infertility. Men can develop testicular infections. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea- a bacterial infection that often does NOT have associated symptoms. When symptoms are present a woman may experience burning with urination, vaginal discharge that could be yellow or green, abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. Men can experience burning with urination, discharge from the penis. Gonorrhea is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women as well as infertility. Men can develop testicular infections.
HIV- a viral infection that also causes AIDS. Eleven million people in the US likely have HIV. Rarely do people have symptoms in the first 10 years. There is no cure for HIV. HIV is transmitted through vaginal, oral, anal sex, or contaminated needles. Early diagnosis can lead to slower progression of the disease.
How are the lab tests obtained?
The chlamydia and gonorrhea test are urine tests for men and women. To obtain this test, you must wait at least one hour from the last time you have urinated. No risks are involved in obtaining a urine specimen.
The HIV test is a blood test. The risks involved include minor pain at the insertion site, bruising, fainting, and a rare risk infection.
How long will it take to get my lab results?
Test results will be available within 5-10 days. A nurse will call if the results are negative. The nurse will provide you with basic sexual health information & answer any questions you have.
What if my test results come back positive?
An SHC provider will notify you to set up an appointment to talk about the results & determine the best treatment.
How much does each test cost?
All students are charged a $5.00 fee to obtain specimens at the Student Health Center. There is no additional charge for chlamydia or gonorrhea & these tests are completed together. The HIV test costs an additional $20.00.
What is the best time frame for testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea?
Typically, it is best to wait two weeks from the potential exposure. Many people do not have symptoms & have had the infection for a period of time. The latest recommendations encourage routine screening in men & women who are sexually active with every new partner.
What is the best prevention against STIs & HIV?
The best prevention is condom use with all sexual encounters. Condoms can reduce the transmission of STI's or HIV & reduce the risk of pregnancy.
We also recommend the following immunizations for all adults:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- HPV (also known as Gardasil or Cervarix for prevention of cervical cancer & genital warts)
What we do NOT test for in the STI walk-in clinic:
We are not testing for genital herpes, HPV, pregnancy, trichomonas or syphilis. A provider visit is needed to discuss and test for these conditions.
What about contraception?
If you want to discuss contraception, including emergency contraception, make an appointment with a Health Center provider.
Additional information: http://www.cdc.gov/std/
The Student Health Center offers a variety of immunizations to help students meet international travel, departmental and college requirements. Learn more about immunizations at UWL.
Laboratory services include routine blood counts, blood chemistries, urinalysis, cultures, STD, PAP, pregnancy, and HIV testing. A minimal charge is assessed for laboratory testing. In addition to lab tests ordered by our clinicians, students who have orders for testing from their personal providers at home can have the testing performed at the Student Health Center & the results forwarded to the ordering clinician. Learn more about laboratory tests.
The SHC is committed to providing caring, quality, and confidential services for our students, inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We work to provide affirming health services, so our patients are treated well and stay well. Below are links to websites or documents regarding LGBTQ+ sexual health and LGBTQ+ general health or wellness.
View these LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness Resources
Lesbian and Bisexual Women’s Health and Wellness
Health issues for lesbians and women who have sex with women
Center for Disease Control: Lesbian and Bisexual Health
Ten things Lesbians should talk about with their health care providers
Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health/Wellness
Health information for gay men and men who have sex with men
Center for Disease Control: Gay and Bisexual Health
Ten Things Gay Men Should talk about with their health care providers
HIV/AIDS among Gay, Bisexual, and other Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Transgender Health/Wellness
Ten Things Transgender Persons Should discuss with Their Healthcare Care Provider
Answers to common questions about Transgender individuals and gender identity
Outpatient care is available on an appointment basis Monday through Friday.
The following items can be purchased at the SHC front desk:
| Acetaminophen (325mg x 100 tabs) | $2.00 |
| Adhesive Bandages (100/box) | $3.00 |
| Anti-Diarrheal | $3.00 |
| Athletic Tape | $3.00 |
| Condoms (1 dozen) | $2.00 |
| Cough Drops (30/pack) | $2.00 |
| Cough Syrup | $3.00 |
| COVID Test | $10.00 |
| ECP/Plan B (Econtra One-Step) | $15.00 |
| Elastic Bandage ( 3 inch or 4 inch 'ACE'- type for wrapping) | $2.00 |
| Hot/Cold Packs (can be heated or cooled) | $3.00 |
| Naproxen | $5.00 |
| Pain Reliever (Diclofenac) | $6.00 |
| Saline Nasal Spray | $2.00 |
| Sore Throat Spray | $4.00 |
| Thermometer | $3.00 |
| Triple Antibiotic Ointment | $3.00 |
| Cold Kit (includes tissues, hand sanitizer, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, cough syrup, cough drops, thermometer, and a "how to care for your cold" info sheet) | $7.00 |
Items may be purchased with debit/credit card or charged to your student account.
The Student Health Center has a limited supply prescription medications available for purchase if prescribed by a Student Health Center provider.
In addition, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen and cough drops are available for purchase at the SHC front desk. These items may be purchased with debit/credit card or charged to a student's account.
| Medication | Medication | |||
| Amoxicillin 500 mg. #30 | $ 8 | Hydorxyzine 25mg #30 | $12 | |
| Amox/Pot-Clav 875-125 mg. #10 | $14 | Levofloxacin 500 mg. #10 | $6 | |
| Amox/Pot-Clav 875-125 mg. #20 | $15 | Lidocaine 4% Cream Gold Bond | $7 | |
| Artificial Tears Soothe | $7 | meclizine 25 mg. #30 Chewable Tablet | $7 | |
| Azithromycin (Z-pak) 250 mg. #6 | $7 | Metronidazole 500 mg. #14 | $10 | |
| Azithromycin 500 mg #2 | $7 | Miconazole 2% - 7 Day Vaginal Cream | $5 | |
| Benzonatate 100 mg. #15 | $7 | Mupirocin Ointment 2% 22 gram | $7 | |
| Benzonatate 100 mg. #30 | $10 | Naphazoline-Pheniramine 15 ml Opcon-A | $8 | |
| Betamethasone (aug.) 0.05% Cream 15 gr. | $7 | Nitrofurantoin Mono. Mac. 100 mg #10 | $25 | |
| Bupropion XL 150 mg. #30 | $8 | Olopatadine Ophth. Drops 0.1% 5 ml | $10 | |
| Bupropion XL 300 mg. #30 | $12 | Omeprazole 20 mg. #30 | $6 | |
| Cefadroxil 500 mg. #20 | $14 | Ondansetron Disintegrating Tabs 4 mg. #10 | $5 | |
| Cephalexin 500 mg. #14 | $6 | Penicillin VK 500 mg. #20 | $7 | |
| Cephalexin 500 mg. #20 | $8 | Permethrin 5% Cream 60 gram | $25 | |
| Cetirizine 10 mg. #30 All Day Allergy | $5 | Polyethylene Glycol 3350 238 gram Miralax | $8 | |
| Cetirizine 10 mg. #100 All Day Allergy | $7 | Polymyxin B Sulfate Trimeth. Solution | $8 | |
| Ciprofloxacin 500 mg. #6 | $6 | Prednisone 20 mg. #15 | $9 | |
| Ciprofloxacin 500 mg. #20 | $10 | Ranitidine 150 mg. #60 | $5 | |
| Ciprofloxacin Opth. Drops 0.3% 5 ml | $10 | Sertraline 100 mg. #30 | $5 | |
| Citalopram 20 mg. #30 | $7 | Silver Sulfadiazine Cream 1% 20 gram | $9 | |
| Citrucel Fiber 454 gram | $11 | Sinus Rinse | $9 | |
| Clindamycin 150 mg. #30 | $7 | Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim 800/160 #6 | $5 | |
| Clotrimazole 2% 3 Day Vaginal Cream | $6 | Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim 800/160 #28 | $7 | |
| Cyclobenzaprine 5mg #20 | $6 | Sumatriptan 100 mg. #9 | $8 | |
| Dextromethorphan Poly. 89 ml Cough DM 12hr | $7 | Tamiflu 75 mg. #10 Oseltamivir | $50 | |
| Diphenhydramine 25 mg. #24 Banophen | $5 | Terbinafine 250 mg. #30 | $7 | |
| Doxycycline 100 mg. #14 | $12 | Terbinafine 1% Cream 15 gram | $7 | |
| Doxycycline 100 mg. #50 | $15 | Tretinoin 0.025% Gel 15 gram | $52 | |
| Escitalopram 10 mg. #30 | $6 | Triamcinolone .1% Cream 15 gram | $5 | |
| Escitalopram 10 mg. #100 | $8 | Triamcinolone .1% Cream 80 gram | $8 | |
| Famotidine 20 mg #100 | $5 | Valacyclovir 1 gram #30 | $15 | |
| First-Mouthwash BLM kit | $33 | Venlafaxine ER 37.5 mg. #30 | $6 | |
| Fluconazole 150 mg. #1 | $5 | Venlafaxine ER 75 mg. #30 | $8 | |
| Fluoxetine 10 mg. #30 | $8 | Venlafaxine ER 150 mg. #30 | $10 | |
| Fluoxetine 20 mg. #30 | $7 | Ventolin HFA 60 dose | $24 | |
| Fluticasone Propionate 50 mcg. 16 gm. | $8 | Ventolin HFA 200 dose | $54 | |
| Hydrocortisone 2.5% Cream 28 gram | $5 | |||
| Vaccines | Contraceptives | |||
| Heplisav-B (2) | $110 | Aubra EQ 0.1/0.02 | $15 | |
| Measles, Mumps, Ru. MMR | $85 | Chateal EQ 0.15/.0.03 | $15 | |
| Tetanus, Diph & Per. Tdap Adacel | $45 | Cryselle-28 0.3/0.03 | $15 | |
| Typhoid Vac - IM | $97 | Isibloom 0.15/0.03 | $15 | |
| Tuberculosis (TB) Skin test Tubersol | $10 | Jasmiel 3.0/0.02 | $15 | |
| Human Papilloma Vaccine (3) Gardasil 9 | $240 | Junel FE 1.5/0.03 | $15 | |
| Seasonal Flu. Quad | $20 | Tarina FE EQ 1/0.02 | $15 | |
| Seasonal FluMist | $25 | Tri-VyLibra | $15 | |
| VyLibra 0.25/0.035 | $15 | |||
| Cold Kit | $7 | Depo-Provera Medroxyprogesterone | $48 | |
| Lice Comb | $5 |
ECP / Plan B Econtra One-Step |
$15 | |
| Pill Splitter | $4 |
Select procedures requiring local anesthesia are performed at the Student Health Center, including treatment of ingrown toenails, wart removal, incision and draining of abscesses, suturing and biopsies.
A registered dietitian is available for personalized nutrition counseling. Appointment times vary each semester; inquire at the Student Health Center front desk for the current nutrition counseling schedule.
Each visit is an opportunity for students to be educated about their health, medical care and lifestyle choices.
Prior to studying or traveling abroad, students should schedule a travel consultation appointment. This appointment should be scheduled at least 6-8 weeks prior to traveling if possible. The CDC guidelines will be reviewed & recommendations made (as needed) for immunizations and/or medications for your trip.
COMPLETE & BRING the Travel Health Form or the following information to your travel consultation appointment:
- A complete list of all the countries you plan to visit
- A complete immunization history
- Knowledge of all your medications, allergies, & medical history
- You will meet with an RN for a travel consultation and an immunization review.
- If a prescription medication is possibly needed for your destination (e.g. malaria prevention, traveler's diarrhea) the RN will assist you in setting up an appointment with a medical provider.
If a provider's signature or letter of good health is required, schedule a Travel Physical with a Student Health Center provider.
If a provider's signature or letter of good health is NOT required, schedule a Travel Consultation with a nurse at the Student Health Center.
