Health Center

Services Offered

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A wide variety for your convenience

Below is a listing of some of the services we offer.  Remember that it costs nothing to come in and talk.  For information on services that you do not see listed, please call us at 253-535-7337. For a listing of some of the services we do charge for and the prices check out the fees page.

Acute care is available for problems such as sore throat, cough, rash, stomach upset, and much more. We can also help with evaluation and treatment of more chronic problems including asthma, diabetes, and headaches.

Alcohol and drug services are provided by the medical and counseling staff for students with concerns about their own or others' alcohol or drug use. This is confidential, nonjudgmental and includes consultation, referral and education. For more resources go to http://www.factsontap.org.

Birth control consultations and prescriptions are available. There is information on the variety of methods and help in choosing the best method for each individual. Partners are welcome (and encouraged) to be present. Students who are currently using a birth control method can schedule a visit if they would like to obtain their birth control through the Health Center. Emergency contraception is available, as well as condoms (at no charge). For general information, go to http://www.ppww.org.

Students with depression or other mental health concerns such as anxiety and panic attacks can receive care at the Health Center. Often care is coordinated with the Counseling Center. Students can initiate service at either location. Get more information about mental health problems at the National Institute of Mental Health and from Healthy Minds. 

Eating disorders are a common problem. It is estimated that up to 20% of young women have unhealthy patterns of dieting, purging and binge-eating. Rates of binge-eating disorders are similar in women and men. If you are concerned about an eating disorder, help is available through the Health Center and the Counseling Center. The Women's Center is also a good resource. For more information, go to http://www.somethingfishy.org.

Emergency contraception is a way to reduce the risk of pregnancy after having unprotected sex (sex without birth control or when a birth control method fails--broken condom, missed pills, etc.). It is for emergencies and not for regular use. Plan B is one form of emergency contraception. If the unprotected sex occurred within the past 5 days Plan B can reduce the chance of pregnancy. It is not 100% effective and best if used as soon as possible. It is available at no cost at the Health Center. Additional information about emergency contraception and other possible sources can be found http://www.not-2-late.com. 

Gynecological exams are offered in a friendly, respectful atmosphere, great for first-timers and veterans alike. These visits include a pelvic exam and pap smear, a breast exam, and discussions on healthy lifestyle, birth control and STIs. It is recommended that women start having pap smears about three years after first intercourse or by age 21. Frequency depends on age and risk factors. 

HIV testing is available. We supply pre and post-test counseling and safer sex information. More information about HIV/AIDS and other testing sites can be found at HIV test. 

A large variety of immunizations can be obtained at the Health Center. A record of two MMRs (measles-mumps-rubella) is required for attendance at PLU. A full selection of travel immunizations is available following consultation with a provider. Flu shot clinics are held every fall. Gardasil is offered for women under the age of 19. A list of community resources is available for older women. 

Evaluation and treatment for injuries including breaks, sprains, lacerations, concussions and other results of bonehead behavior is done at the Health Center. A limited amount of casting, splinting and suturing is provided. 

We perform some laboratory tests at the Health Center including pregnancy tests, urinalysis and strep testing. Most other tests can be done through our reference laboratory. Tests requested by outside providers can be done with the appropriate order form. 

A variety of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies are available at the Health Center at reasonable prices. Prescriptions can also be written to be filled elsewhere. Always on hand are cough drops, acetaminophen (Tylenol), antacids, band-aids and more at no cost. 

Physical examinations for travel, employment and sports can be done at the Health Center. The cost varies, with higher charges for involved exams or extensive paperwork. 

Pregnancy testing is available. It can be done 2-3 days after a missed period, but it is more accurate if done after several days. It is more accurate if done on the first urine of the morning. Options counseling is offered with appropriate referrals if needed. 

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) consultation and testing is offered at the Health Center. Testing for Chlamydia and gonorrhea is free and can be done with a urine sample. Yearly Chlamydia screening is recommended for all sexually active women 25 and under, or for older women with risk factors such as new or multiple partners. It is recommended for any one with symptoms or who has a partner with symptoms. Most people infected with Chlamydia have no symptoms. Testing for HIV, herpes and syphilis can be done as well. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) testing is generally done by screening for abnormalities caused by the virus, such as a pap test. The ASHA website is a reliable source of STI information.

Attending a university is demanding and at times people have trouble dealing with their stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed or are finding it difficult to sleep, interact or concentrate you may need assistance in reducing your stress. The Health Center is one place to find help.

We have information and recommendations for international travel health. We can do pre-travel physicals, provide immunizations and medications, and evaluate post-travel health concerns. For more information check the Travel Health. 

Want to quit your tobacco habit? You can find stop smoking aids and information at the Health Center. Whether you inhale or chew a good time to quit is now. For other resources, go to http://www.quitline.com.

Treatment for warts is available. If treatment with liquid nitrogen is the selected treatment method a fee is charged per semester for an unlimited number of treatments. 

Health Center, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma WA 98447