Services ProvidedGustavus Health Service

General Medical Service

  • Physical exams
  • Prescription refills
  • Mental Health (to include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and ADHD medication management)
  • Gynecological exams
  • Sexual Health Counseling
  • Wellness & prevention
  • Travel consults & immunizations

Acute Illnesses

  • eye, ear, nose, throat infections
  • respiratory infections
  • skin infections
  • bladder infections

Injuries

  • sprains
  • abrasions
  • burns

Sexual and Reproductive Health

  • pap smears
  • birth control: counseling & methods (all methods including oral contraceptive pills, depo provera, Nexplanon insertions, emergency contraception etc.)
  • pregnancy testing & counseling
  • sexually transmitted infections
  • condoms available for free
  • inclusive care for LGBTQ+ students

You may have many questions about your sexual health and that's OK! If you're looking for education, ranging from abstinence or contraceptive options to sexually transmitted infections, Health Service is here to answer all of your questions. 

Contraception

Providers in Health Service can provide education and prescriptions for multiple types of contraception. Schedule a 'Contraceptive Consult' with a medical provider in the Health Portal. Emergency contraception (ex: Plan B) can be obtained for no cost during normal business hours.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STIs are common and do not always have symptoms. Sexually active individuals are encouraged to have annual STI screening (this is often covered by insurance). Confidential, self-collected sexually transmitted infection screening is available by scheduling a 'STI check' with a medical provider through the Health Portal.

Sexual Misconduct

Gustavus has a trained Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). They are available to provide support, information and assist with resource referrals. An advocate can be reached can be reached 24 hours by calling 507-933-6868. 

A member of the team can be reached 24 hours a day by contacting 507-933-6868 . Ask to speak with a Sexual Assault Response Team member (SART).

Procedures

  • wart treatment
  • skin tag / mole removal
  • ingrown toenail repair
  • laceration repair
  • suture removal

Immunizations

Required Immunizations/Vaccines

Minnesota law requires all students born after Dec 31, 1956 who enroll in a Minnesota college or university to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus (Td or Tdap) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). This law allows for some exemptions. If students do not complete the requirements they may loose their eligibility for the following semester. The easiest way to meet the requirements for is to log into the student Gustavus Health Portal and complete the immunization form or the appropriate exemption document. 

Exemptions

Students with an exemption (medical or conscientious/religious objection) to MMR or Td/Tdap must print the Gustavus MMR/Td/Tdap Immunization Exemption form which must be signed by a healthcare provider (MD, DO, PA, or NP) or notarized. Your immunization requirement will not be fulfilled until this signed form is uploaded to your Gustavus Health Portal.

Recommended Vaccines

Gustavus Adolphus College and the American College Health Association also strongly recommend:

  • Remaining up to date on COVID-19 booster vaccines
  • Annual influenza vaccine
  • Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B series
  • Meningitis vaccines (MenACWY & MenB)
  • HPV (Gardasil) vaccine

Laboratory

  • COVID test
  • Rapid Influenza test
  • Mononucleosis test
  • Strep throat test
  • Urinalysis
  • Pregnancy test
  • Tuberculosis (TB) screening

For all other lab tests, blood can be drawn or specimens collected by Health Service staff and sent to Quest for processing. Lab orders from outside providers can be drawn and results will be sent to the ordering provider.

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

B Blood Test: Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are whole-blood tests that can aid in diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The Gustavus Health Service uses the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) and sends this to Quest Diagnostics. A nurse will draw the patient’s blood and send it to the laboratory for analysis and results. Results are typically available within 2-4 days.

Cost: The test will be billed to insurance from Quest Diagnostics. Some insurances may cover the cost. You can call your insurance company to ask about coverage - the CPT code for the lab is 86480 and the diagnosis code is Z11.1.

Mental Health

Diagnosis and care of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other psychological concerns. We collaborate with the Counseling Center in areas such as family relationships, stress management, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Psychiatry services are available with a referral from a Health Service provider. ADHD medication management is available for students who have an existing ADHD diagnosis. 

During your time at Gustavus you may encounter new challenges you have never encountered before. We understand these challenges are often mentally and physically draining. When you encounter challenges you find too great to take on yourself we encourage you to seek guidance from the Counseling Center. The Counseling Center is a great place to find information or seek help with depression, eating disorders, anxiety, family relationships, or if you just need someone to talk to.

The Health Service has medical staff who can help determine if medication would be beneficial in managing your mental health concerns. Some medications are available on campus when prescribed through Health Service, others will be sent to the patient's pharmacy of choice. Schedule a 'Mental Health Initial' appointment with a medical provider in the Health Portal.

Mental Health link

Do you experience depression, anxiety, and/or sleep issues? How about challenges with substance use? These are common issues and free help is available!

Learn to Live offers customized online programs to help with issues surrounding Depression, Social Anxiety, Insomnia, Substance Use, and Stress, Anxiety, & Worry. These programs are based on the proven principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The programs are confidential, accessible anywhere, and based on years of research showing online CBT programs to be as effective as face-to-face therapy. This service is available FREE to all Gustavus students. You can learn more by going to https://learntolive.com/partners and enter the code GUSTAVUS. Not sure if this program is right for you? Go to the website and take the free, confidential online assessment to find out.

Gustavus employees and eligible family members can get a code to participate by going here. Access to Learn to Live Webinars can be found here. 
Learn to Live is available to students through the generous support of the Coca-Cola Grant. Sponsored by Health Service, Counseling Center, and Dean of Students Office. 

Nutrition - Registered Dietitian

Counseling in healthy eating, weight management, food allergies, eating disorders, and medical conditions affecting nutrition. Developing good nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits are part of the college learning experience. At Gustavus you will have many great resources to help you build these habits!

Health Service has a Registered Dietitian, to help you with any dietary questions or concerns you may have. You can meet with the dietitian for specific concerns such as IBS, food allergies, diabetes, or for guidance on healthy eating while away at college or fueling for your sport. Appointment times to meet with students in Health Service at no cost . You can schedule through the Health Portal, by calling 507-933-7630 or stopping by Health Service. 

Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle

Disordered Eating

Food Allergies and Intolerances

Pharmacy

Our Advanced Practice Providers are licensed to write prescriptions, which may be filled at a pharmacy in the area. A limited variety of commonly prescribed medications are available at Health Service.

Allergy Injections

Allergy injections are not administered on campus. Those seeking information about allergy injections are encouraged to establish care with Mankato Clinic Allergy.

ADHD

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD and are interested in having your prescription(s) managed by the providers in the Gustavus Health Service, please upload the following records to the Gustavus Health Portal

  • A copy of the initial diagnostic evaluation - must be completed by a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, or a doctorate level psychologist. Evaluation by primary care doctor including standardized evaluations and long term care history are acceptable in some cases.
  • Medical records related to ADHD management for the past 6 months.

Once you have uploaded the above documentation, a Health Service provider will contact you through a Secure Message within the Gustavus Health Portal with next steps (you will receive an email to your gustavus email account stating that you have a new message). Please be aware that it can take up to 5 business days to review all material once received.

Gustavus Health Service is unable to complete diagnostic evaluations for ADHD. However, we can refer students to community specialists for comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis if desired. Students seeking academic accommodations should contact the Academic Support Center. Students may also want to explore resources in our Counseling Center.

LGBTQ+

Health Service appreciates the diversity of human beings and does not discriminate based on race, age, religion, ability, marital status, sexual orientation, sex or gender identity. Health Service provides PrEP and PEP, patient specific STI education and screenings, as well as support for gender affirming care. The Counseling Center has developed an extensive list of LGBTQ+ resources for students, families and allies. We work closely with off campus partners such as:

Study Away - Health Service Travel Consults

f you are planning to study or travel away, Gustavus Health Service offers appointments to complete program paperwork, update medication prescriptions, discuss various pre-travel vaccinations and review any health care concerns with a medical provider.
 
Schedule your travel consult appointment at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure but no earlier than 6 months before the start of your program. This will allow appropriate timing for needed vaccinations and other health recommendations.

Bring the following to your appointment:

  • All of your immunization records
  • Your itinerary and activities
  • A list of your current prescription medications and over the counter medications
  • Completed form from Gustavus (please find this on your studioabroad.com account) and any necessary health forms from your destination program provider (i.e., CIEE, IES, SIT, IFSA-Butler, etc.)

Please have the student section of all program forms completed PRIOR to your appointment. 

Go to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for information/requirements for your planned destination(s) at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Educate yourself about possible health concerns and alerts specific to your travel plans.

Will my insurance cover my visit?

Most insurance companies do not cover travel health consults, but some may. You are encouraged to contact your insurance company using the customer service number provided on the back of your insurance card to ask about coverage for pre-travel appointments. 

Will I need any shots?

Immunizations will be reviewed for all students presenting for a travel consult. Some students need general vaccinations updated, other students will need specific vaccines for the country or region of the world to which they are traveling. Some vaccines are administered via a needle, others are available orally.

I take a regular prescription. Can I take that abroad with me?

In many cases, you will have no trouble taking your prescription medication abroad, but you should check with CICE. Some types of medication may be illegal in the country in which you will study. CICE can help guide you to the US Embassy to see if you are allowed to enter your host country with your prescription medication and if there are any restrictions on quantity. Whenever you travel with medication, it is very important that you always keep the medication in its original packaging and that you keep the prescription information from the pharmacy (this is often a label affixed to the medication). 

I’m going to Western Europe and have traveled there before or I’m an international student in the U.S. already and I’m preparing to study away. Do I really need a travel consult?

Yes, whatever your destination and wherever you are from, a travel consult is important to prepare you to manage your health away from home and campus. In some cases, your health or prescriptions may have changed, or you may need to consider how you will obtain your prescriptions during a longer stay abroad. Some vaccinations that are typically not necessary for a short stay in a county may be recommended for longer stays. No two countries are exactly alike, so even if you are already an international student or a student who has been abroad before, you will need to prepare for your host country. A travel consult will help you to stay healthy abroad, even when going to a location that is more familiar to you, so you can get the most out of your experience.

Don’t wait until it is too late! Schedule through the Health Portal


Services not provided:

  • medical imaging (X-Ray, CT, MRI)
  • allergy testing or injection administration
  • certain immunizations for study abroad (ie. Yellow Fever)—please consult Health Service to learn what is recommended
  • workers compensation evaluations
  • vision and dental care

Services are not limited to items listed above. If you have questions regarding services available please contact a member of the Health Service Team.


The mission of Gustavus Health Service is to promote and provide quality health care and education, while enhancing healthy lifestyles. We value:

  • Service: Meeting emotional & physical daily needs of students, as well as informing parents, students, faculty and staff of services we provide.
  • Learning: Commitment to growing and understanding individual health and leading health and wellness activities that educate for lifelong wellness.
  • Teamwork: Devotion to increased collaboration within our office, within the division, and within both the Gustavus and broader community.
  • Excellence: Commitment to providing exceptional service, with utmost integrity, while following best practices in college health care.

Gustavus Health Service is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; promotes acceptance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach their own potential. We believe the diversity among the many members of Gustavus Adolphus College strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas and enriches campus life.