Athletic Training Room & Medical Policies

MEDICAL
For the purpose of this medical policy, a scholarship athlete shall be defined as one who receives a minimum amount of financial aid equal to in-state tuition from the Athletic Department.

The Director of Athletics, after consultation with the head trainer will select the team physician and orthopedic surgeon and will approve all physicians included on a referral list for student-athletes.

The team physician gives medical examinations to all student-athletes before practice starts and before any equipment is issued. No student may participate in athletics without examination and approval of the team physician. The Compliance Office will furnish the trainer with the names of student-athletes who have been certified academically eligible.

The team physician may delegate other doctors, approved by the Director of Athletics, to assist or act in his or her stead. However, the team physician must be informed of any serious injuries, and has the final authority in regard to treatment. If the University is to assume any financial responsibility, student-athletes may use other medical consultation only upon the referral of the team physician or the athletic trainer.

Any student-athlete who takes it upon himself/herself to be treated by other medical sources without specific authorization from the team physician or trainer does so at his or her own expense.

The team physician will determine the physical capability of an injured or ill student-athlete to participate in athletic practice or competition. The trainer and other medical consultation may assist the team physician when circumstances warrant it.

In the absence of the team physician, the trainer (not the coach) will determine the availability of an injured student-athlete for practice or competition. Student-athletes receiving bills for authorized visits to a physician or hospital are to deliver them without delay to the trainer, who submits them to the Associate Athletic Director for Finance for payment.

The Athletic Business Office will process payment for authorized prescriptions approved by the team physicians; such prescriptions will be delivered to the training room and may be obtained there.

All arrangements for the care of injuries are to be made and taken care of before the student-athlete withdraws from the University or graduates. THE UNIVERSITY WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AFTER A STUDENT- ATHLETE HAS TERMINATED HIS OR HER STUDENT AFFILIATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PROVEN TO BE ATHLETICALLY RELATED AT THE TIME OF THE EXIT PHYSICAL.

If for any reason other than injury an athlete leaves a team, the Athletic Department will deny all medical coverage for that athlete.

Coaches will contact the weight room, training room and the equipment room immediately upon a student-athlete's leaving a team.

DENTAL
The student athlete?s personal dental insurance will be the primary provider in all dental injuries. The Athletic Department, along with the athlete?s personal insurance, will assist in payment of bills in the case of dental damage done to sound teeth while in practice or games only. The Athletic Department cannot pay for non-athletic related damage to teeth.

CONTACT LENSES & GLASSES
To qualify for new contact lenses, the student-athlete must receive an athletic scholarship equivalent of in-state tuition. Replacement for contact lenses will be provided in the event that a lens is lost during a practice or game if reported immediately. All other losses will be the responsibility of the individual.

RESEARCH PROJECTS
The student-athlete wishing to participate in experimental tests MUST first file the following with the Director of Athletics:

  • Written approval from the Human Testing Committee of the University

  • Written approval from his or her head coach; and

  • Written approval from the athletic medical staff.

    PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS
    The Athletic Department will not be responsible for payment of medical attention for student-athletes due to the following reasons:

  • Injuries incurred from some activity other than one supervised by University coaches during regularly scheduled practice sessions or games;

  • Not having written clearance for outside consultation (where practical) from the team physician;

  • Required surgery where an athletic injury (received as an athlete at this University) is not direct cause, such as an appendectomy;

  • Injuries or Illness incurred during the off-season;

  • Failure to report an injury during the in-season period, with the exception of delayed awareness.

    In-season periods are to be interpreted as the specific date established for the beginning of practice, as set by the NCAA; and the termination to be interpreted as the last scheduled game during the regular playing season. This in-season period would be extended in the event a team qualified for any NCAA recognized post-season contest or championship, and would terminate at its conclusion.

    STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
    The Athletic Department encourages student-athletes to use the Student Health Services in the off-season on the same basis as non-athletes.

    DRUGS
    The use of drugs or narcotics not prescribed by a physician is prohibited and violation of this policy will subject the individual to appropriate disciplinary action by the Athletic Department.

    INSURANCE
    The Athletic Department carries an ?excess? medical policy to cover any expenses that the parents' policy does not cover. Features of this policy are:

  • Payment is made for these excess charges that the student-athlete?s personal insurance (usually through the parent?s policy) does not pay.

  • Only injuries relating to Athletic Department sports participation (e.g., sponsored team practices and competitive events) are covered. Medical expenses resulting from non-athletic participation are the exclusive responsibility of the student-athlete.

  • Insured services must be referred by our team physician or Training Room initiated by the Student-athlete.

  • Dental coverage is limited to natural teeth damaged during practice or competition.

  • Damage to contact lenses or corrective eyeglasses is not insured. It is important for parents (who are enrolled in some type of HMO program) to know that this is not an insurance policy that will cover the student-athlete while he or she is away from home at school. Because of the risk of injury, we ask all student-athletes to provide us with insurance information before being allowed to participate in UNM athletics.

    STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
    PURPOSE
    The Student Health Center (SHC) assists students in maintaining optimal health. The SHC is funded in part by student activity fees. One hundred percent of the SHC's budget is used to deliver quality health care to students. All staff members are New Mexico licensed, registered, and/or certified depending on their expertise and service areas.

    ELIGIBILITY & COST
    The Student Health Center is available to all currently-enrolled UNM students. SHC fees are much lower than community rates. Students enrolled for less than six credit hours will pay a higher visit fee. Eligibility guidelines change in the summer; please call for clarification. Payment can be made by check, cash, debit card, MasterCard, Visa, or by charging to a student account.

    INSURANCE
    Students are not required to have health insurance to be seen at the SHC. However, the SHC recommends that students have insurance to help defray healthcare costs. The SHC is an approved provider for Presbyterian and Cimarron Health plans. Students enrolled in HMO plans can check with the SHC Insurance Specialist about choosing the SHC as their primary care provider.

    A student-chosen health and accident insurance policy is available to students enrolled for six or more hours per semester. The plan provides for hospital, surgical, and outpatient medical care beyond that provided by the SHC. The policy is geared to the needs of UNM students and provides coverage for a semester or a 12-month period regardless of geographic location. Dependent and spouse coverage is also available. The plan offers optional dental coverage. The SHC Insurance Specialist can assist students with insurance claims and other insurance issues.

    UNM requires all International Students and their dependents to have health coverage while enrolled. The UNM insurance policy will meet this requirement.

    MEDICAL SERVICES
    PRIMARY CARE
    The SHC is a one-stop health service with six physicians who are board certified in Family Practice and Internal Medicine. Appointments can be made for routine physical exams, ongoing care of existing conditions, referrals to specialists, and for travel, nutrition, or contraception information.

    WOMEN'S HEALTH
    The Women's Health Clinic offers a full spectrum of services: annual exams, birth control and family planning, emergency contraception, screening for infection, and pregnancy testing and referral. Appointments are required.

    MEN'S HEALTH
    The SHC encourages male students of all ages to schedule an appointment for the Men's Health Maintenance Program. This complete physical check-up is geared specifically towards men?s health needs.

    SPECIALITY SERVICES
    A primary care provider may determine that a student needs to see a specialist. Specialty services include: allergy, dermatology, gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, podiatry, psychiatry, and surgery.

    ALLERGY & IMMUNIZATION
    The Allergy & Immunization Clinic offers preventive immunizations, allergy injections, allergy consultation, world travel immunizations and information, pulmonary function testing, and skin testing. Documentation of measles immunity is required for admission to UNM; the A & I Clinic offers MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) immunizations.

    PHYSICAL THERAPY
    With a medical referral, a physical therapist evaluates and treats orthopedic problems and sports injuries.

    COUNSELING & THERAPY SERVICES (CATS)
    (SHC, 1st floor; 277-4537 - Information/Appointments)
    Counseling and Therapy Services (CATS) is staffed by licensed professionals. Services include: short-term therapy, crisis intervention, emergency service for life-threatening situations, medication evaluations, and assessment and referral.

    PHARMACY
    (SHC, Rm 206; 277-6306 - Prescription Refills & Transfer)
    Licensed pharmacists fill prescriptions for UNM students, faculty, and staff. Prescriptions from any licensed practitioner can be dispensed. The pharmacy is a prescription provider for Presbyterian Health Plan, Cimarron, PCS Health Systems (Blue Cross, Blue Shield), Express Scripts, CareMark, and UNM Student Health Insurance. An insurance card must be shown at the time of service. Refill Service: Call 24 hrs ahead or e-mail pharmacy@unm.edu.

    LABORATORY & X-RAY
    The Student Health Center is supported by a clinical laboratory and an X-ray unit which are dedicated to meeting a student?s diagnostic needs.

    PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
    All patient information is held in strict confidence. A confidential medical record is established and maintained for every patient. Records will be released only at a student?s signed, written request. Electronic mail will not be used to transmit clinical information between patient and provider.

    STUDENT HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
    (SHC, Rm 242; 277-3432)
    Members make recommendations to SHC administration regarding SHC policies. The Committee consists of students, student government representatives, faculty, and staff.

    HEALTH EDUCATION & PREVENTION CAMPUS OFFICE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
    PREVENTION
    COSAP/CASAA (Mesa Vista Hall, Room 3059; 277-2795)
    COSAP coordinates and develops substance abuse prevention and training programs for the campus community and existing community services. COSAP also develops and reviews campus policies related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse.

    MASSAGE THERAPY SERVICES
    (SHC Wellness Center, Mesa Vista, Room 3060; 277-3136)
    Massage services are available for students, staff, and faculty. All therapists are licensed, independent contractors.

    NUTRITIONAL SERVICES
    (SHC, Room 114; 277-3136)
    A dietitian provides individual sessions in diet and nutrition. Weight management or special diets for health and fitness can be designed. Call for an appointment.

    PEER HEALTH PROGRAMS - PEER CONSULTANTS
    (SHC, Room 203; 277-3722)
    Student consultants interact one-on-one with peers who are ready to adopt positive, healthy lifestyles. Students pay a $10 fee per semester.

    PEER HEALTH PROGRAMS - PEER EDUCATORS
    (SHC, Room 226; 277-7947)
    Student peer educators offer programs on sexuality, nutrition, fitness, stress management, and other topics. Group presentations are offered. Credit hours are available for UNM students.

    SUBSTANCE USE EDUCATION
    (Student Health Center)
    Free, individual education sessions are available for students who are experiencing (or who are affected by) substance use or abuse. Smoking Cessation: Call 277-7947. Alcohol/other substances: Call 277-3136.

    SHC HOURS
    Monday - Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Closed 8 to 9 a.m.
    CLOSED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .University Holidays

    SHC PHONE NUMBERS
    Information & Medical Appointments . . .277-3136
    Counseling & Therapy Services . . . . . . . .277-4537
    Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277-6306
    TTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277-7926

    SHC LOCATION & PARKING
    The SHC is on main campus north of Johnson Center and across the mall from (east of) the Student Union Building. Limited patient parking is available behind the SHC. Students can obtain parking permits from the Reception Area or the Pharmacy.

    SHC WEBSITE
    www.unm.edu/~shc1

    EATING DISORDERS
    HOW TO HELP A FRIEND WITH AN EATING DISORDER
    What is an eating disorder?
    Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restricted eating and refusal to maintain normal body weight; persistent fear of being fat; feeling fat when one is not; absent or erratic menstrual cycles in females.

    Bulimia nervosa occurs when there are recurrent episodes of binge eating and a feeling of lack of control over eating; regular use of self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, fasting, or exercise to prevent weight gain; persistent overconcern with weight.

    Eating disorders are often associated with high achievement orientation and perfectionism, a need for control, poor self-esteem, and feelings of shame. The person, female or male may become depressed or suicidal. The causes are still unclear, but are probably complex and multiple including psychological, biological, and social factors. Without treatment, eating disorders can become chronic and progressive and may threaten life and health.

    What can I do? If you and others have observed behavior in your friend, teammate, or roommate that are suggestive of an eating disorder, you are in a position to help.

  • Make a plan to approach the person in a private place when there is no immediate stress and time to talk.

  • Present in a caring but straightforward way what you have observed and what your concerns are. Tell her or him that you are worried and want to help. (Friends who are too angry with the person to talk supportively should not be part of this discussion.)

  • Give the person time to talk and encourage them to verbalize feelings. Ask clarifying questions. Listen carefully; accept what is said in a nonjudgmental manner.

  • Do not argue about whether there is or is not a problem. Power struggles are not helpful. Perhaps you can say, ?I hear what you are saying and I hope you are right that this is not a problem. But I am still worried about what I have seen and heard, and that is not going to go away.

  • Provide information about resources for treatment. Offer to go with the person and wait while they have their first appointment with the nutritionist on staff in the UNM Athletic Department, a counselor, or a physician. Ask them to consider going for one appointment before they make a decision about ongoing treatment.

  • If you are concerned that the eating disorder is severe or life-threatening, enlist the help of a counseling center staff member, a relative, a friend, roommate and/or a health practitioner from south campus training facility or student health center for the person before you intervene. The specific health practitioner from the south campus training facility you should contact is Dr. Ann Gateley. She can be reached at 925-5540 or by calling Lee Argubright at 925-5530 or Kym Salas at 925-5540. Present a united and supportive front with others.

  • If the person denies the problem, becomes angry, or refuses treatment, understand that this is often part of the illness. Besides, they have the right to refuse treatment (unless their life is in danger). You may feel helpless, angry and frustrated with them. You might say, ?I know you can refuse to go for help but that will not stop me from worrying about you or caring about you. I may bring this up again to you later, and maybe we can talk more about it then. Follow through on that and on any other promise you make.

  • Do not try to be a hero or a rescuer; you will probably be resented. If you do the best you can to help on several occasions and the person does not accept, STOP. Remind yourself you have done all that is reasonable to do. Eating disorders are stubborn problems, and treatment is most effective when the person is truly ready for it. You may have planted a seed that helps them get ready.

  • Eating disorders are usually not emergency situations. But if the person is suicidal or otherwise in serious danger, GET PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY.
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