Confidentiality and Privacy
Confidentiality
All medical care and counseling through Weill Cornell Medicine Student Health Services (SHS) and the Student Mental Health Program is confidential. Health records are completely separate from all other university records. In the event of treatment with another physician or hospital, SHS will share relevant health information for continuity of care. Otherwise, SHS will not release any information about you without your permission, except as authorized or required by law, or in our judgment as necessary to protect you or others from a serious threat to health or safety.
Privacy
Weill Cornell Medicine Student Health Services is committed to preserving the rights and privacy of our patients. State and federal laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protect your medical information from being shared without your consent. Weill Cornell Medicine Student Health Services does not sell, share or release your sensitive health information, and only utilizes information necessary for payment, treatment and operations.
Students are encouraged to review Weill Cornell’s Notification of Privacy Practices.
Release of Information
We need your permission to share information about your health care at Weill Cornell Medicine Student Health Services with someone else (e.g., a parent or other family member, a partner, a health care provider outside SHS) or if copies of records are desired. Contact SHS for additional information.
Email and Other Communication
Email Communications
Student Health Services sends out a monthly email blast to all students, with important announcements, deadlines and updates. These emails are sent to your official Weill Cornell email. Students are advised to read these messages, as we do not generate printed/mailed announcements.
Limitations of Email
SHS is committed to the privacy of the people who rely on us for care and the confidentiality of their health information. State and federal laws also protect the confidentiality of this sensitive information. Students need to be aware that:
- Email cannot be considered a confidential mode of communication.
- Email should not be considered a replacement for direct, face–to–face contact with a provider.
Guidelines for the Use of Email
To help insure privacy, patients and clients are cautioned against sending sensitive, detailed personal information to SHS via email. SHS staff members limit the use of email communication to:
- addressing general questions
- appointment reminders
- announcements and deficiency reminders
A healthcare provider may recommend that a student make an appointment for more complex concerns. Please be aware that copies of email communication may be placed in your confidential medical record.
Email should never be used to convey information of an urgent nature to SHS. SHS cannot guarantee prompt responses to email messages. Students who have an urgent physical or mental health concern (about yourself or someone else) can call SHS for telephone consultation with a healthcare provider.
Exposure Policy
Students with blood-borne pathogen or chemical exposures should review the emergency instructions, and contact Student Health Services: (646) 962-6942.
All incidents are investigated by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
Resources
Financial Policy
Most services at SHS are provided at no additional cost to students beyond an annual health services fee from Weill Cornell Medical College and the Graduate School of Medical Sciences. Any service requested and provided outside of the SHS (examples include, but are not limited to, physician consultation, the processing of a laboratory specimen, imaging referral and physical therapy) will be billed to the patient’s health insurance plan directly by the rendering provider. As a service to patients, SHS collects and shares insurance information with our laboratory pathologists, for specimens originating in the Student Health Center.
Students are ultimately responsible for all financial aspects of their care, regardless of insurance coverage. Any disputes regarding payment are between the student, their insurance company and the rendering provider - not SHS.
Students are advised to learn the details of their health insurance, as SHS does not verify coverage nor submits bills/claims.
Health and Immunization Requirements
All students must have an intake history and physical examination on file at SHS, completed at time of enrollment.
The following additional requirements must also be met:
Measles, Mumps and Rubella
New York State Public Health Law requires post–secondary students to demonstrate immunity to measles, mumps and rubella. Our institution prefers demonstration of proof of immunity by serologic titer. Any student who is not immune by titer (e.g. negative, inconclusive or equivocal) will require boosters (two doses of MMR vaccine). Under NYS Public Health Law, students failing to demonstrate immunity, or in process of receiving the vaccines within 30 days of the start of classes, may be placed on administrative leave and prevented from participating in academic activities until they meet our requirements.
If you are allergic to any of the vaccines or vaccine components, you will need to provide documentation from a physician not related to you.
There is no "moral objection" permissible for vaccination for healthcare workers. If you have had titers drawn previously, provide copies of the lab reports to Student Health Services in addition to your immunization record. Neither documentation of being "immune" without actual lab reports, nor clinical history of disease, is sufficient proof of immunity.
Hepatitis B and C Testing
Incoming students must provide results for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis C testing. We recommend students begin the three-injection series upon arrival at the medical college if they have not received the vaccine previously. The hepatitis B vaccine will be offered to all students free of charge at Student Health Services for students that are not immune to hepatitis B where vaccination is recommended. Students who lack immunity to hepatitis B after vaccination may need to repeat the three-dose series and/or undergo additional testing to exclude chronic infection with hepatitis B.
Meningitis
New York State Public Health Law requires all college and university students to complete a meningitis information response form. It acknowledges that you have received information about meningococcal meningitis and the availability of a vaccination. You are not required to have the vaccination. If you did not receive meningococcal meningitis information or the response form in your SHS pre-matriculation information packet, please contact the SHS.
Additional Requirements
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guideline for infection control in healthcare personnel, and working agreements with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, the following additional vaccines and screenings are required:
Varicella
A positive titer indicating immunity, or two doses of vaccine at least 30 days apart after your first birthday, are preferred. Clinical history of disease is not sufficient proof of immunity for our campus. Titers may be checked at SHS if there is no lab report or vaccine history provided with registration materials.
Tetanus–Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus–Diphtheria–Acellular Pertussis (Tdap)
Students must provide documentation of receipt of a dose of Tdap within the last 10 years OR documentation of a dose of Tdap after 2005 AND a Td within the last 10 years.
Tuberculosis Testing
Students who matriculated prior to 7/1/2020 were required to undergo two-step tuberculin skin testing on arrival to the medical college and annual testing subsequently.
Students who matriculate after 7/1/2020 are required to have an interferon gamma release assay (“TB Blood test”) such as Quantiferon Gold or T-spot prior to arrival to campus. Skin tests are no longer accepted for incoming students.
Students with a positive TB test must submit an x-ray report dictated by a radiologist in English within 12 months of arrival (and after the positive test). Students must also provide documentation by a health care provider that the student is free of symptoms of tuberculosis. If the individual has received treatment for tuberculosis infection (latent or active) then treatment records should also be provided.
Students in academic programs that involve patient contact are required to undergo a yearly tuberculosis risk assessment and may need periodic/targeted TB testing in accordance with NYS and CDC recommendations. Students that conduct research with tuberculosis may require more frequent assessment and testing.
Periodic Health Assessments
Students in academic programs that involve patient contact will undergo a yearly health review and TB risk assessment. Students that conduct research with animals will undergo a periodic animal handler health review.
Influenza
It is strongly encouraged for all students in the health professions, and students in the clinical years will be required to document accepting or declining the vaccine. It is provided free of charge during the fall and early winter (assuming supplies are adequate).
SHS follows all applicable Weill Cornell Medical College and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Policies and Procedures.
COVID Vaccination
Weill Cornell Medicine requires all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 with documentation of either a primary COVID vaccine series (complete vaccination before Fall 2022), bivalent booster (vaccinated between Fall 2022 and September 2023) OR documentation of the most recent vaccine booster (vaccinated after September 2023). Acceptable vaccines include US FDA-approved or FDA-authorized vaccines - Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson. Students who have received older vaccines are advised to stay up to date and receive the most recent vaccines they are eligible for as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
Students who received primary immunization for COVID outside of the United States with a vaccine that is not FDA approved or FDA authorized but listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization should provide their vaccine documentation (in English) and are advised to obtain an updated FDA-authorized or FDA-approved vaccine in the U.S.
Students who seek a vaccine exemption for medical or religious reasons should contact Student Health for guidance.
Infection Control Policy
Students in the patient care setting are at increased risk of acquiring and transmitting communicable diseases to patients, visitors and colleagues. Student Health Services works closely with various campus offices to ensure that students are appropriately trained, screened, treated, and when necessary, removed from patient contact.
All students with patient contact must complete infection control training periodically. Infection control training is provided by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, as well as through an online course in infection control, and covers numerous topics including universal precautions, clinical safety and blood-borne pathogen training. Students may be required to undergo additional training modules by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. All students with patient contact will also undergo respirator training and fit–testing, also through the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.
Students exposed to communicable illness, or with signs and symptoms of communicable illness, are advised to set up a visit with Student Health for evaluation, and, if appropriate, prophylactic treatment. Student Health will notify public health authorities or the hospital epidemiology department as needed, so that exposed patients can receive appropriate evaluation and treatment. Students may require temporary restriction of patient contact/academic duties, and the Director of Student Health will coordinate with the student, their supervisor and/or appropriate associate dean or director to ensure that they do not pose a hazard to the Cornell community.
Conditions that require evaluation and/or treatment include:
- tuberculosis exposure
- staphylococcal infection or carriage
- group A streptococcal infection
- gastroenteritis
- blood-borne pathogen exposure
- varicella exposure
- scabies exposure
- lice exposure
- chronic infectious disease
- influenza
- meningococcal disease
- conjunctivitis
- other communicable disease and/or symptoms such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, measles, mumps, rubella, unexplained fever, unexplained cough, pertussis, rash or open sores, and fingernail bed disease
Influenza Vaccination
All Weill Cornell Medicine students are required to participate in our annual influenza vaccination program, conducted in conjunction with NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital. Influenza vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your colleagues and our patients from influenza disease.
Influenza vaccination will be offered free-of-charge to all students when available – usually in the fall. Vaccination begins as soon as the vaccine is available, and will continue through the end of the influenza season.
Students may receive the vaccine from other sources, such as rotation hospitals, other physicians, pharmacies or other public events. Students are advised to forward copies of any relevant immunization records to Student Health for inclusion in their medical record.
Students declining vaccination may be required to participate in an educational program, and must complete a form declining vaccination.
Additional updates will be available here during the actual vaccination campaign.
Medical Excuse Policy
General Policy
Weill Cornell Medicine Student Health Services does not provide excuses for routine illnesses, injuries and mental health problems that may lead to missed educational activities. Cornell University expects that students are honest with their faculty regarding their ability to complete work, and faculty are expected to work on these issues with students. Faculty members who have concerns about attendance issues should notify the appropriate associate dean or program director for assistance.
Students with Illness in Patient Care Settings
In order to prioritize patient safety, students are discouraged from participating in direct patient contact when seriously ill. If a student is determined to have symptoms or conditions that require them to be restricted from direct patient contact, the Director of Student Health will work with the student and supervising faculty to determine appropriate restriction of duties and any necessary "return to work" evaluation. The student and their supervisor will determine the need and manner for making up missed work.
The following signs and symptoms of communicable illness should prompt students involved in patient care to receive evaluation at SHS: persistent cough, fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and weeping red eyes.
Assistance with Serious, Ongoing Illness or Injury
When a student is hospitalized or has a serious, ongoing illness or injury, with the student’s consent, the Director of Student Health (or Director of the Student Mental Health Program) will communicate with the appropriate staff in charge of the student’s educational program, and remain available to discuss matters of health leave or accommodation. Medical students with ongoing illness or injury as a result of infectious agents or occupational hazards are reminded to contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (refer to the Student Handbook - "Effects of Infectious and Environmental Disease or Disability on Medical Student Learning Activities").
If professors or instructors request that you present a health or medical excuse from Weill Cornell Medicine Student Health Services, please print a copy of the WCMC Medical Excuse Policy for them. If you have ongoing concerns related to their request, please contact your academic advisor or dean’s office.
Students are advised to review the attendance policies and procedures in their academic program’s student handbook.
Medical Records
Your Weill Cornell student health record is independent of all other university records. It is confidential, and only accessible by Student Health staff and individuals involved in your direct clinical care. The following items are included in your health record:
- completed Student Health forms
- copies of forms completed at or by SHS staff
- any appointments and treatments you’ve received at SHS
- email communications
- imaging reports
- immunization summaries
- lab reports
- phone conversations
- any documents received from other doctors or facilities
- any information release forms you’ve signed
Paper medical records, for students who graduated prior to July, 2014, are held in a secure storage facility until they are ready for destruction. Records are destroyed seven years after separation from the institution.
All health records for students who enrolled July, 2014 and onward are kept in the campus enterprise electronic medical record system.
The law protects the privacy and confidentiality of your records. Records are not released to third parties without a signed, written release of information.
Students requiring records are advised to call the office.
Student Mental Health Program: Cancellation/No Show Policy
Student Mental Health is committed to providing exceptional, quality care; this is only possible with consistent follow-up visits with your Student Mental Health provider. Our services are also highly requested. There are often students on a waiting/cancellation list who really want our help. By providing proper notice of cancellation, you are allowing those students the opportunity to receive the help they need.
To that end, our policy is as follows:
Please cancel appointments at least 24 hours in advance.
After 3 cancellations or no-show appointments, you will be discharged from the Student Mental Health Program. Community referral options may be provided.
To cancel an appointment, please contact your clinician directly by email or phone.
Students with questions regarding our Cancellation/No-Show Policy may contact the program by email (studentmentalhealth@med.cornell.edu).
Telehealth Policy
Student Health Services and the Student Mental Health Program are currently providing both in-person and telehealth appointments and sessions.
For all telehealth appointments or telehealth sessions, patients are required to be physically located in the state of New York at the time of the appointment/session in a space reasonably free of distractions and suitable to maintain your privacy and confidentiality.
Students that will not be physically present in the state of New York are asked to cancel and reschedule their appointment/session. For SHS, you may cancel your appointment in the Connect app or call the office. For Student Mental Health, please call or email your clinician to cancel.
Contact Us
Phone: (646) 962-6942
Fax: (646) 962-1491
Locations
Mailing Address
Student Health Services
1300 York Ave., Box 258
New York, NY 10065
Clinical Location
230 East 69th St., Suite 2BB
(Between 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
New York, NY 10021
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed weekends and university holidays
Students are encouraged to call ahead rather than walk in for visits, as provider schedules are subject to change due to campus obligations.
After-Hours
Answering Service: (646) 962-6942
Staff
Edgar Figueroa, M.D, M.P.H.
Director of Student Health
efiguero@med.cornell.edu
Bernadette Abaya, B.S.N., M.P.A., R.N.
Senior Nurse Administrator
bca2001@med.cornell.edu
Patricia Marino, Ph.D.
Director, Student Mental Health Program
(914) 997-8691