Policies

The Nanook Sports Medicine Office is located in room 101 in the Patty Center. Two university athletic trainers, Masa Morita and Mike Curtin, staff the Nanook Sports Medicine Office. Hours often vary from semester to semester based on when individual sports are in-season. If you need assistance please call ahead (474-6801) to set up an appointment outside of regular team hours. For all emergencies, please call 911.

Pre-participation exam/medical evaluation - A pre-participation medical exam is required of all new student-athletes as well as transfer student-athletes upon entrance to UAF. Returning student-athletes are required to fill out an updated medical history and may be referred to a physician if the situation dictates. Student-Athletes have a responsibility to truthfully disclose their medical history and to report any changes in their health to the team's heath-care provider. The Nanook Athletics provides this service each year at the beginning of every fall session. If you suspect there may be a conflict please contact the Nanook Sports Medicine staff.

Medical records will be kept confidential in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. HIPAA restricts healthcare providers from sharing information with anyone who doesn't need it. For us at UAF that means only the student-athlete, physician, physician assistant and the athletic trainer should have access to medical information unless specific permission (in writing) is given by the student-athlete. You may be asked to sign a release form that allows this information to be passed on to your coach. If you do not sign this form, the coach can keep you from participating in practice or competition until you do.

If you are injured and the trainer working with your sport is not aware of it you need to inform him/her so that an immediate evaluation can be made. If it is determined that your injury can be dealt with in house (Nanook Sports Medicine Office), then an appropriate rehab program will be developed. If a referral to a physician is necessary then that specific trainer will initiate the process for you to see our team physician. All new injuries that need to be seen by a doctor must be seen by our team physician (or one of his staff) first, there are no exceptions. The expense for the second opinion will be covered only when it is approved and referred by Nanook Sports Medicine staff. If an athlete sees a physician or any other medical professional without a referral from the Nanook Sports Medicine staff he/she will be responsible for all medical expenses. Elective experimental procedures will not be covered.

If a student-athlete is accidentally injured and generates medical expenses associated with the accident, all claims must be filed first with the student or parent's personal insurance company. If a balance remains after the personal insurance company has paid its maximum, that balance will be submitted to the schools accident insurance company. This "excess insurance" policy or secondary policy is the way the vast majority of institutions deal with the rising costs of medical insurance. The schools insurance policy covers only new accidents that are sustained during competition or supervised practice. Any bills related to injuries that fall into the above category should be mailed to the athletic department only after first being submitted to your personal insurance company. It is therefore very important that you arrive in Fairbanks with updated insurance information so that we can assist you in the timely filing of all claims. To obtain payment consideration for unpaid balances or reimbursement, Nanook Sports Medicine must receive copies of an itemized bill from the medical provider and an explanation of benefit (EOB) from the primary insurance company. These should be sent/faxed to:

Pre-existing injuries, out-of-season injuries, injuries incurred during the season that are not directly related to in-season competition or supervised practice i.e., intramural injuries, or routine medical care (eye care, dental care, care for illnesses) are NOT COVERED. It is strongly recommended that a personal health and accident insurance policy be maintained for all student-athletes.

Should you become ill, or come down with the "flu" your current options are:

1. 1. UAF Health Center - Students pay $95.00 per semester as part of your fee structure to be eligible to use medical and counseling services. This may be one of your cheapest options if you are uninsured. You can call for an appointment (7043) and they also take walk-ins when there is an opening. If you prefer to get a yearly flu shot you can call ahead to check on availability and cost. You should be aware that if some tests are required or medicines prescribed (even though they are done at a reduced cost) you may be responsible for the bill.
2. 2. Dr. Cary Keller, our team physician or one of his staff will visit the training room one day a week, that day typically being a Wednesday. There is no cost to the athlete but he or she may have to pay to fill their own prescription if the medicines are not available.
3. 3. If you are insured you may decide to set up your own appointment at either the Urgent Care Clinic on Airport Way (452-2178) or Tanana Valley Clinic (459-3500).

Nanook Sports Medicine Staff