Lifetime Medical Associates (LMA)
1645 W. Jackson Avenue, Suite 215
Chicago, IL 60612
(312)942-8000
Click here to visit the LMA website.
Counseling Center
Hilarie C. Terebessy, Ph.D., Director
Kidston House, Suite 701
312/942-3687
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
The Rush University Counseling Center provides psychological counseling free of charge to currently enrolled students. People seek counseling assistance for a wide range of issues in both individual and couples therapy. Psychiatric consultation is also available to Counseling Center clients. Students have access to services throughout their enrollment at Rush - there is no limit to the number of sessions in which they can participate. No record of contact with the Counseling Center is accessible to any college or university administrator. All discussions with Counseling Center psychologists and the consulting psychiatrist are held in strict confidence. Counseling Center staff members encourage students to make use of the Center’s resources to achieve and maintain greater balance in their personal and professional lives during their time at Rush.
The Rush Medical College Student Health Program
The Rush Adult and Pediatric Primary Care clinic (Lifetime Medical Associates or LMA) is proud to be the home of the Rush Medical College (RMC) Student Health Program (SHP). LMA is a hospital-owned combined Internal Medicine - Pediatrics primary care practice. LMA is also a teaching practice, hosting residents and students, and the home of Rush University’s combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency program. For questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Dr. Suwon Nopachai, Director of the Student Health Program, by email at Suwon_Nopachai@Rush.Edu or Amanda Cockrell, FNP, Associate Director of the Student Health Program, by email at Amanda_L_Cockrell@rush.edu.
LMA is located in the “West Gate” or “Teamster’s” building at the corner of Jackson and Paulina, a short walk from the Medical Center. Patients are seen at LMA for medical issues or preventative care by appointment only. Students who would like to make an appointment at LMA or have an urgent medical problem must call first. The office will generally accommodate urgent needs with same-day or next day appointments. Student will be given appointments with either Dr. Nopachai or Amanda Cockrell. Students pay only a $20 office co-payment for visits at LMA for medical reasons. For compliance needs, including exposures, there is no charge and students are able to walk in during business hours (8 am-4.30 pm Monday-Friday).
Student medical needs, both routine and urgent, can be addressed at LMA or another practitioner in the network. LMA offers the advantage of possibly lowering your “out-of-pocket” costs. The scope and limitations of the student insurance plan is available in the following policy: https://rush.myahpcare.com. Students should always carry their insurance card. Different copayments are required for different office types (ER, specialists etc.). In addition, a deductible must be met by the student before any claims are paid by the insurer. The student is responsible for both the co-payment and the deductible for any service rendered at a facility other than LMA. Testing and visits considered part of preventative health care will be covered 100%.
Student medical records are maintained in accordance with applicable legal requirements and treated with the same degree of confidentiality as all medical records at LMA.
To protect the student’s health in clinical settings, students must meet special compliance requirements. First-year students must complete all compliance requirements prior to any clinical work. Compliance needs will be administered at LMA for no charge. Current compliance requirements include the following:
- Antibodies to Varicella, Rubella, Mumps, Measles and Hepatitis B
- Annual tuberculosis screening
- Tetanus/Pertussis vaccination within the last 10 years
- Urine drug screen during the M1 year
If a student needs a form completed, the form should be dropped off in the office, and it will be available for pick-up within two business days. If scheduled for a rotation at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, the student should make an appointment at least 2 weeks in advance of the start of the rotation. The compliance record will be transferred to each student in the spring of the M4 year.
Students also have the option to add an extra layer of protection to their electronic medical record by requesting a “Break the Glass” status be applied to their record. This process requires a provider to document their reason for accessing the medical record prior to opening the record. Access to the medical record is logged and should a student feel their record was inappropriately accessed, they can request their record by audited by contacting the Privacy Office at (312) 942-5303.
Once a student has initiated care at LMA and an electronic medical record in EPIC has been established, a student can request “Break the Glass” status be added in one of three ways:
1. Call the Admitting general number at (312) 942-5700 and ask to speak to the supervisor.
2. Call the Admitting first-shift supervisor directly at (312) 942-2345.
3. Call the Admitting Manager directly at (312) 942-6278.
If leaving a message, the student should leave their name and date of birth. The student should request that “Break the Glass be put on their EPIC account.”
Compliance Requirements
All compliance-related activities are covered by the student health insurance. The SHP at LMA is responsible for all compliance testing, vaccinations, and management of exposures. Please call the office to schedule an appointment, and bring a copy of your student health insurance card with you. After hours, this number connects to the answering service. Always let the front desk staff at Lifetime know that you are a Rush Medical College (RMC) student and that you need an appointment for a compliance-related visit.
- Outside elective health forms can be emailed to Amanda Cockrell, LNP (Amanda_L_Cockrell@rush.edu), faxed to (312) 942-3551, or dropped off in the clinic. Prior to LMA releasing information, students must have a release of information form on file in LMA.
- Immunizations can be verified through LMA or Amanda via telephone or email.
- Appointments for medical issues can be made by calling LMA.
Student Disability Insurance
We are pleased to provide you with your Disability Insurance Policy through the American Medical Association Group Insurance Trust and underwritten by Standard Insurance Company. We believe disability income insurance is as important for medical students as it is for residents and physicians in practice. The Associate of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has expressed their concern regarding the risks and devastating nature of medical student disabilities and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) requires that disability insurance be available to all medical students.
Please understand that you are enrolled in this program and the premium for this year has already been paid. This policy is mandatory for all medical students. We feel fortunate to be able to provide you this policy and feel that this policy is a superb value.
We hope that you never have the need to file a claim for disability, but in the event that you do, this policy provides excellent benefits.
Weiner Insurance is your disability insurance resource for any questions about the terms of this policy. Please feel free to contact David Weiner at (800) 525-7288
Student Health Insurance
Rush University (RU) Student Health Insurance is required for all RMC students. Students are covered through this insurance policy beginning September 1 of the M1 year. The costs associated with the student health insurance plan are included in tuition. No waivers are permitted. This does not prevent students from being covered by a secondary health insurance policy.
The requirement for this coverage ensures that our students receive the appropriate level of coverage, that coverage is not cancelled, and that potential harmful exposures and urgent medical needs are covered for the duration of the student’s medical education.
Student Malpractice Insurance
Students are covered under the RUMC insurance program for their approved learning activities and rotations. This includes away rotations approved in advance by RMC. Questions about malpractice insurance should be directed to the appropriate staff in the OMSP who may consult with Risk Management.
Hazardous Exposure Policy
Students should follow the recommended precautions to avoid an exposure. In the event of an exposure, students should follow the RU procedures for students with hazardous exposures:
Exposure Incident Definition: Eye, mouth, mucous membrane, non-intact skin contact or parenteral exposure to blood or potentially infectious or hazardous materials that result from the performance of a duty related to a student’s educational program.
Procedure at Rush University Medical Center
- Wash injured area with soap and water. If eyes, nose, or mouth, use water only.
- Immediately report the incident to your preceptor /course instructor.
- Immediately call and then report to Employee and Corporate Health Services (ECHS), Tower 1- ED-Pod C (312) 947-0699.
- If ECHS is closed, immediately report to Emergency Department (ED) Tower 1 (312) 947- 0100.Please bring your student ID and indicate that you are a student and not an employee. If a student is seen in the ED, that student must report to ECHS on the next business day.
- Supply ECHS or ED nurse or physician with the following information on the source: name, date of birth, medical record number, known medical diseases (Hepatitis B, HIV) and patient room number. All information is recorded confidentially in the Blood/Body Fluid Exposure Record.
- Students will be counseled or treated as deemed appropriate by ECHS or ED personnel.
- Return to ECHS or to consultants as directed for follow-up lab work and treatment as indicated.
- Bills for services obtained from the ED or consultations will not be covered by ECHS and should be submitted to the student’s private insurance.
Additional Steps for RMC Students
- E-mail RU.Report_Exposures@rush.edu regarding exposure with exposed student’s name, college, course, date, time, and details of exposure for follow-up and ensure proper billing of the services received.
- Complete the “Needle Stick and Bodily Fluids Exposure Incident Form” and submit to BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois to ensure that you are not charged for any care. The form can be submitted either via fax (325) 224-2033 or email sastudenthealthurgents@bcbstx.com.
Off Campus Procedure
Follow the protocol at your facility. If directed to Rush ES facility, bring source patient information (#4) and source blood in one lavender top and one marble top tube labeled “source patient.” E-mail RU.Report_Exposures@rush.edu with exposed student’s name, college, course, date, time, and details of exposure for follow-up and billing. Follow up care will be provided at LMA at Rush University Medical Center (RUMC).
In the current letter of agreement, the following is listed:
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE: When a Rush student is exposed to an infectious or environmental hazard or other occupational injury, the responsibility for initial treatment will rest with the Facility and the Rush students will be directed to the Facility’s emergency room and/or employee health services. Follow up treatment will be provided at LMA at RUMC.
RMC and the student insurance program will cover all costs associated with exposures and the SHP at LMA will provide follow-up care and any necessary treatment.
The hazardous exposure procedures are also included on a laminated card that students receive upon matriculation and should be wearing along with the student ID card (replacement cards are available in the Office of Student Affairs, Suite 440 Armour Academic Center).
Standard Precautions for Control of Communicable Diseases
Standard precautions are used in the care of all patients.
Wear Gloves
- When touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, non-intact skin and contaminated equipment
Wash Hands
- Prior to putting on gloves
- When touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and contaminated equipment
- After gloves are removed
- Before and after each patient contact
Change Gloves
- Just before touching mucous membranes or non-intact skin
- Between tasks/procedures on the same patient after contact with contaminated material
Remove Gloves
- Promptly after use
- Upon leaving a patient’s room (or patient care area)
- Before touching non-contaminated items and environmental surfaces
Wear Mask, Eye Protection or Face Shield
- To protect mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth during procedures likely to generate splashes/sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions
Wear Gown
- During procedures likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions
Remove Gown
- Promptly after use to avoid transfer of microorganisms to other patients or environments
Avoid/Prevent Injury from Needles/Sharps
- Handle sharp items such as needles and scalpel blades with extreme care
- Never recap used needles
- Do not bend or break used needles by hand
- Do not remove used needles from disposable syringes by hand
- Place used needles/sharps in appropriate puncture-resistant containers
- Never attempt to remove sharps from containers
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