How to Register a Complaint, Concern, or Compliment with Student Health

The staff of the Elson Student Health Center is very concerned about addressing student complaints or concerns regarding medical care or administrative policies and procedures at the Health Center. Every effort will be made to listen to the concern and respond in an appropriate fashion. The following procedures are recommended for students who wish to register a concern or complaint:

Talk with your care provider directly - Consider talking with the care provider who saw you for the visit in question. We realize that sometimes it is hard to question or confront a health care professional about his/her decisions or treatment. Our providers are very approachable and willing to work with you on understanding your medical condition or treatment. We suggest either calling the provider directly or making an appointment to discuss your concerns.

Contact an associate director at the Health Center - An associate director directly supervises all staff in each area listed below. If you would prefer speaking with the "person in charge," consider calling, writing, or making an appointment with:
General Medicine: Joe Chance, MD at 982-3915
Gynecology: Chris Peterson, MD at 924-2773
Mental Health: Russ Federman, PhD at 243-5150
Health Promotion: Cynthia Burwell at 924-1509
Administration (insurance, lab, pharmacy, or reception): Bill Tolley at 924-5471

Contact the Director of Student Health - The Director of Student Health is administratively responsible for the entire operation. If you do not receive a satisfactory response by following the above procedures or you simply feel you need to register a complaint with the Director, call or write: Dr. James C. Turner, Director, Elson Student Health Center, University of Virginia, PO Box 800760, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-3708, Phone 924-2670.

Talk with your parents - Some students do talk with their parents, and they sometimes can reassure you that your medical care sounded appropriate or they may reaffirm your concerns. Parents will occasionally call us on behalf of the student to discuss medical care concerns. If you want us to speak with your parents, we need your explicit permission. Our professional code of ethics will not permit us to speak with anyone about your medical care under any circumstances (except life-threatening emergencies). Please understand that we are most willing to speak to your family but only after we have received your permission.

Maintained by: studenthealth@virginia.edu Last Modified: Tuesday, 01-Nov-2005 11:15:10 EST © 2002 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia