The Elliot Menkowitz, M.D.  Wellness Center

In order to provide optimal care to your child, it is very important that parents complete the medical history portion of the Health Forms as accurately and in as much detail as possible. The Hill School requires all students submit new Health Forms annually including documentation of a physical exam performed by his/her family medical provider completed no earlier than May 1. Health Forms are due by July 15.

Access Student Health Forms

It is the School’s expectation that our community will be vaccinated against Influenza and COVID-19 as well.  Please see the vaccine policy for details regarding specific COVID-19 exemptions that may be granted on a limited basis.

Pennsylvania State law requires appropriate management of medication in the school setting. The Hill School medication policy has been developed to promote the health and safety of all of our students. The Wellness Center must be notified of all student prescription medications. All information about the medication a student is receiving remains confidential and will only be shared  with pertinent Hill faculty on a need-to-know basis. 

OTC MEDICATIONS (Over-the-Counter/Non-Prescription Medications)

• Boarders are allowed to keep FDA approved OTC medication in their rooms for the treatment of minor discomforts such as headache, menstrual cramps, and stomachache.
• ALL medication must be purchased in the UNITED STATES and must be labeled in ENGLISH. Students cannot share their medication with anyone else.
• All OTC medication must be in the original manufacturer's labeled container.
   

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING PRODUCTS

The Hill School Wellness Center regards and respects the statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) which emphasizes: "Parents need to be aware that dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Studies looking at the purity of supplements find high rates of contamination with possibly harmful substances. Also, many products do not contain the ingredients listed on the label.”  Therefore, we discourage their use and recommend discussing with your child’s healthcare provider the safety and effectiveness of any supplements.

NOTE: Students are NOT ALLOWED to make online purchases or directly accept mail delivery of medication.  Medications should be addressed to the Wellness Center so the medication can be reviewed by the Wellness Center staff.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

• All prescriptions must be purchased from a United States pharmacy and remain in the original labeled container from that pharmacy. International students taking prescription medication may require assistance with this condition and should contact the Wellness Center for prescription support.
   
• All prescription medication must be brought to the Wellness Center at the beginning of the school year, as well as any new medications prescribed during the course of the school year.
   
• A Prescription Medication Order Form must be completed by a licensed prescriber for each medication and with subsequent order changes. The form can be obtained through the Wellness Center and is available on the Patient Portal.
   
• Parents must update the Wellness Center with any health insurance or prescription insurance changes during the school year, if applicable. Parents should inform the Wellness Center if prescription refills need to be obtained from a source other than Pottstown's Professional Pharmacy.
   
• The Medication Policy is cited in the health forms and in The Hill School Handbook for your review.
   
• Students and parents must read and sign the Medication Policy and Agreement contained in the health forms.  Prescribing healthcare providers must complete the Prescription Medication Order Form to authorize each prescription for the student.

The Hill School requires that every student must be enrolled in a U.S.-based health insurance plan for the entire duration of the school year.  This plan must be valid for care in Pottstown and the surrounding region.  You must contact your insurance company to confirm that your insurance plan will cover your child in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and will meet all health care needs, both expected and unanticipated, while they are attending the School. *An accident only, catastrophic sickness or travel insurance which limits coverage to Emergency Care only is NOT acceptable.

Domestic students who reside outside of Pennsylvania and have health insurance that is not transferable to Pennsylvania or not valid in Pennsylvania must purchase the health insurance plan that is offered by the School or another suitable policy that provides the required coverage.  Please see the printable brochures below. 

For students who purchase the health insurance policy offered by the School, insurance cards are sent directly to the Wellness Center in August.   A copy of the card will be provided to the student in early September. Therefore, students are not expected to submit a copy of an insurance card or prescription insurance card with their health forms. If a student needs access to their insurance information in August before arriving to campus, please use the secure messaging within the Patient Portal to contact the Wellness Center staff.

While we make every effort to assist you, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to know what is required by your specific insurance plan. Any costs incurred for medical care outside of the Wellness Center are the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Air Conditioning: Only our four Dell Village dormitories are equipped with central air conditioning. All other dorms do not have air conditioning. For fire safety reasons, students may not bring individual room or window air conditioners to the residence halls. Fans are permitted and encouraged. Those students with significant medical needs should contact the Director of Residential Life to discuss appropriate dorm placement. 

Orthodontic-Dentist/Immunotherapy-Allergist Needs: For boarding students with ongoing medical specialty needs, such as orthodontic/dental/ allergy related immunotherapy, parents may wish to establish a relationship with the specialty practice near The Hill School. Please contact our office after August 14 so we can assist you in establishing a relationship with a local office. We recommend that you forward records and communicate directly with the office that you select prior to your child arriving on campus in the fall. The Wellness Center can arrange transportation to medical practices in the local area.

Transportation to Medical Appointments: The Wellness Center works closely with our Security Department and medical chaperones, who assist with transportation arrangements to any scheduled appointments. A minor fee may associated with this transportation if the trip is beyond the local area.

Services & Fees: The services provided by the Wellness Center are included in your child’s tuition. Please note that your child may be assessed charges for certain procedures of medical care as mentioned in the student Handbook and/or Health Forms. Examples include, but are not limited to, required or requested vaccines other than the flu shot and drug testing within the I Care program.

AEDs and EpiPen: There are multiple Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) stations located on The Hill School's campus. Students who have been prescribed an EpiPen should carry their own EpiPen with them.