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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 22, 1979)
Wednesday, august 22, 1979 c page 24 daily nebraskan Health Center cuts mean Bigger bill, less service By Alice Hrnicek : The Univcrsity Hcalth Center is experi encing a severe financial crunch, which means more dollars and fewer services to UNL students, this year, according to center officials. An increase of more than $105,000 in the Health Center's budget has resulted in new charges for some services and the ad r justment of some existing .charges to be closer to community rates, the officials said. The new charges became effective July 1. . Because the center generates 75 percent of its income from student fees, fees will increase from $27.70 to $29.69, an increase of $1.99. Stephen Blum, center administrator, projects the increase will add about $80,000 to the budget. . W m m Take this opportunity to SAVE on furnishings for your room or apartment 1 o SOFAS 35 to 50 OFF FA SLEEFE 25 to 50 OFF o PICTURES 40 to 60 OFF o HECUNESIS 30 to 40 OFF ROCKERS 30 to 50 OFF o tHesis 25 to 50 OFF o HALL TREES . 33 to 45 OFF o LAMIPS 35 to 55 OFF o MATTRESSES 25 to 35 OFF ' o BEDROOM SET! 33 to 45 OFF I ii . ...ill k 9rr0tl thmuch user More muncy wiu w v..- -fees, many of which have been instituted this year for the first time. Blum said the increases are necessary because of inflation and limited resources. THE CENTER made cutbacks based on recommendations of the Fund B study in the fall of 1978 which were approved by the ASUN, reported Garland Bare, director. . . . r . Although he respects the wishes of stu dents, Bare said, a greater increase in stu dent fees would have been preferable. UNL student fees are among the lowest in the Big Eight, he said. He said the introduction of outside sources of income has been discussed. Iowa State's center is funded partially by the state legislature, he said. He noted that the health centers of other schools in the con ference have received endowments, but UNL has not. The most significant change is the dep matology clinic, where clinic physicians will handle patients with problems in dermatology and acne and refer severe cases to a dermatologist. Approximately $1 1,000 wiH be reduced from the ceiling expenses by this action alone, Blum said. A USER fee will be charged in specialty clinics which were previously available at no charge. The cost for services such as dermatology, allergy, orthopedics and neu rology will be a one-time annual referral charge of $15. For specialists in ear, nose and throat, surgery, urology, gynecology and ophthalmology, a $5 charge a visit up to a maximum of $15 for each specialty will be collected. Services will remain 30 to 40 percent below community rates despite user charges, Blum said. An increase in meal and hospital charges from $35 to $50 will allow costs to stay 50 percent below community hospital rates, he said. During August a new charge schedule will be posted by the dental clinic, which is designed to make the clinic totally self supporting by 1980-81. EFFECTIVE FOR the school year 1979-80 are new rates 25 to 60 percent be low community rates in the areas of audiol ogy, laboratory, radiology, mental health, physical therapy and pharmacy. Bare said these services have been losing money and the increases are intended to enable them to break even. The center also has instituted a charge for physicals on a need basis. Students re ceiving priority are those who need examinations for overseas projects, University-related special activities, pre admission to professional schools, and special need cases approved by the Medical Director, the officials said. A complete physical examination will cost $30 and a less extensive one will cost $20. Blum said he has found since his appointment to office in February of this year that many students are unaware of Health Center services. He plans a cam paign to make students aware of what is available, he said. too Jvj If! D "Welcome Back" to Meisinger Warehouse carpet Sales. Be sure to come by and get some carpet for your room to make it more like home! Some 1 2 x 9's starting at $36.00. Corpst Solos 550 Old Chenay Center (one block west of 56th and Old Cheney Road) 423-1310 Association of Students of th University of ltebrask . . free lqjel cdube rcom 237 Union bp interest bene ASUN credit union rcem 110 Unbn . . . Gcucrnmcnt Lbssn Cemmr bbbiee for etudente repm aSG UnienJ- you want inforaatisn ccatact 1t5 Nebraska Union - Lincoln. Nebraska 68583 (402) 4722581 , I. 1 (402)472-2533 ' j. .'5.