Student-Athlete Handbook - Section 3
Sports Medicine/Athletic Training Services
HEALTH CARE RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES | CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINERS | TEAM PHYSICIANS | POLICIES FOR CARE OF STUDENT-ATHLETES
PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION | PAYMENT OF MEDICAL BILLS | OUT-OF-NETWORK MEDICAL PROVIDER POLICY
STUDENT-ATHLETE PREGNANCY POLICY AND GUIDELINES | TRANSGENDER POLICY | SPORTS NUTRITION SERVICES AND ILLINI FUEL
The University of Illinois Division Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) is committed to providing comprehensive, integrated health care that is student-athlete centered and outcome focused, thus advocating for the current and long-term health and wellness of each student-athlete. The DIA Sports Medicine Staff seeks to provide care in an engaged, educational, purposeful and progressive manner. The welfare of the student-athlete is the primary concern, with staff members’ scope of practice focused on the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries or illnesses sustained by the student-athlete, as well as emergency management and health and wellness advocacy.
The sports medicine staff is comprised of a team of 21 certified athletic trainers, five sports medicine physicians, five clinical and sport performance mental health providers, four full-time sports nutritionists and multiple other allied health care professionals. Facilities with certified athletic trainers are available for the prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries or illnesses sustained during practices or games. Should it be necessary to utilize specialists, the sports medicine staff can coordinate and facilitate a consultation.
By taking an integrated and collaborative approach in coordination with other student-support areas such as strength & conditioning and sports nutrition, the goal is to build as resilient of Student-Athletes as possible to hopefully prevent and mitigate any sports related injury. However, anytime a Student-Athlete participates in sport or training, there is a possibility that injuries can happen. For this reason, it is important that Student-Athletes, and their families, are aware and understanding of the DIAs policies regarding the sports medicine department and medical insurance.
Health Care Rights Responsibilities
DIA recognizes each Student-Athlete has a unique lived experience and has unique healthcare needs, thus we encourage a partnership between each Student-Athlete and our health care team and providers. We encourage each of you and your designated representatives/parents to participate in discussions about treatments, options, risks and benefits to treatment and rehabilitation plans.
As a Student-Athlete, each Student-Athlete has the following rights relative to the care you receive and the privacy of your medical information:
- Access to Care - To receive comprehensive, respectful and compassionate care in a safe environment regardless of your race, color, sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, socio-economic status or scholarship status.
- To be informed - To receive information about your specific injury/illness and fully understand any proposed treatment, procedure, or rehabilitation plan in order that you may need to give informed consent or refuse this course of treatment, in language that you understand. Except in emergencies, this includes a description of the procedure or treatment, risks of treatment, descriptions of any alternative course of treatment or non-treatment, and the provider and facility carrying out the procedure or treatment. Also, to be informed of the short-term and long-term health consequences of your injury/illness and to fully understand the options as they may affect your competitive season as well as your short and long-term health and wellness.
- To be an active participant - To participate actively in decisions regarding medical care to the extent permitted by law. This includes the right to refuse treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of refusal.
- Presence of chaperone - To have a chaperone (health care provider knowledgeable about the examination or treatment being performed, a coach, or fellow Student-Athlete) of your choosing present for any treatment or examination.
- Privacy & Confidentiality - To confidential treatment of all information, communications and records pertaining to your care. Written permission from you or your legally designated representative shall be obtained before medical records can be made available to anyone not directly concerned with your care. You and/or your legally designated representative are entitled to access the information contained in your medical record, within the limits of the law.
- As a student under the care of the sports medicine staff at The University of Illinois, it is expected you assume the following responsibilities:
- Honest & Open Communication - To the best of your knowledge, honestly and openly share accurate and complete information regarding any matters pertaining to your health, injury or illness to the athletic trainers, physicians and other healthcare professionals caring for you. This includes previous medical history, diagnosis, or related challenges.
- Thorough Communication - Communicate at a high-level to ensure you clearly understand your injury/illness diagnosis, the proposed course of treatment, and what is expected of you.
- Cooperation - To be involved in developing your plan of care with your healthcare team.
- Mutual Respect - To treat health care providers with respect and be on time to scheduled appointments.
- To be an active participant – Engage and participate in your health care plan and decision making. This includes asking questions, following guidance and to assist with medical claims and insurance processing.
- Commitment - Follow the treatment plan recommended by the primary physician/provider responsible for care. This includes following the instructions of the other healthcare professionals as they carry out the coordinated plan of care.
- Ownership - Accept the consequences of your own decisions and actions if you choose to refuse treatment or not comply with the instructions given by your providers.
Sports Medicine Department Mission:
Student-Athlete Centered, Outcome Focused.
- Integrated Health & Performance.
- Advocating current & long-term health & wellness.
- Engaged, Educational, Purposeful, and Progressive.
Sports Medicine Department Staff Core Values:
- Trust
- Integrity
- Empathy
- Positivity
- Adaptable
Please direct any medical questions or concerns to:
Randy Ballard, ATC Associate Athletic Director – Sports Medicine // ballardr@illinois.edu // 217-244-9160
Please direct any insurance questions or forward any insurance claims and bills to:
Chanda Davidson, Athletic Insurance Coordinator/Office Manager // cd15@illinois.edu // 217.333.6718 | Fax: 217.333.6460
The Director of Sports Medicine is responsible for the overall organization and supervision of the sports medicine department, including the assignment of athletic trainers to the various athletic teams and for athletic event coverage.
The DIA has established an administrative structure that provides independent medical care and affirms the unchallengeable autonomous authority of primary athletics health care providers (team physicians and athletic trainers) to determine medical management and return-to-play decisions related to student-athletes.
Certified Athletic Trainers are available to provide treatment, rehabilitation, advice, and consultation. Athletic trainers are qualified to handle medical emergencies and have the sole responsibility, in the absence of the Team Physician, to make decisions concerning immediate first aid, CPR, and/or hospitalization of a student-athlete, and the decision as to whether a student-athlete continues to participate after an injury. All coaches will abide by these decisions.
Athletic trainers will abide by any standing order of the Team Physician, Team Orthopedic Surgeon, Mental Health/Mental Game Professional.
Team physicians play an integral part in the overall administration of the sports medicine program and always have the best interest of the student-athletes at heart. Orthopedic surgeons and primary care sports medicine physicians from Carle Foundation Hospital provide care to all student-athletes. Carle Foundation Hospital is a multi-specialty hospital, which consists of Sports Medicine trained physicians and certified specialists in all fields. It provides both in-patient and outpatient care and is oriented towards providing optimum care for their patients. Their professional staff provides University of Illinois student-athletes with the best medical care possible.
Each physician is assigned to specific sports and has direct communication with each of the team athletic trainers. Team physicians assist in providing a quality health care system for all student-athletes as well as sustaining a strong rapport between the University and the medical community. Student-athletes, on occasion, may be referred to a specialist for consultation at the discretion of the team physician. Team physicians are available daily for evaluation of injuries and illnesses. Team physicians are available to speak to parents/guardians regarding diagnoses and treatment options at the student-athlete’s request.
Sports Medicine Team Physicians are typically are available for limited hours on campus each day. The time of the daily, Monday through Friday, physician clinic varies semester to semester, dependent on practice times. Please follow up with your team athletic trainer for specific days and hours of the on-campus Sports Medicine Physician cllinic.
Athletic Training Facilities
Athletic training rooms are located in the Smith Center, Fighting Illini Center for Excellence (FICE), Huff Hall basement in the northeast corner, Ubben Basketball Complex, Demirjian Park, and Atkins Tennis Center. Satellite athletic training rooms are located in Kenney Gymnasium, Eichelberger Field Clubhouse, Illinois Field Clubhouse and State Farm Center.
Injury & Illness Reporting Requirements
When an injury occurs, you must immediately inform the DIA Sports Medicine Department and Medical Staff even if the injury may seem minor at the time. The Sports Medicine Staff must obtain the details of the accident for documentation and insurance claims processing. The Sports Medicine Staff will make all of the necessary medical referrals and direct the Student-Athlete for medical evaluation or treatment. Student-Athletes should not seek outside medical attention for treatment of an athletic related injury or illness without authorization from the Sports Medicine Department unless the injury or illness is a medical emergency.
Student Health Insurance & Campus policies
The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois requires that all campus-based students be covered by health insurance, either through a program provided by the University or one determined to be equivalent. Starting in Summer of 2021, DIA moved to an insurance and medical claims model that is in alignment with this university policy. In this model, all student-athletes will be required to have insurance coverage either through parental insurance, their own insurance plan, and/or through the campus Student Health Insurance Plan. For those student-athletes who do not have personal health insurance, information on the student-health insurance plan can be found at https://si.illinois.edu. For student-athletes, and/or parents, who have concerns about their current insurance coverage due to large deductibles, out-of-network challenges, or concerned the health insurance network does not adequately extend to the Champaign-Urbana area, they should review their own policy and the student-insurance policy and make an informed decision about their best options for coverage should a non-athletic related injury or illness arise while on campus.
Athletic Accident Insurance
As with many universities, DIA (at its own expense) carries excess accident insurance to cover injuries as a direct result of participation in athletics. This means that all medical bills incurred by a Student-Athlete must first be filed with their personal and/or parental insurance (primary insurance). The primary insurance must pay the maximum amount of benefits provided before the DIA’s excess accident insurance is used to pay the remainder. The hospital, medical offices, and physicians will file insurance claims should the need arise. DIA’s excess accident insurance plan will pay for all copays, deductibles, and other charges that the primary insurance does not cover, as long as the injury occurred as a result of intercollegiate athletic participation and DIA’s medical staff facilitates treatment. Student-Athletes should not directly pay out-of-pocket expenses associated with treatment of an athletic injury. Bills, claims, Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) received by the Student-Athlete, parent, or guardian for services rendered for an athletic injury should immediately be forwarded to DIA’s insurance coordinator. DIA’s excess accident insurance has a maximum limit of $90,000 per accident. Other features may also be included.
Medical Expense Coverage & Information
There are a number of expenses for which DIA may assume financial responsibility after the Student-Athletes primary insurance has reached its limits of coverage. These include medical expenses incurred from illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions resulting from athletics participation, exacerbated due to training, or preventing a Student-Athlete from training. However, DIA and the University of Illinois does not accept responsibility for expenses related to non-athletic related injuries or illnesses, non-athletic emergencies or accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents, general medical conditions, or pre-existing conditions.
NCAA Catastrophic Insurance Program
The NCAA sponsors a Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program that covers a student-athlete who is catastrophically injured while participating in authorized, organized or sponsored NCAA events, including practice and competition. The lifetime benefit Student-Athlete limit of this plan is currently up to $20 million. The program covers not only medical care but also disability payments, home modification and rehabilitation. It also features a death benefit. The policy has a $90,000 deductible and is excess of any other valid and collectible insurance. For more details, refer to NCAA web site at www. ncaa.org.
Physical Examinations
All incoming freshman and transfer student-athletes must receive a pre-participation physical exam by one of the DIA Team Physicians prior to participation in any DIA countable athletic-related activity (CARA) or cheerleading at the University of Illinois. In addition to a physical examination by a team physician, student-athletes must provide documentation of sickle cell trait status, complete all sports medicine forms (including medical insurance information form) before participating in any CARA at the University. The final decision on physical qualifications or reason for disqualification shall be the responsibility of the team physician.
It is the policy of the NCAA that all eligible student-athletes who are returning complete an annual health questionnaire and have their previous medical history reviewed by the athletic training staff and team physicians.
Treatment of Athletic-Related and Out-of-Sports Injuries and Illnesses
An athletic-related injury is defined as any injury sustained during a countable athletic-related activity (CARA) as defined by the University of Illinois DIA Compliance Department. The DIA is responsible for services administered to student-athletes who sustain an athletic-related injury. All athletic-related injuries must be reported to the sports medicine staff immediately. The sports medicine staff will evaluate the injury and prescribe appropriate treatment. If an illness occurs, the student-athlete must report to the athletic training staff and they will evaluate and refer to the appropriate medical provider.
All student-athletes must follow all instructions of the team physician and team athletic trainer in all matters regarding the care and prevention of athletic-related injuries. In case of a serious injury or disability, the team physician will make the final decision as to whether or not an individual is able to participate.
The DIA is not financially responsible for out-of-sport injuries – any injuries that occur outside of University of Illinois DIA Countable Athletically Related Activities (CARA). Examples are Intramurals, Fraternity/Sorority functions, off-campus activities, etc. Any out-of-sport injuries or ailments such as the removal of tonsils, wisdom teeth or appendix by surgical procedure are medical problems, which need to be reported to the medical staff. The Director of Sports Medicine may review, on a case-by-case basis, any medical services or fees incurred from out-of-sport injuries, general medical conditions or chronic conditions.
If a life-threatening situation exists, FIRST call 911 or 9-911 from an on-campus phone and then call a member of the sports medicine staff. If emergency treatment is required for an out-of-sport injury or illness when an athletic trainer is not present, the sports medicine staff must be contacted. If a member of the sports medicine staff cannot be reached, the student-athlete should go immediately to the McKinley Health Center or local emergency room.
If a student-athlete seeks medical care from a health care professional or hospital for any reason other than a life-threatening situation without prior approval of the sports medicine staff, the student-athlete may be responsible for those fees incurred.
DIA will not be responsible for the payment of any medical bills incurred 52 weeks after the date of the initial injury unless a specific extension request by the student-athlete is initiated.
Mental Health Services
DIA works directly with three Carle mental health providers to provide individual sport performance assessment and training, team-based performance sessions and evaluation and treatment of clinical issues. Referrals and appointments are available from athletic trainers, team physicians or through self-referral. More information on DIA’s mental health services can be found at: www.fightingillini.com/doorsopen. Student-Athletes can also schedule appointments via a link on the Door's Open website.
The student-athlete may see a mental health professional for any reason, including but not limited to:
- Sports Performance Mental Conditioning
- Stress Management
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Misuse of alcohol or other substances
- Difficult life situations: death of a loved one, divorce or separation of parents/guardians, chronic or terminal illness of loved one, decline in academic performance, relationship difficulties, etc.
- Any situation the student-athlete would like to discuss with a professional
Contact the team athletic trainer, team physician or any University of Illinois-Carle Mental Health Professional to schedule an appointment. Appointments can also be requested via the Fighting Illini Door's Open website.
- Jim Maurer, Eugenia Reeves, or James Warren
- Email: jim.maurer@carle.com to request an appointment with one of the DIA counselors:
- Include first and last name, date of birth and cell phone number
- Dr. Zimmerman, Dr. MacDougall, Dr. Dumich, or Dr. Henrichs
If a student-athlete seeks mental health care from any of the above providers (Carle, McKinley Mental Health, Student Counseling Center, Women’s Resource Center, Champaign County Mental Health Center), they should indicate that they are a University of Illinois student-athlete and include any of the following people they may wish them to share information with:
- Jim Maurer, 217-365-6206 (o)
- Dr. Jerrad Zimmerman – 217-326-2255 (o)
- Dr. Sara Dumich – 217-326-2255 (o)
- Dr. Amy MacDougall – 217-326-2255 (o)
- Dr. Jeremy Henrichs – 217-326-2255 (o)
- Randy Ballard, Director of Sports Medicine
- Team athletic trainer
There are many resources on-campus and in the surrounding community that can help you be an effective gatekeeper. Remember, you are not alone when it comes to helping a student in distress. If you believe someone you know is in distress or at risk of suicide, please seek support immediately.
| University of Illinois Counseling Center |
Office of the Dean of Students |
|
(217) 333-3704
Hours 8:00 AM -5:00 PM, Same Day Scheduling
Turner Student Services Building
610 East John St., Champaign, IL 61820
www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu
Self Help Brochures available
|
(217) 333-0050
Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Student Assistance Program
Turner Student Services Building
610 East John St., Champaign, IL 61820
www.odos.illinois.edu
E-mail: HELPdean@illinois.edu
|
| Suicide Prevention Team |
McKinley Health Center |
(217) 333-3704
Hours 8:00 AM -5:00 PM
610 East John St., Champaign, IL 61820
|
(217) 333-2701
Hours 8:00 AM -5:00 PM
1109 South Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61801
https://mckinley.illinois.edu/
DIAL-A-NURSE: 24 hours a day/7 days a week; (217) 333-2700
|
Suicide Incident Referral Form: University of Illinois students are encouraged to maintain a reasonable concern for their own self- welfare. This program provides the student with resources and support to adhere to this standard in future.
|
24-Hour Emergency / Crisis Resources
|
| University of Illinois Police Department | 110 West Springfield Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 | (217) 333-1216 | https://police.illinois.edu/ |
| Carle Foundation Hospital (Emergency Room) | 611 West Park Street, Urbana, IL 61801 | (217) 383-3311 | www.carle.org |
| OSF Hospital (Emergency Room) | 1400 West Park Street, Urbana, IL | (217) 337-2000 | https://www.osfhealthcare.org/heart-of-mary/ |
| Community Elements Mental Health Center | 801 N. Walnut Street Champaign, IL 61820 | (217) 373-2430 | www.communityelements.org |
| Pavilion Behavioral Health Hospital | 809 West Church Street, Champaign, IL 61820 | (217) 373-1700 | www.pavilionhospital.com |
| Community 24 Hour Crisis Line Mental Health | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | (217) 359-4141 |
| 24-Hour Suicide Prevention | 988 |
Payment Options for Mental Health Services
It is important for all student-athletes to understand there are no out-of-pocket expenses for appointments with mental health professionals.
- If the appointments are clinically related, parental insurance is used as primary insurance coverage and the DIA Insurance is used as secondary insurance coverage.
- If the appointments are sports performance related, the University of Illinois DIA is liable for payments for the appointments.
McKinley Health Center
The McKinley Health Center provides general medical care as well as preventive health awareness and health education programs for all students. The Sports Medicine Department, on occasion, works with the Student Health Center for general medical care and laboratory services, as well as Mental Health, Sexual Health, Preventive Health Awareness and Health Education Programs for all students. A pharmacy is also available.
- Dial-A-Nurse is available 24-hours-a-day to answer health related questions and give advice (217-333-2700).
- Complete information on services available and hours of operation can be found at: www.mckinley.illinois.edu.
Immunization Records/Health History
The University of Illinois requires that all students submit information to McKinley Health Center regarding immunizations and family/personal medical history. A form requesting this information is sent to all incoming students by the admissions office. It is necessary to fill out and return the form according to McKinley Health Center’s instructions. Do not send this form to the sports medicine department. Mail the form directly to the McKinley Health Center. Failure to provide all the necessary information, especially the immunization records, will result in the student-athlete’s inability to register for the spring semester.
Dental Care
All dental injuries are to be reported to the team athletic trainer during that countable athletic-related activity (CARA) or immediately thereafter. The DIA will be responsible for all dental problems caused by an injury while participating in a countable athletic-related activity (CARA). Routine dental care such as routine examinations, cleaning, dental cavities, wisdom tooth extractions, etc., are the responsibility of each individual student-athlete.
Eye Glasses and Contact Lenses
The DIA can purchase corrective lenses or protective eyewear for any student-athlete with a medical need as determined by an optometrist/ophthalmologist. Corrective lenses must be contact lenses or safety glasses with shatterproof lenses and frames approved for use during athletic activity. The student-athlete must request an annual exam through the team athletic trainer or provide a valid script for corrective lenses to the team athletic trainer in order to receive corrective lenses. Replacement of lost lenses by the DIA occurs only if they are lost or damaged during a countable athletic-related activity (CARA). If a student-athlete loses or breaks his/her lenses, he/she must report it immediately.
The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA), Sports Medicine department designates in-network and out-of-network medical providers in the management and payment of medical bills. The Out-of-Network Medical Provider Policy includes three components. The first component addresses when a DIA Sports Medicine team physician refers a student-athlete to another physician or healthcare provider for care. The second relates to a student-athlete’s ability to obtain a second opinion. The third component addresses the utilization of sport performance professionals and other allied health professionals outside the DIA. The emphasis of this policy is to ensure communication and collaboration amongst all parties and obtain quality, efficient medical care for the student-athlete.
To help with understanding, the following definitions will be used for this policy:
- In-Network Provider – Physicians and health care facilities who are part of a health plan’s network of providers. The DIA’s in-network providers include any health care provider within the Carle Physician Group, Carle Foundation Hospital or to whom a DIA Sports Medicine department team physician refers the care of a student-athlete.
- Out-of-Network Provider – Any health care provider to whom a DIA Sports Medicine team physician has not directly referred the care of a student-athlete.
- Referral – A consultation with another physician designated by a DIA Sports Medicine team physician.
- Second opinion - A consultation with another physician to confirm a diagnosis and/or find possible different treatment options available to the patient. This includes a request by a student-athlete or parent/guardian for consultation with a physician other than those referred to by a DIA Sports Medicine team physician.
In-Network Medical Provider Process
The DIA Sports Medicine department, through its health care agreement with Carle Physician Group, has established a network of medical providers across multiple areas of specialty. The primary points of contact for student-athletes are the DIA Sports Medicine department team sports medicine physicians and team orthopedists. If a student-athlete is referred to a physician outside of the Carle physician group by a DIA Sports Medicine department team physician, the In-Network Medical Provider Process will be followed.
It should be noted the DIA Sports Medicine department, through the respective team physicians, has a tremendous network of specialists and nationally renowned physicians and surgeons that it can utilize when the need arises. If a student-athlete is referred to a physician by a DIA Sports Medicine department team physician, all medical bills and expenses will be covered by the DIA Sports Medicine department.
In the event a student-athlete is referred to a healthcare provider outside the Carle Physician Group, a meeting will be scheduled between the student-athlete, team physician and the assigned team athletic trainer. This meeting will outline the team physician’s desired in-network provider, the credentials of the in-network provider and the reason for the referral. If the student-athlete desires, the team physician can share this information with the student-athlete’s parent/guardian(s) to assist with the decision. The student-athlete will be given time to evaluate the options and report the decision back to the assigned team athletic trainer and physician. The student-athlete will then follow the referral path and the plan of care recommended by the in-network provider or pursue their own second opinion. If the student-athlete chooses to follow the referral per the team physician, the assigned team athletic trainer will work with the team physician to facilitate the referral.
Out-of-Network Medical Provider
If the student-athlete chooses to seek a second opinion, other than a referral recommended by the team physician, the student-athlete will be responsible for following the Out-of-Network Procedures outlined below.
Any student-athlete can choose to obtain a second opinion from a physician within the necessary specialty field provided a University of Illinois DIA Sports Medicine department team physician performed an initial examination. The student-athlete and the student-athlete’s parent/guardian(s) should understand this second opinion might not be financially covered by the DIA Sports Medicine department. The DIA Sports Medicine department may deny coverage based on several factors including but not limited to:
- determination of the necessity of the requested surgery/treatment
- pre-payment of service requirements
- insurance coverage or billing challenges
- other factors which may affect continuity of care or outcomes
- excessive costs of services and treatments
To request coverage of a second opinion by the DIA Sports Medicine department, the student-athlete must submit a written request via the Request for Second Opinion Form and follow the procedures outlined by the sports medicine team. If the assigned team athletic trainer, director of sports medicine, and team physician approve and sign the Request for Second Opinion Form, the DIA Sports Medicine department will be responsible for any remaining balance following insurance coverage for the initial consult appointment. Following the appointment, a recommended plan of care needs to be shared with the DIA Sports Medicine department head team physician, and, if it is considered routine and is approved by the head team physician, the DIA Sports Medicine department will financially cover the plan of care. If the student-athlete seeks a second opinion without completion or prior approval of the Request for Second Opinion Form, all bills will be the responsibility of the student-athlete. Additionally, if the request is denied the student-athlete may continue the second opinion process at their cost. The University of Illinois and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will assume no liability nor be responsible for any further medical attention that arises as a result of decisions and/or actions of the out-of-network physician.
The student-athlete and/or the student-athlete’s parent/guardian(s) will be responsible for scheduling second opinion appointments and facilitating transportation for the respective appointments. This responsibility includes acquiring and transfer of medical records, delivering required documentation, and assisting in facilitating proper communication amongst health care providers. The student-athlete and/or the student-athlete’s parent/guardian(s) will be responsible for providing all insurance information and billing information with all the entities included in the second opinion process, including the second opinion physician and health care organization, as well as surgery centers, therapy services, or other entities related to the student-athlete’s care.
The sports medicine staff will make every effort to complete any treatment or rehabilitation prescribed by the out-of-network physician provided the DIA Sports Medicine department head team physician approves the recommended plan. The DIA Sports Medicine department may utilize community-based physical therapy or agencies to provide therapy services to ensure completion of a prescribed rehabilitation plan. The utilization of outside physical therapy services will be dependent on the rehabilitation plan, in-season demands of sports medicine staff, or other factors that could affect the continuity of care of the student-athlete.
Coaches, fellow student-athletes and other athletic department personnel are strictly prohibited from facilitating, arranging or requiring any visit to an out-of-network provider. Any student-athlete who seeks the services of an out-of-network provider will abide by all restrictions placed on them by the selected out-of-network provider.
Following the appointment with the out-of-network physician, the student-athlete must provide the assigned team athletic trainer with documentation of the exam, diagnosis, and restrictions for review by a DIA Sports Medicine department team physician. The student-athlete will remain under care of the out-of-network physician through the course of treatment. The student-athlete will be required to schedule and attend all required follow up appointments in-person, at an interval of every 4-6 weeks. To facilitate these follow-up appointments, the student-athlete will be required to return from the appointment with a written report directing the detailed prescription for the rehabilitation plan and progressions from the out-of-network physician and/or associated physical therapist, for the assigned team athletic trainer and team physician.
The DIA Sports Medicine department team physicians will not perform follow-up appointments or be involved in the care of the respective injury until the out-of-network physician has fully cleared the student-athlete. Exceptions will be made for emergent situations should they arise, i.e. infection, blood clots, etc.
The student-athlete will not participate in athletic-related activities until the following criteria have been met:
- Receipt and review of a detailed written report from the out-of-network physician along with copies of any diagnostic tests performed by the out-of-network physician.
- The report must contain a statement specifically stating the student-athlete may return to full sport participation without restrictions.
- The student-athlete has demonstrated the physical capabilities necessary to return to full participation in the sport.
- The student-athlete has passed a physical examination by a DIA Sports Medicine department team physician.
The final decision concerning return to participation, regardless of the out-of-network provider, will be made solely by a DIA Sports Medicine department team physician. The DIA Sports Medicine team physician is ultimately responsible for the clearance to participate and the return-to-play decisions for the DIA’s student-athletes. Per the NCAA Manual, Article 3.2.4.16 & 17, DIA’s health care providers have unchallengeable autonomous authority to “determine medical management and return to play decisions related to student-athletes.”
Out-of-Network Provider Appointment Expenses
Once an approval has been granted regarding coverage of the medical expenses related to the second opinion, the DIA will only cover the medical expenses related to the initial consult and/or surgery and related follow-up appointments by the out-of-network physician. The DIA will not send assigned team athletic trainers or personnel to accompany the student-athlete to appointments or surgeries as the coverage of our on-campus and travelling student-athletes and teams is our top priority. In the case of an out-of-network consult or surgery, the DIA will NOT cover any travel costs, such as flights, meals and hotel rooms, of the student-athlete or his/her parent/guardian(s). The DIA Sports Medicine department staff will not be responsible for scheduling appointments, coordinating travel plans, or related needs. Following the initial consult and surgery, all follow-up appointments and related medical expenses, must be approved by the team physician as standard and customary to be eligible for DIA reimbursement. Student-athletes and his/her parent/guardian(s) should realize the number of follow-up appointments is dependent on the provider, surgery, and individual healing timelines. The number of follow-up appointments could exceed 2-5 return visits, dependent on the injury, treatment plan and treating physician. All bills resulting from the second opinion must be submitted to the Director of Sports Medicine within 30 days of receipt. Any bills submitted after 30 days of receipt will be denied and become the responsibility of the student-athlete.
As previously outlined, the student-athlete and parent/guardian(s) should understand that the second opinion may not be financially covered by the DIA Sports Medicine department. The DIA can also deny covering any medical expenses in instances in which the out-of-network medical provider recommends any experimental treatment/medication, non-traditional surgical options, off-label prescription utilization or other medical decisions or expenses not approved by the DIA Sports Medicine department head team physician and Director of Sports Medicine.
Outside Sports Performance and other Allied Health Professional Instruction
If a student-athlete seeks instruction, treatment, medical or performance services and/or training with an outside sports performance or related professional to supplement workouts or provide treatments, the out-of-network medical provider process must be followed. If the student-athlete seeks instruction or training from an outside sports performance professional without the prior written approval from the assigned team athletic trainer, director of sports medicine and team physician, all bills will be the responsibility of the student-athlete. The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will assume no liability nor be responsible for any injuries sustained or conditions that arise as a result of improper or overtraining resulting from the decisions, actions or recommendations of the outside sports performance professional.
Exit Physical Examinations
All Student-Athletes upon the completion of their eligibility or their exit from their team are required to complete Exit Evaluation procedures. This process should occur no later than 2 weeks after they have left the team and includes paperwork documenting their injury history and health status. If any exiting Student-Athlete is still having on-going health issues, they will be referred to a team physician for a physical exam and to develop a plan of care. If there are any athletic related injuries or illnesses that are documented and require further clinical follow-up, treatment, or rehabilitation, this follow-up must be completed within two years of the completion of the exit evaluation. Claims related to this follow-up must also be submitted in a timely matter in this two-year period, otherwise, DIA is not responsible for coverage or liability. DIA will not be responsible for any injuries not documented during the exit evaluation during this period or after.
Medical Hardships and Medical Non-Counters
When an injury or illness occurs that could be season ending or career ending, DIA team physicians are responsible for diagnosing, prescribing treatment, and determining the severity of the injury or illness. For a Student-Athlete to be eligible to receive a medical hardship (sometimes called a medical redshirt) or be deemed a medical non-counter, the team physician must make the determination that the injury or illness is season or career ending. In addition, all other aspects of NCAA regulations pertaining to medical hardship and non-counter requirements must be met. All medical hardship and medical non-counter decisions will be at the discretion of DIA team physicians in consultation with the athletic training staff. If a Student-Athlete has any questions regarding the implications of receiving a medical hardship or being deemed a medical non-counter should be directed to the team athletic trainer and compliance staff member.
DIA will not discriminate against or punish a female student-athlete who becomes pregnant. Pregnancy places unique challenges on student-athletes. DIA has instituted this policy and guidelines for the protection of the student-athlete and her developing fetus.
What to Do if Student-Athlete Become Pregnant
Pregnant student-athletes are encouraged to be forthright about their circumstances and to seek counsel and medical care. As soon as a student-athlete learns that she is pregnant, she should notify the coach, head athletic trainer, sport administrator or the Director of Athletics as well as her personal physician/OBGYN, family or others who are important to her. This notification is necessary so that appropriate medical and emotional support can be made available. The coach, athletic trainer, and others who are informed are encouraged to maintain confidentiality.
Training and Competition
DIA reserves the right to restrict a student-athlete’s continued participation in competitive sports, based on consultation with the student-athlete, the coach, medical personnel and others. Assessing the risk of strenuous activity in pregnancy is difficult.
When making such decisions, these individuals shall use the following guidelines:
- The safety to participate in each sport must be dictated by the movements and physical demands required to compete in the sport. Many medical experts recommend that women avoid participating in competitive contact sports after the 14th week of pregnancy. Athletic activities associated with a high risk of falling should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Women who have medical conditions that place their pregnancies at high risk for complications should avoid physical activity until consultation with their obstetrician. The student-athlete should be aware of the warning signs to terminate exercise while pregnant: vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath prior to exercise, dizziness, headaches, chest pain, calf pain or swelling, pre- term labor, decreased fetal movement, amniotic fluid leakage and muscle weakness.
Counseling and discussion involving the pregnant student-athlete and a certified physician, written consent from the student-athlete’s physician, and consultation with our certified head athletic trainer and Director of Athletics or designee must all occur before a determination is made whether to permit the student-athlete’s participation in practice and/or competition during pregnancy.
Status on the Team and Athletic Grant-In-Aid
The pregnant student-athlete’s athletic grant-in-aid, team membership status, benefits, or responsibilities will not be withdrawn during the period of the award because of pregnancy. The student-athlete’s physician and head athletic trainer will determine whether or not the student-athlete is cleared to return to participation following pregnancy. NCAA rules permit a one-year extension of the five-year period of eligibility for female student-athletes for reasons of pregnancy. If the student-athlete chooses not to continue participating, it will be considered a voluntary withdrawal from the program and athletic aid will not be renewed for the following academic year.
Confidential Counseling
It is important for the student-athlete to have appropriate counseling regarding her medical condition and risk of injury to herself and to the fetus. The team physician will provide counseling referrals for student-athletes who are pregnant. Such referrals could be through the McKinley Health Center, the University Counseling Center or other health care professionals as deemed necessary by the team physician.
Medical Expenses
DIA is not obligated to cover any medical expenses associated with the student-athlete’s pregnancy.
All medical expenses that are a result of pregnancy are the responsibility of the student-athlete. It is recommended that if a student-athlete becomes pregnant she should refer to the “Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan” brochure published by the University Student Insurance Office.
Transgender Participation Policy
New policy to come.
The Sports Nutrition department offers individual counseling to each athlete, provides team education sessions, assesses body composition on a regular basis, and consults with coaches for the planning of team travel nutrition needs. The 19 varsity teams are divided between four full-time sports dietitians to ensure all student-athletes receive adequate nutrition, supplement and hydration education and support.
All student-athletes are provided snacks and meals incidental to participation which includes an "enhanced fueling station” in the Varsity Room located on the south end of Memorial Stadium. Schedules of days and times will be distributed prior to each semester.
- Sample breakfast items include fruit & yogurt bar, oatmeal, and grits, with add-your-own toppings, variety of hot items including eggs, pancakes, potatoes, pre-made breakfast sandwich, bagel bar, and drinks.
- Sample lunch items include salad bar, fruit & yogurt bar, variety of hot items including vegetables, starches, and proteins, and drinks.
- Sample dinner items include menus of various entrees designed to enhance the performance of our student-athletes.
Varsity Room hours are posted on our sports nutrition social media accounts each semester: Twitter: @IlliniFuel Instagram: @fuelingillini
Illini Fuel
All student-athletes are provided nutrition supplemental to meal plans and/or meal stipends. Locations and schedules will be distributed to student-athletes prior to each semester. In addition, nutrition consulting and counseling are readily available from team dietitians. Student-athletes are encouraged to utilize these services in order to maximize health and performance.
There are 13 fueling stations located throughout campus for the convenience of our student-athletes’ fueling needs. They are open prior to the beginning of a training session and close when training ends.
If a student-athlete lives in a resident hall on-campus, they are still required to purchase a meal plan. The Illini Fuel Program is not designed to replace a traditional meal plan.
Student-Athlete Benefits
Per Diem Policy
Student-athletes will be issued the maximum permissible amount of per diem if coaches choose to issue per diem in conjunction with away competitions and during vacation periods when student-athletes are required to remain on campus for practice and/or competition. All of our student-athletes are treated equitably and fairly. The breakdown for in-state and out-of-state per diem rates are listed below:
- In-State Breakfast - $5.50 Lunch - $5.50 Dinner - $17.00
- Post-Game Meal Allowance (on competition dates only if per diem is issued in lieu of food) - $15.00
- Out-Of-State Breakfast - $6.50 Lunch - $6.50 Dinner - $19.00
- Post-Game Meal Allowance (on competition dates only if per diem is issued in lieu of food) - $15.00
