Loyola University New Orleans has five full-time athletic trainers on staff to serve the needs of our student-athletes. The department contracts with Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute (OASMI) for athletic training coverage for the entire sports year. An athletic trainer will be at all home contests. In addition, an OASMI athletic trainer is at the Loyola University Sports Complex each day for treatment and rehabilitation by appointment.
Athletic Trainers:
- Kristina Tyson (Cheer, Dance and Esports) – Kristinatyson@loyno.edu
- Keandra Gray (Men's Basketball and Tennis) – Keandragray@loyno.edu
- Aymee Alwert (Swimming, Indoor Volleyball and Beach Volleyball) – aalwert@loyno.edu
- Jonté Bernard (Women’s Basketball, Cross Country and Track and Field) – jbernar1@loyno.edu
- Natalie Wright (Baseball and Golf) – nwright1@loyno.edu
Each student-athlete is required to have a pre-participation examination, given by our team physicians before they can participate in any game or practice. These physical exams are arranged by the sports medicine staff, are free to Loyola University athletes and are good for one calendar year.
- Decisions regarding athletic injuries and health of athletes are made by Loyola team physicians or in the absence thereof, the athletic trainer, who determines when the athlete may return to activity and prescribe the level of activity allowed.
- All injuries must be reported to the athletic trainer as soon as possible.
- Athletes should report any and all medications being taken before being administered to by the athletic trainer or team physician. Additionally, team members should never share prescription drugs with teammates or other athletes.
- Athletes shall not modify or remove protective gear, pads, etc., prescribed by team physicians or the athletic trainer without clearance from those individuals.
- Do not try to “self-treat” any injury not examined by team physicians or the athletic trainer.
- Athletic training room appointments should be scheduled with an AT. Athletes should refrain from obtaining any training supplies or operating any therapeutic equipment without such permission.
- Walk-ins are subject to availability.
Forms:
Athletic Accident Insurance Policy/Coverage:
Loyola University New Orleans provides athletic accident insurance for its student athletes through Bob McCloskey Insurance/BMI Benefits LLC. Accident Insurance policy is an Excess (secondary) plan, meaning benefits are only payable after your primary insurance has processed medical expenses. Loyola University New Orleans will only be responsible for the care of injuries sustained by an athlete during a team’s traditional season, which includes participation and play/practice of an intercollegiate sport as a team or during the off-season conditioning of an intercollegiate sport that is supervised by a member of the coaching staff or athletic trainer.
Student Athlete Insurance Requirements
A student-athlete (SA) must have primary insurance to practice or compete. If a SA does not have primary insurance, more information regarding obtaining a suitable insurance plan can be found by contacting the athletic training staff. Parents and students need to verify that the primary insurance provider will cover the student-athlete in all 50 states and for specialty services. All insurance policies must include specific coverage of intercollegiate athletic injuries. International students are required to have a Global Medical Insurance Policy. Travelers Insurance and/or Short-term plans are not considered comprehensive for intercollegiate athletic participation and therefore will not be accepted.
Insurance Procedures
When an injury occurs, the student-athlete must notify the Loyola University New Orleans athletic training staff. The Athletic Trainer will fill out a claim form that will be submitted to BMI. After the first visit or treatment following an injury, for each subsequent visit, the student-athlete must inform the clinic/doctor/hospital that Loyola provides secondary insurance through BMI. If the SA has questions about a bill, it must be presented to the sports medicine staff within 30 days of receipt of the bill. Upon receipt of a bill, the remaining balance may be submitted to BMI. Be advised that the accident policy has a $500 deductible. BMI will cover only the balance of the bill that your insurance company deemed “reasonable and customary” (R&C). Any charge over the R&C charge as determined by your primary insurance company is the patient’s responsibility, not Loyola’s. All applicable itemized bills and corresponding records of payment or denial of payment must also be submitted to BMI. BMI will need an explanation of benefits from your primary insurance company. Be advised that the student athlete’s injury will be covered for a maximum period of two years from the reported injury date, or until such time as the injury is determined to be resolved by the team physician, whichever occurs first. End of Season/Exit paperwork and/or evaluations will take place to determine continuation or termination of coverage per injury sustained. If the SA fails to complete or report injuries on the End of Season/Exit paperwork, injuries will be considered resolved at the conclusion of the season (or Loyola career, if non-returner). Additionally, coverage will terminate if a preseason examination confirms that all previously reported injuries have been resolved. All appointments for medical services relating to athletic injuries must be made through the athletic trainer for Loyola University for athletic insurance coverage to be in effect. Other arrangements must be approved by the athletic trainer or team physician. Any cost associated with medical services not made at the direction of the athletic trainer or team physician will be the sole financial responsibility of the individual and his/her personal insurance. Student athletes are also enrolled in a Catastrophic Insurance policy that provides benefits for catastrophic injuries.
Policy Exclusions:
The Loyola accident insurance does not cover:
• Some medical conditions which are pre-existing to initial participation, or which occur outside of Loyola University athletic participation.
• New injuries/medical conditions that arise/occur following the last date of competition eligibility in one’s designated sport. Furthermore, if an
athlete voluntarily quits an athletic team or is terminated from an athletic team, any injuries sustained during intercollegiate activity will not be
covered on the Loyola insurance following the release date.
• Injuries that are resolved during an End of Season or Exit evaluation at the completion of the student athlete’s athletic career at Loyola.
• General medical illnesses incurred by the student-athlete. Non-athletic illnesses should be handled by student health or one’s primary personal
physician and primary insurance coverage in coordination with the sports medicine staff.
• Bills incurred by a student-athlete who seeks outside medical attention without the written knowledge and permission of the Loyola athletic
training staff or team physician.
• Bills incurred by a student athlete who is uninsured or non-compliant with Loyola’s insurance policy at the time of injury.
• Bills that are not reported within 30 days of receipt of the bill.
• Off-campus, summer workouts or competitions or injuries that are not a direct result of official Loyola athletic activity.
• Bills incurred from a Cash based healthcare company. Primary insurance must be billed in order for BMI to assist.
