- How much will my appointment cost? University Health Services (UHS) charges students a discounted rate for medical care and ancillary (support) services. The discounted rate is relatively low compared to private medical services. Some services through the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness, such as HIV testing and counseling are free.
These fees cover clinician services. There are additional charges for procedures and all ancillary services, such as laboratory tests, X-rays, physical therapy, pharmacy, and ambulance.
The actual cost of your visit will be determined by your nurse and/or clinician’s actual assessment and treatment. Check with the reception staff. Payment is due at the time of service and may be made by having the charge placed on the student account, or paying by cash, check, MAC or credit card (Discover, VISA or MasterCard). [more information]
- Will UHS accept my insurance? UHS does not direct bill insurance companies, except for students who are covered by the Penn State Student Health Insurance policy. All other students will be responsible for submitting the (the yellow "super bill") to their insurance company. Sometimes, these companies have follow-up questions that are easily and quickly answered by us and may prevent a delay in your reimbursement. For this reason, you will be asked to sign an authorization to allow UHS to release medical information to your insurance company. [more information]
- How do I make an appointment or talk to a nurse? It's easy to do both!
- You can make your appointment online through myUHS or call 863.0774.
- To talk with a Telephone Advice Nurse 24/7,
call 863.4463. Experienced nurses will help you decide if you need
urgent care, a clinic appointment, or self-care. They will discuss
your health concerns, such as how to deal with an injured ankle,
sore throat, medication problems, emergency contraception, or gynecological
needs.
- Can my parents access my medical records? All medical records are held in strict confidence. Although this high degree of confidentiality may be a concern to parents seeking information, medical information is released only with the student's written consent, or by a court-ordered subpoena. [more information]
- Will my parents find out why I was seen at UHS if I bill my visit to my student account? On your student account bill, only "health center charge" or a variation of that such as "health center charge - pharm" is listed. However, if you decide to submit your receipt to an insurance company for possible reimbursement, more specific information about your visit is included, and your parents may find out why you were seen at UHS.
- If I think I might have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), where can I go for help? Simply visit myUHS or call 863.0774 to schedule a convenient time to meet with one of our clinicians. You'll be able to discuss your concerns, get an examination and have any lab tests (as recommended by the clinician) done during your appointment. Your care is CONFIDENTIAL. [more information]
- How can I get started on birth control pills or get my prescription renewed? A routine gynecological exam is no longer required prior to starting some hormonal birth control methods. If a non-UHS clinician provided prescription birth control, such as birth control pills, and you want to refill your prescription through UHS, you will need to complete a health history form and briefly meet with a health care provider. At that visit, your health history will be reviewed and risks and benefits of the hormonal method you selected will be reviewed with you. In most cases, a pelvic exam will not be required in order to get a prescription for hormonal birth control.
- When is UHS open?
- UHS is open:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 9am - 5pm -
Holiday Hours:
The Student Health Center will be closed
Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day)
and Wednesday, July 4 (Independence Day).UHS will also be closed Tuesday, August 21
from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for
all-staff professional development.
- UHS is open:
- I'd like to volunteer to get experience for my major. Where do I go? UHS offers numerous opportunities to become involved in a health-related student organization. It's is a great way to make friends, participate in interesting projects, gain practical experience and start building your resume! [more information]
- What do those initials on my health care provider's name badge mean? Designations that tend to confuse people are "P.A.," "N.P.," and "D.O."
- Physicians Both osteopathic physicians (D.Os) and allopathic physicians (M.Ds) are fully qualified physicians licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medication in all 50 states. They typically have a four-year undergraduate degree with an emphasis on scientific courses and four years of basic medical education. After medical school, both D.Os and M.Ds can choose to practice in a specialty area of medicine after completing a residency program which requires an additional two to six years of training. Both D.Os and M.Ds must pass comparable state licensing examinations. (Source: American Osteopathic Association, www.am-osteo-assn.org)
- Physician assistants Physician assistants (PAs) are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in most states can write prescriptions. Graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure. (Source: American Academy of Physician Assistants, www.aapa.org)
- Nurse practitioners A nurse practitioner (NP or CRNP) is a registered nurse (RN) who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area. Nurse practitioners obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat acute health problems such as infections and injuries, diagnose, treat, and monitor chronic diseases, order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies such as lab work and x-rays, prescribe medications and other treatments, provide prenatal care and family planning services and promote positive health behaviors and self-care skills through education and counseling. (Source: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, www.aanp.org).
- Where can I go for psychological services on campus? Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is your on-campus source for psychological services. CAPS is located on the fifth floor of the Student Health Center. [more information]
Have a question that isn't answered here? You can always e-mail us at uhsinfoATsa.psu.edu.