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FAQs
Fees and Charges---How much does it cost?
Each student pays a medical services fee as part of registration each
semester. The fee covers the usual services provided at the Student
Health Services center. There is a charge for laboratory, pharmacy,
immunizations, other miscellaneous services, and no shows. Details are
available at Health Services. This is not an insurance fee—this is not
health insurance.
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What about health insurance? Is
student health insurance available?
All students are strongly encouraged to have adequate health and
accident insurance and carry health insurance identification cards at
all times to expedite any medical treatment.
A student health insurance plan is available to all UTSA students. For
information on coverage, costs, and applications contact Student
Resources online at
www.studentresources.com, or by calling 1-800-767-0700. The health
policy can be purchased by the semester or annually.
Student Health Services does not accept any outside insurance plans. The
student health medical fee is not a health insurance policy.
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What are my rights as a patient?
The Student Health Services recognizes its responsibility to insure that
every student, regardless of sex, age, race, beliefs or handicap has the
right to be treated with consideration and confidentiality. Students
should take the initiative to communicate their concerns and questions
about problems or changes in health condition or medications, unclear
procedures or previous health history to clinic staff. Patients have the
right to seek a second medical opinion or change physicians.
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What about the health history form and my
medical records?
Students new to UTSA are required to complete a Student Health History
Form prior to registration. This form becomes the initial entry into a
student medical record, and provides basic information such as emergency
notification data, medical history, immunization data, and permission
for treatment at Student Health Services clinics. Students should
complete any necessary immunizations prior to or during their first
semester of attendance and provide their immunization records to Student
Health Services, as well.
Students under the age of eighteen must have a parent or guardian
signature on the Health History Form authorizing treatment in order to
be seen at Student Health Services.
A medical record is maintained for each student seen in the Health
Center. Health information and medical records are strictly
confidential, and cannot be released without the student’s written
consent. Students may review their medical record with a physician or
nurse at the student’s request. Medical records are not included in the
university record system, but are maintained in compliance with Texas
state laws and are destroyed at a prescribed time in a confidential
manner. Medical records may be forwarded to a physician, attorney or
insurance company only after the student has provided a signed consent
and the address where the material is to be sent. A charge per page will
be assessed to the student, and records will be sent upon payment of the
fee.
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Can I get an excuse for missed classes or
work?
Student Health Services does not provide written or oral explanation for
missed classes or work. Class attendance is an administrative matter
between the student and faculty member. Student Health Services does not
provide excuses for employers. A signed and dated copy of the UTSA
excuse policy can be provided upon request.
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What do I do if I can’t be seen at Health
Services?
Student Health Services provides medical care for most common illnesses
found on a university campus. In case of severe or chronic illness or a
serious accident, the student will be referred to a local hospital,
urgent care clinic, personal physician or other community resource. When
transferred to a local hospital or referred to community medical
facilities, the student is responsible for any expenses incurred. If a
student needs to be transported, the student’s family or friends will be
contacted to provide transportation. If an ambulance is necessary, the
ambulance service will bill the student.
If the student encounters an emergency health problem on campus when the
clinic is closed, the student should contact the person in charge of the
appropriate housing unit or the UTSA police at 458-4242.
Each student should have a primary care physician. The physicians at
Student Health Services do not function as primary care physicians for
students.
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How do I find a doctor off campus?
If you have health insurance, you should check with your insurance
company to determine how to access health care locally. You may call the
customer service or information number on your insurance card (usually a
1-800-xxxxx number). Or you may obtain information through your parents,
if you are insured under their policy.
If you don’t have health insurance, you may check out the
Student Health
Services phone number resource list for various local facilities,
contact the local medical society for recommended physicians, contact
the local hospital referral service or check phone book listings (yellow
pages).
Making an appointment with an off campus doctor:
Now that you have the name and number of the physician that you have
chosen, follow the steps below.
- Call the physician’s office
- Introduce yourself and ask to schedule an appointment
- Tell them your current symptoms and why you wish to see the
physician
- Ask about costs, if that is a concern, and check on methods of
payment. ( i.e.
credit cards).
- Select the time that you can be seen. (If you make an appointment
and then
realize you will be unable to keep it, call to cancel the appointment.
You may be
charged for the visit if you do not.)
- Ask for directions to the office or clinic if needed
Now that you have an appointment, remember:
-
Be on
time. You may need to be early to complete paperwork before the
appointment on the first visit.
-
Be
prepared to list signs and symptoms
-
Be
prepared to give your medical history and list any medications you are
taking.
-
Be
prepared to ask questions. You may wish to write down your questions
ahead of time.
-
Ask
questions until you completely understand about your treatment and any
prescriptions.
If your
physician gives you a prescription, be sure you understand what the
medication is and how to take it. If unsure – ask questions!! Take your
prescription to a pharmacy to have it filled. Make sure you have cash,
check or a credit card to pay for it. If you have prescription coverage
with your insurance plan, you will need to follow the insurance
instructions about obtaining a prescription. Always keep your receipts
for insurance or tax purposes.
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