University Health Service (UHS)
Feeling Sick – UHS Can Help!
We know it can be difficult to be sick when you are here at school. You have many demands on your time and getting sick just does not fit the plan. The University Health Service (UHS) staff members are here to help you receive the care and attention you need to help you through your illness. Please consider the University Health Service your doctor's office when you are at the UR. You have a primary care provider (PCP) at UHS. We encourage you to schedule appointments with your PCP whenever possible. Visits with the health care professionals at UHS are covered by the mandatory health fee, regardless of your insurance plan. If you need a lab test or procedure done during your visit to UHS, the charge will be submitted to your insurance company.
Here are ways UHS can be helpful when you are sick:
(With illnesses such as mono, the flu, bronchitis, or chicken pox or with recovery from surgery)
- Getting to UHS: Our main office is conveniently located in the UHS Building, which is next to the Susan B. Anthony Residence Hall. Most students can walk to our office from their residence hall. Sick students whose residence halls are farther away from the UHS Building may find it challenging to get to UHS for an appointment. Students needing assistance getting to UHS can call UHS at 275-2662 to ask for assistance. Our Nurse Manager can arrange for a ride with Security, if needed. Students who need to go from one campus to another can travel on the UR shuttle bus.
- Assuring your confidentiality: Your visits to the University Health Service are confidential, which means we will not share information about your visit with others, including your parents, unless you give your permission. Parents often call to ask about the care their student is receiving. Students can choose to give permission or not. If we have a student's permission, we can share information about the care and treatment for that specific illness. If we do not have a student's permission, we can speak with parents about our normal operation and procedures for that type of illness. There are two exceptions to this policy. If your condition is serious and you are unable to assume responsibility for informing others, we will share information with others as necessary. The other exception is for students under age 18. If you are under age 18, we are required by law to notify parents and obtain consent before providing treatment.
- Purchasing medications: We have over-the-counter medications and antibiotics that might be prescribed for an illness. Students who are seen at UHS can purchase their medications at our office. We bill the charge to the student's tuition billing statement. If the student is enrolled in the Aetna Student Health insurance plan, we will submit the charge directly to Aetna Student Health for the student. Students with a prescription card may prefer to go to a local pharmacy to fill their prescription. Our providers can write a prescription for this purpose. CVS and the Strong Memorial Hospital Employment Pharmacy are located within walking distance. Students can also use the UR shuttle bus to get to these pharmacies. Please remember that antibiotics are not appropriate for viral illnesses (e.g., mono, flu).
- Receiving follow-up care: The UHS care provider taking care of you will share information about the expected course of the illness and encourage you to call UHS if you are not feeling better as expected. You can be seen daily at UHS, if needed. Before you leave UHS, we will review our hours with you and explain what to do when UHS is closed. We always have a physician on-call and available by phone (585-275-2662) for urgent concerns that cannot wait until our offices re-open.
- Receiving IV fluids: We can administer IV fluids if needed to counteract dehydration. If you need IV fluids, you can stay in the UHS boarding room for the day and evening, if necessary. UHS is open from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. weekdays, 8:00-5:00 on Fridays, 9:00-5:00 on Saturdays, and 1:00-6:00 on Sundays.
- Staying in bed: For severe and/or highly infectious illnesses, you may be told to stay in bed for a period of time. Students with flu-like symptoms and a fever will be asked to stay in their rooms until they have been without a fever for 24 hours. We would like you to keep track of your temperature. We have thermometers to give to students. If you do not receive a thermometer when you come for a visit, ask the receptionist for one.
- Getting meals: We encourage students who feel too sick to leave their rooms to get their meals to ask a friend, roommate, or their RA to help with getting food. For undergraduates, you can check with Dining Services about picking up food for a sick friend. UHS has a limited amount of food supplies and may send you back to your room/apartment with Ginger Ale, orange juice, apple juice, and/or crackers. You might want to have a small supply of these items (plus soup, tea, and water) in the room to be prepared if you should get sick.
- Missing classes: If you are quite sick, you may need to miss class. We suggest contacting your professors by e-mail or phone to let them know you are sick. We will provide documentation of your illness and restrictions, if any, if you come to UHS for care. You can share this documentation with your professors.
- Going home: If your parents live relatively close to Rochester, you may prefer to go home for a few days. Another option that has worked for some families is for the parent or parents to come to Rochester and stay in a nearby hotel to be close by to provide care and support when you are feeling sick. The Staybridge Hotel across the river from campus is an ideal location for this option. We will support whatever decision you make.
The staff members at the University Health Service provide excellent care for students. If you are sick, please call UHS (585-275-2662) to schedule an appointment to be seen by one of our health care providers. Our office in the UHS Building on the River Campus is open 7 days a week during the academic year. Our offices in the Medical Center and at the Eastman School of Music are open weekdays.
We are here to help you stay healthy or return to health if sick. If you have questions about the care and services UHS provides students, please check our web site (www.rochester.edu/uhs), e-mail us (ldudman@uhs.rochester.edu), or call us (585-273-5770). We want to answer any questions you may have.
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