Information for Incoming Students

University Health Service (UHS)

Information for Incoming Students

Requirements & Deadlines

All incoming full-time students must complete the following:

Health History Form & Immunization Requirement: by the start of classes
New York State law mandates the documentation of immunizations prior to starting school. All incoming students receive the Health History Form in their enrolling student packet after they have accepted admission to the University. The form is a scantron form and, therefore, is not available on this web site.

Online Health Insurance Selection Process: by the start of classes
All full-time students must have health insurance. Each year, you must complete the online Health Insurance Selection Process and indicate whether you are staying on your own insurance or enrolling in the University-sponsored plan.

Upcoming Flu Season Demands Precautions

Those healthy tips from first grade still apply: Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing. The H1N1 flu virus is now considered a global pandemic and more than 70 countries have identified cases. University Health Service offers advice about how to avoid the flu this fall. Read more . . .

About the University Health Service (UHS)

UHS is a fully staffed outpatient medical facility accredited by The Joint Commission. The office is centrally located on campus (near Susan B. Anthony Residence Hall) and offers a multitude of medical services for students. Unlike high school, UHS is not a nurse’s office. UHS is a doctor’s office like your family or primary care doctor’s office. Each student is assigned a primary care provider (PCP) and appointments are scheduled with the PCP. When UHS is closed, a UHS physician is on-call and available by phone for urgent concerns that cannot wait until the office re-opens. Read more…

About the University Counseling Center (UCC)

UCC provides individual, couples, and group therapy, medication management, 24-hour crisis service, consultation and educational presentations to students. These services are covered by the mandatory health fee. Therapy is available for a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, relationships difficulties, alcohol concerns, as well as school/academic issues and/or general discomforts about what is going on in one’s life. A UCC mental health professional is on-call when UCC is closed. Read more…

About the UHS Health Promotion Office (HPO)

The UHS Health Promotion Office seeks to raise awareness of health issues and provide opportunities for members of the University of Rochester community to develop health-promoting skills and attitudes. HPO services are covered by the mandatory health fee and include educational programs and workshops, web-based health assessments, free condoms, and brochures on a variety of health topics. HPO welcomes student involvement in health promotion activities through the Peer Health Advocacy class, the UR Student Health Advisory Committee, student employment and internships, and joint programming with campus organizations. Read more…

Confidentiality

Services provided at UHS and UCC are confidential and cannot be discussed with a student patient’s parents, family members or friends without the student’s written consent in compliance with HIPAA law. Unlike a school nurse, health care providers at UHS and UCC will not inform your parent about an illness or medical concern. It is up to you to keep your parents up to date on any medical issues you might be experiencing.

Paying for Health Care

The mandatory health fee is required for all full-time students and covers the cost of UHS office visits, time-limited therapy at UCC, and health promotion programs and resources. Additionally, all full-time students must also have health insurance coverage. Students can enroll in the University sponsored Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) insurance plan offered through UHS or remain on their own or parent’s plan. All students are entitled to use the services offered at UHS and UCC regardless of the insurance plan they carry.

Before Coming to Campus

Whether you are staying on your current health insurance plan (i.e. parent(s)) or enrolling in the University sponsored BCBS insurance, you must complete the online Health Insurance Selection Process. Completing the online selection process by June 30 will assure the correct billing on your July tuition bill.

Talk with your parent(s) and/or family and understand how your insurance works before you arrive. Go over any questions you might have, including: Does your insurance require you to obtain a referral to see a specialist or to have special testing done? Is there a cost, such as a co-pay, for prescription medications?

Make sure you have a copy of your health insurance card to carry with you on campus. If you enroll in the University-sponsored BCBS insurance before June 30, your insurance card will be mailed to your campus CPU box in mid-September.

Special Medical or Mental Health Needs

If you are currently under treatment for a chronic medical or mental health disorder, UHS and UCC can continue to help you meet your needs upon arrival in Rochester. Inform UHS (585) 275-2662 and/or UCC (585) 275-3113, so we can assist you in arranging for ongoing care with a provider before you arrive on campus.

Tips for Making Your Own First Aid Kit

For minor things that might happen, it’s good to have the following on hand. You can pack it up in an old shoe box or plastic container.

Medications you take daily and some over-the-counter medications that work for you for pain, fever, allergies, insect bites, stomach distress, etc.

Medications for cold symptoms (Check Cold Self-Care for tips for dealing with a sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion.)

Some supplies, such as a thermometer, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, cough drops, sunscreen, chapstick, bandages, antiseptic, and tweezers.

Condoms, contraceptives, feminine hygiene product

Some feel good items, such as soup, tea, …