University Health Service (UHS)
Information for Incoming Students
Requirements & Deadlines
All incoming full-time students must complete the following before the start of classes:
- Health History Form & Immunization Requirement: Due June 30
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 not available on this web site. The original form must be submitted; it cannot be faxed. Students who are unable to submit the form by June 30 are asked to submit the form as soon as they can. The form can be filled in with a pencil or a blue or black pen. If you have questions about completing the Health History Form Coordinator, check our list of "Frequency Asked Questions." For more information, contact the UHS Health History Form Program at hhf@uhs.rochester.edu.
- Online Enrollment/Waiver Insurance Process: Recommended Date: June 30
Each year, all full-time students must complete the online Health Insurance Enrollment/Waiver Process to indicate whether they are staying on their own insurance or enrolling in the University-sponsored plan. The recommended completion date is June 30 to assure correct billing on the first billing tuition statement for the year. Students who are beginning their full-time studies before August 2012 must complete the Health Insurance Enrollment/Waiver Process in two steps. For more information about the two step process…
About the University Health Service (UHS) – 585-275-2662
The University Health Service (UHS) provides a full range of primary health care services, including preventive medical care, treatment for illnesses and injuries, management of ongoing medical problems, gynecological care, allergy injections and immunizations, and advice for any health concern. The main office of the University Health Service is in the UHS Building, which is located on campus next to Susan B. Anthony Residence Hall. The University Health Service, also referred to as UHS, is a primary care office much like your family or primary care doctor's office at home. Each student is assigned a primary care provider (PCP) at UHS. Appointments are scheduled with a student's PCP, whenever possible. Appointments with UHS health care providers are covered by the mandatory health fee. Whenever 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) – 585-275-3113
UCC provides time-limited individual and couples therapy, group therapy, medication management, 24-hour crisis service, consultation, and educational presentations for 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 and available by phone when UCC is closed. Read more
About the UHS Health Promotion Office – 585-273-5775
The UHS Health Promotion Office seeks to raise awareness of health issues and provide opportunities for students to develop health-promoting skills and attitudes. The services offered by the UHS Health Promotion Office 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. Students are encouraged to become involved in health promotion activities by taking the Peer Health Advocacy course (PH 216), joining the UR Student Health Advisory Committee (URSHAC), working or volunteering in the office, completing an internship or independent study course with Health Promotion Office staff members, and/or co-sponsoring health-related programming. Read more
Confidentiality
Services provided at the University Health Service (UHS) and the University Counseling Center (UCC) are confidential and cannot be discussed with a student patients parents, family members or friends without the students 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.
All full-time students participate in the Student Health Plan, which covers services provided by the University Health Service (UHS) and the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Student Health Plan includes:
- Mandatory Health Fee – This fee, which is paid by all full-time students, covers the cost of office visits to the University Health Service (UHS), time-limited therapy at the University Counseling Center (UCC), and health promotion programs and resources. The mandatory health fee for 2012-2013 is $480 for the year (8/1/12-7/31/12).
- Health Insurance – In addition to the mandatory health fee, all full-time students must have health insurance coverage. Students can enroll in the University-sponsored Aetna Student Health insurance or remain on their own plan if their plan meets University criteria for coverage. All students are entitled to use the services offered at UHS and UCC regardless of their insurance coverage. The fee for the University-sponsored health insurance for 2012-2013 is $1,956 for the year. For more information about the University-sponsored health insurance, click here.
Before Coming to Campus
- Whether you are staying on your current health insurance plan or enrolling in the University-sponsored Aetna Student Health plan, you must complete the online Health Insurance Enrollment/Waiver Process each year. If you are an incoming freshman, completing the online selection process by June 30 will assure correct billing on your July tuition billing statement.
- We suggest talking with your parent(s) and/or family about health insurance before coming to campus to help you understand how your insurance coverage works. Some questions to ask include: Does your insurance require you to obtain a referral before seeing a specialist or having laboratory tests or x-rays done? Are prescription medications covered? If they are, is there a cost, such as a co-payment or a deductible?
- Remember that health care services are provided by the University Health Service (UHS) and the University Counseling Center (UCC). The offices are conveniently located in the UHS Building, which is next to Susan B. Anthony Residence Hall. Students should come to UHS for their health care needs while on campus. Visits to UHS and UCC are confidential. Appointments are scheduled by calling 585-275-2662.
- It is a good idea to carry your health insurance card with you on campus. If you enroll in the University-sponsored health insurance, you will receive your insurance card at the address you used when completing the online enrollment process.
Special Medical or Mental Health Needs
If you are currently under treatment for a chronic medical or mental health concern, UHS and UCC can help you meet your needs while you are a student at the University of Rochester. You can contact UHS (585-275-2662) and/or UCC (585-275-3113) prior to coming to campus or you can wait until you arrive on campus.
Allergy Injections: If you need allergy injections, you can receive them at the University Health Service. We will ask you to schedule an initial appointment with a nurse by calling 585-275-2662. The documents below provide more information about receiving your allergy injections at UHS.
Tips for Making Your Own First Aid Kit
For minor things that might happen, it is good to have a few first aid supplies on hand. You can pack your supplies in an old shoe box or plastic container.
- Medications you take regularly.
- 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, tweezers, condoms, contraceptives, feminine hygiene products, etc.
- Some feel good items, such as soup, tea, hot chocolate.