Student Health Service - Frequently Asked Questions

When is SHS open?
Regular Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm, except Wed 9am-4:30pm
Quarter Breaks: Open regular hours, but closed 12 noon - 1pm
We are closed on all University holidays

Where is Student Health?
SHS is located on Library Walk, west of the Price Center, south of Geisel Library (click on "Map" above).
Mail Address: UCSD Student Health (0039); 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0039
Telephone: (858) 534-3300 - Fax (858) 534-0814

Are the health services at SHS free?
Routine appointments are fee for registered students. There is a co pay for Urgent Care. For students without SHIP insurance coverage, there are modest charges for laboratory tests, x-rays, and specialty appointments. (link to cost of services page)

Do I have to pay for services at SHS at the time I'm seen, or can I be billed later?
Depending on insurance and other criteria, there may be charges for some services/products at SHS. You should be prepared to pay these charges at the time of visit. We cannot currently bill your general campus account for charges. Any unpaid charges are billed through the Bursar's Office and carry a processing fee of $8.00. Non-payment may affect your standing at the University. We accept check, credit cards and cash; we do not accept Triton cards or American Express cards at this time.

I do not have the University health insurance (SHIP). Can I still be seen at SHS?
All currently registered UCSD students can be seen at SHS, regardless of insurance coverage. There are fees for some services. See Cost of Services

I am an Extension student/ESL student/spouse of a student/staff/faculty. Can I be seen at Student Health?
SHS is for the exclusive use of full time, registered UCSD students, and certain others on a fee-for-service basis.

How do I make an appointment at SHS?
There are three ways to make an appointment:

Online scheduling (currently available for general appointments, Annual Gynecological, and Nutrition)
Call Central Scheduling at (858) 534-8089
Use the scheduling phone (in the hallway between main lobby and Group 2)

Same-day appointments are available for urgent visits by phone only (858) 534-8089. Call early in the day for best availability. These appointments are not available online.
If there are no same-day appointments available or you require immediate attention, you can walk in to Urgent Care or First Aid (a co-pay applies).

Clinic services by appointment include:

Primary health care
General Appointments with physicians and nurse practitioners
Women�s Health Services
Men�s Health Services
Sports Medicine (by SHS referral only)
Travel Clinic (call Group I (858) 534-2918)
Nutrition Counseling

How do I cancel an appointment?
When you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please cancel online or call our 24-hour cancellation line at (858) 534-1770. Failure to cancel at least four hours prior to the scheduled appointment time will result in a $15.00 no-show fee.

How do I know I will receive quality health care at SHS?
The SHS is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and is staffed by licensed Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, and Technicians. All of our physicians in are board-certified, either in Family Practice or Internal Medicine. The SHS staff are committed to helping students maintain healthy lifestyles.

Our goals are to:

Provide accessible, timely, primary care that is personalized, confidential, cost effective and meets the high standards of the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care.
Educate our students, emphasizing health promotion, healthy life styles, and lifelong disease prevention.
Assist the campus community in providing a supportive environment for students to pursue personal wellness.

Can I choose my health care provider?
Yes. You may specify which provider you would like to see when scheduling an appointment. See Our Staff for physician and nurse practitioner biographies and photos. If you have an ongoing health problem, it is usually preferable for you to stay with the same provider as much as possible, as they will already be familiar with you, and can best ensure a consistent medical plan.

How often should I have a general checkup?
Contrary to what many people think, most healthy young people do not need a regular physical examination or blood work. Routine recommendations for young adults are for blood pressure and weight checks about every 2 years, a cholesterol check every 5 years after age 35, annual STD testing and PAP smears (every 2 years if liquid based PAP�s) if you are sexually active, and maintenance of current immunizations. Additional examination and lab testing may be indicated if you are having abnormal signs or symptoms, or have a personal or family history of certain medical conditions. You may make an appointment for a well check if you would like a review of your risk factors and health recommendations. Please note, if you are a sexually active woman, your annual gynecological exam will include a general checkup.

How can I see a specialist?
Most common medical conditions can be managed by a primary care provider at SHS. However, if specialist care is indicated, SHS providers can give you a referral to see other specialists within the local community. If you are enrolled in SHIP, you must have a referral by SHS in order to be covered by your insurance. If you have outside insurance, check your plan, as some will require a referral by your private primary care provider.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Will details of my medical care be kept absolutely confidential, even from my parents?
California state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act of 1996 (HIPAA) protect the confidentiality of communications between health professionals and their patients. At SHS, we will not discuss information about you with others without your consent except as required by law. (see link to consent information)

I notice that there are student volunteers in the clinic. Will they read my chart and know about my medical condition?
Medical records are strictly confidential. Volunteers are not allowed to open or read your medical charts.

IMMUNIZATIONS

What are the UCSD admission health requirements?
California law requires completion of the series of three Hepatitis B immunizations (or documentation of approved reason for waiver) for all incoming students who are under 19 years of age. Students will find a link to the required form on their myapplication checklist.

What would happen to me if I don't complete the Hepatitis B Clearance process?
If you do not complete the Hepatitis B clearance form, a hold will be placed on your registration for classes.

Can I get my Hepatitis B Immunization completed at SHS?
Yes. This immunization is required for all first time enrollees at the University of California who are 18 years old or younger. This 3-shot series can be completed by your family health care provider or at SHS. If you have started the series and want to finish at SHS, you need to bring documentation from your family provider documenting dates, etc., of previous Hepatitis B shots. The necessary forms for documenting your Hepatitis B immunization status are available online.

I can't find my old immunization papers. What can I do?
You can try to obtain a copy of your immunization record from your high school or your pediatrician's office. If not obtainable, you may need to start the adult series of the vaccination over, or elect to be tested for immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B by a simple blood test. You can walk in to the Nurses Clinic to discuss your questions, needs and options.

What are the recommended immunizations for college students?
We most strongly encourage all students to be immunized against the major vaccine-preventable diseases that can disrupt their studies and may pose more serious complications.
Basic recommended immunizations are:

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): most often given as a combined series called MMR. The recommendation is a series of 2 shots.
Tetanus: the World Health Organization recommends a tetanus booster every 10 years. However, if it has been more than 5 years and a student has an injury that could pose tetanus risk, they will be encouraged to have another at that time.
Pertussis: pertussis or whooping cough can be a more serious disease the older you are, so if never immunized as a child, consider getting a DTAP vaccination (a version of DTP - diptheria, tetanus, pertussis - that is specifically for adult age).
Polio: completion of the childhood series
Chickenpox: if you have never had chickenpox, there is now a vaccination available. Since this vaccine is new, it's long-term immunity is not known. Every year, some students do contract chickenpox - often during finals week - and are not allowed to attend classes during the active phase of the disease.
Hepatitis B: a series of 3 vaccines that is required for UCSD admission if under the age of 19, and recommended for everyone.
Influenza (Flu): 1 shot yearly (this is available at SHS). It is especially recommended for those with a higher-risk health conditions such as chronic respiratory disease (such as asthma), diabetes, or chronic heart, kidney, or immune system disease.
Tuberculin skin test: not a vaccination, but if never tested or it has been many years, consider getting tuberculin skin test to check for exposure to active TB - on the rise again in this country. To be effective, TB treatment needs to begin as early as possible.

Can I get immunizations at SHS?
Yes, SHS has all basic and travel vaccines available. There are approximately a dozen vaccine-preventable diseases that can disrupt your college career. An RN visit and your immunization record from home is all you need to get your immunization status reviewed. SHS provides immunizations against the following contagious diseases: Chicken Pox, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, HPV (human papilloma virus) Influenza, Japanese Encephalitis*, Measles, Meningococcal Meningitis, Mumps, Pertussis, Pneumococal Pneumonia, Polio, Rabies*, Rubella, Tetanus, Typhoid* and Yellow Fever*. (* requires a Travel Clinic appointment. All others are routine vaccines and can be obtained through Nurses Clinic on a walk-in basis)

Is the Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination (Menactra) recommended and is it available at SHS?
We recommend Meningococcal meningitis immunization for freshmen living in residence halls who do not have medical or personal contraindications to vaccination. In general, the overall campus student population age 18-24 is not at increased risk for this disease compared to same-age non-students. A slight increased risk has been demonstrated for upperclassmen in residence hall and freshmen living outside of the residence halls. However that increase is quite small. For these students, as well as other students on campus, we advise consideration of the risks, benefits and limitations of the vaccine but neither recommend nor discourage immunization.

The Meningococcal meningitis vaccine is available at SHS and can be done through Nurse�s Clinic on a walk-in basis. We encourage students to discuss this vaccine with your family primary care provider or with SHS clinical staff to determine if this shot is a priority for you. Meningitis, even for freshmen and students in residence halls, is extremely rare but catastrophic when it occurs. The vaccine is highly (but not 100%) effective against serogroups C, Y, W-135, and A, but it is not effective against serogroup B meningitis. It is thought that shot immunity lasts approximately 10 years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control Web site indicates slightly increased risks for the following students: freshman in dorms, white race, radiator heat, recent upper respiratory infection. Read more here.

Is the HPV vaccine available at SHS? How much does it cost?
Yes, Gardasil, the new vaccine for human papilloma virus, is available at SHS. It is a series of 3 vaccines given over a 6 month period, and protects against the most common forms of HPV which can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. It is recommended for females ages 9-26. Check in at the main lobby desk for Nurse�s Clinic (see link for hours) The cost is $125 per vaccine, ($62.50 if you are enrolled in SHIP).

SEXUAL HEALTH

Can I be tested for sexually transmitted diseases at SHS?
Yes, you can make an appointment to be tested and treated for sexually transmitted diseases.

If you do not have symptoms, you may schedule a routine appointment. (Men also have the option to attend a Men�s Info Session, and obtain STD screening without an appointment.)
If you do have symptoms, you should see a provider as soon as possible, either in a same-day appointment, or through Urgent Care.

Cultures can be collected for sexually transmitted diseases during a genital examination. Some diseases require urine or blood testing for diagnosis. Medication will be prescribed for any tests that are positive. SHS also provides education for preventing recurrence or partner transmission.

Does SHS do HIV testing? Is it confidential or anonymous?
Confidential HIV testing is done in the Nurse's Clinic at SHS on a walk in basis Mon-Fri 8-11:30am, except Wed 9-11:30am and every afternoon from 2:00-3:30pm. Check in at the front Registration desk and request "Counseling". This testing is confidential and the results are not released without your specific written consent. Confidential HIV testing is free for students enrolled in SHIP, and $17.79 for those without SHIP.

Anonymous HIV testing is available through our Health Education Department (walk in to 2nd floor of SHS). Anonymous testing means a random identification number is used to request the test and is printed on the test result. Your name is not used in the testing process at all. SHS offers anonymous testing on specified days and times for a fee of $10.00.

The San Diego Department of Health Services and other community clinics also offer free anonymous HIV antibody testing.

Does SHS provide birth control information?
Yes, birth control information is offered through free info sessions given by our peer educators. Our website lists the days and times of these info sessions.

How can I get a prescription for birth control pills?
If you have never been on birth control pills, go to one of our free Sexual Health Info Sessions first. You may then schedule a general appointment with any of our providers to obtain a prescription, or request a prescription at your annual gynecological examination if you are due for a PAP smear and/or STD screen.

How much do birth control pills cost at SHS?
Most birth control pill brands are now available in a generic form and will cost $15 per month for students covered by SHIP. For those without SHIP, the generic cost is approximately $21; brand names run between $35-50.

What if I forgot a birth control pill? What if I have forgotten 3 or 4?
If you forget one pill, and it has been less than 24 hours -- take it when you remember, then continue taking pills at your regularly scheduled time. You are still protected as long as this only happens once during a cycle.

If you forget one pill and it has been more than 24 hours but less than 48 hours, take it with your next pill (i.e. take both pills together) then resume your regular pill taking schedule. You can take 2 pills together anytime, but it is best to take them as soon as you remember. Your protection is probably diminished so it is recommended that you use a back-up method of birth control until the end of your pill cycle. It is common to have breakthrough bleeding if you miss pills.

If you completely skip pill-taking pills for more than 48 hours, do not try to catch up. Stop the pills. You will start your period a few days after stopping pills. It is best to talk to your clinician or an advice nurse to understand how to restart pills with the least interruption of your contraception. You are not protected and need to use a back-up method of birth control. If you had intercourse during the "missed pill days", call your clinician. You may benefit from ECP, emergency contraception pills.

If you have vomiting or diarrhea from the flu or excessive alcohol consumption, etc., pills may not be absorbed, which is equivalent to missing a pill. If possible, keep an extra pill pack just for these occasions. As soon as possible take the equivalent pill from this extra pack. If this is not possible or you continue to vomit or have diarrhea, use a back-up method until the end of the cycle. Contact a health care provider at SHS if you are uncertain about illness affecting your pill use.

When should I start having regular (annual) gynecological exams and PAP smears?
An annual gynecological exam at SHS consists of a general health history and physical exam, and a breast and pelvic exam. STD testing and a PAP smear may be done during the pelvic exam. Contraception may be prescribed during the annual exam. Annual exams should be performed within a year after first intercourse. Annual STD screening is recommended if you are sexually active. It is now recommended that women start having regular PAP smears (a test for cancer or precancerous changes of the cervix) at age 21, or 3 years after first intercourse. If you have never had a gynecological exam before, you must attend a Sexual Health Info Session prior to scheduling your appointment.

How much does it cost to have a PAP smear?
There is no charge to students enrolled in SHIP. The cost is $14.60 for students who are not enrolled in SHIP.

Can I get a pregnancy test done at SHS?
Yes. You will need to see a triage nurse. Check in at the main lobby reception desk. There is a $5 charge for self-requested testing ($15 if you do not have SHIP insurance.) If the test is positive, you will be offered an appointment with a nurse to discuss options and obtain necessary referrals.

What is a yeast infection? What can be done for it? Can men get it from a girlfriend?
Yeast is an organism that is normally found in the vagina. Yeast overgrowth sometimes causes symptoms of itching and discharge, which is often referred to as a yeast infection. There are medications that can be prescribed after a diagnosis is made. If you are fairly certain your symptoms are due to yeast (you have been diagnosed with the same symptoms before), you may try an over-the-counter vaginal yeast cream. If your symptoms do not resolve after 3-5 days of using the cream, or if you have pelvic pain, bad odor, vaginal sores, fever or otherwise feel ill, your symptoms may be due to another type of infection and you must see your health care provider promptly. Occasionally yeast is transferred to a male through intercourse, but this is uncommon. Uncircumcised men are more likely to acquire a genital yeast infection.

TRAVEL

Do you give travel advice?
Yes, we have a Travel Clinic where you can get up-to-date health advice and immunization prescriptions related to your destination. Certain immunizations require that you have a Travel Clinic appointment (Japanese encephalitis, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever, and malaria prevention pills) There is a charge for Travel Clinic appointments - call for your appointment: (858) 534-2918).

When should I schedule my travel appointment?
Since many immunizations require multiple doses, or must be given well in advance of travel (see immunization handout for schedule),we recommend you schedule your appointment at least 6 weeks prior to travel. Our travel appointments fill quickly in the Spring quarter, as many students are traveling abroad in the summer months, so it is best to call an additional 3-4 weeks before you need the appointment. Call Group I for your appointment: (858) 534-2918.

TB TESTING

I need a TB test for my school or job application. How can I do this at SHS?
TB skin testing (PPD) is done through Nurse�s Clinic on a walk-in basis. The test involves injecting a very small amount of antigen just under the skin in the forearm, then a reading of the test results in 2-3 days. PPD�s cannot be placed on Thursdays, since we cannot read them on Saturday or Sunday. If you have had a positive PPD skin test in the past, you should not have another skin test done. Instead, a chest x-ray is required to verify you do not have active tuberculosis. The nurse can order the x-ray for you.

My health care provider at SHS says I should take a medication because I have a positive skin test for tuberculosis. Why?
A positive skin test for TB means you have had exposure to the TB bacteria. If you have no evidence of active infection (confirmed by a review of your history, a physical examination, and a normal chest x-ray), you have what is a called a latent infection. You are not contagious to other people if you have a latent infection. There is approximately a 10% chance of people with latent TB of ever developing active TB in the future.

A medication called INH, taken for 9 months, is recommended for those with a positive PPD reading unless contraindication exists. The purpose is to treat the infection in its dormancy, thereby preventing it from becoming an active TB infection, a serious and contagious infection. For further information, see the CDC websiteat www.cdc.gov.

LAB TESTING

How do I get my lab results? Can I get a copy?
You will need to call or go to your provider's group where you had your appointment to get your lab results. (Exceptions are: HIV tests - you must come in to obtain these results in person; and PAP smear results - are mailed to you.)

If you were seen in Urgent Care, most providers have their main offices in one of the Groups (1, 2, or 3) . Call the group directly for results. If your provider works in Urgent Care only (see provider list), call (858) 534-3302 and ask to be connected for results.

The groups keep a copy of test results for 2-3 weeks. After this, you can request a copy of results from Medical Records on the first floor of SHS (858) 534-2139. The laboratory staff cannot give you lab results.

I was told I need to fast before my lab work. What does that mean?
Certain lab tests require fasting for accuracy. These include fasting blood sugar, and cholesterol testing. Fasting lab work requires no food, drink (other than water), or gum for 12 hours prior to having your blood drawn. Routine medications may be taken with water.

How can I get a cholesterol check?
Cholesterol checks are recommended every 5 years for males at age 35, and females at age 45. Testing may be recommended at an earlier age for certain people with a strong family history of high cholesterol, or those with certain other conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Checking cholesterol levels requires fasting for 12 hours prior to having your blood drawn. You will need to make an appointment with a health care provider to have your cholesterol check ordered.

My private health care provider has requested I get lab work done. Can I have it done at SHS?
Yes. You will need a written lab order from your provider that includes the tests to be done and the frequency (if more than a one-time order), related diagnosis, the provider's name, address, phone, and fax number. Bring the order to the triage nurse (check in at main lobby reception desk.)

If SHS did not refer you to the outside provider and/or you do not have SHIP insurance, there may be charges for lab work done at SHS.

Do you test for sexually transmitted diseases?
Yes, you can make an appointment to be tested and treated for sexually transmitted diseases.

If you do not have symptoms, you may schedule a routine appointment. (Men also have the option to attend a Men�s Info Session, and obtain STD screening without an appointment.)
If you do have symptoms, you should see a provider as soon as possible, either in a same-day appointment, or through Urgent Care.

The San Diego Department of Health Services and other community clinics also offer free anonymous HIV antibody testing.

ALLERGY INJECTIONS

I take regular allergy shots. Can I continue to get my allergy shots at SHS?
Yes. For those students who are on a maintenance schedule of injections with an allergy specialist (antigens provided by the patient), arrangements can be made to give those injections at Nurses Clinic (for a fee) to those who qualify for this service.

If you desire this service please contact Nurses Clinic (858) 534-2918 to discuss your case further. There are forms that must be completed by your allergist, and you must be on a stable dosage schedule prior to administration of allergy shots at SHS.

INSURANCE

What is SHIP?
The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is a comprehensive health plan that provides a full range of medical coverage, including in/out patient services, specialty care, emergency care, hospitalization and mental health care, as well as dental and pharmacy coverage. Health Insurance is a mandatory non-academic condition for enrollment at UCSD. It ensures that (a) you will have access to medical care anytime you need it, (b) you will not experience a financial catastrophe in receiving the care you need and (c) you will have the help you need to avoid compromising your academic progress.

To ensure all students have adequate health care coverage and to satisfy the mandatory health insurance requirement, UCSD enrolls and provides SHIP coverage to all registered students each academic year.

Can I use my insurance to pay for prescriptions?
Students enrolled in SHIP may use their insurance to purchase prescriptions at the SHS pharmacy. There is a $15 co-pay for generic medications, and $30 co-pay for brand names. If you purchase your prescription at an outside pharmacy, you will have to pay for it in full, then submit the bill to SHIP, which will then only reimburse at 50% of the cost.

SHS is unable to bill outside health insurance plans. Students not enrolled in SHIP may purchase medications at the SHS pharmacy, then submit the bill to their own insurance for reimbursement. Students not enrolled in SHIP may also purchase medications at any community pharmacy.

I waived SHIP because I have private insurance, can I still use Student Health Service?
All students who pay full registration fees are entitled to use SHS, regardless of insurance. Physician and nurse practitioner visits are covered at little or no cost. However, students who are not enrolled in SHIP may incur additional charges for labs, x-rays and prescriptions. SHS does not bill private insurance.

I am not insured under SHIP but have private insurance. Can I be seen at SHS and have SHS bill my insurance directly?
We do not bill your insurance carrier. You would have to submit your receipt to insurance carrier for reimbursement.

How can I get more information about SHIP?
Please see the Insurance section of the SHS web site for more information.