Where to Get Care
Choosing where to go when sick or injured will impact the kind of care received and the cost of services provided. Individuals may choose to visit their primary care provider, an urgent care center, or an emergency department depending on what type of injury or symptoms are present and how serious they are. The table below can help when deciding where to seek help.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
Options for Care
Primary Care is for non-urgent symptoms and chronic (ongoing) conditions.
| Cost | Hours | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|
|
Most SHS primary care visits are no-cost with UC SHIP or RAFT. Costs with other insurance will vary. |
SHS is open weekdays during daytime hours with extended in-person hours on Mondays and evening and weekend telehealth appointments available. Hours at non-SHS clinics will vary. |
Prescriptions, x-rays, lab, ongoing care. See SHS services. |
Examples
- allergy symptoms and post-nasal drip
- care for chronic medical conditions
- contraception options counseling or contraception management
- fatigue or sleep disturbance
- follow-up visits or to review results
- gender affirming care
- joint pain or back pain >2 weeks
- medication management or refills
- mental health well-being
- rash without fever
- referral for specialty care
- reproductive health such as polycystic ovary syndrome or menstrual symptoms
- routine check ups
- skin conditions such as acne or eczema
- wellness visits or to establish care
Urgent Care is for symptoms that are urgent but not life threatening.
| Cost | Hours | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|
|
Most SHS urgent care visits are no-cost with UC SHIP or a $20 co-pay with RAFT, and UCSD Health Urgent Care near campus is a $25 co-pay. Costs with other insurance will vary. |
SHS is open weekdays during daytime hours with extended in-person hours on Mondays. Evening and weekend hours are available at UCSD Health Express Care and Urgent Care near campus. |
Prescriptions, x-rays, lab. |
Examples
- joint pain or back pain for <2 weeks
- low impact head trauma without loss of consciousness
- mild to moderate abdominal pain
- mild to moderate allergic reactions or insect stings
- mild to moderate dehydration or heat exhaustion symptoms such as fatigue, increased thirst, decreased urination, and dizziness
- mild to moderate headache or migraine
- mild wheezing or shortness of breath
- minor injuries such as sprains, strains, minor dislocations or broken bones
- minor to moderate cuts requiring stitches
- moderate to severe cold/flu symptoms
- persistent vomiting or diarrhea for >3 days
- rash with fever or skin infection
- suicidal or homicidal ideation
- throat, eye, or ear symptoms such as pain, itching, redness, or discharge
- urinary symptoms as frequency, urgency, and pain/burning with urination or symptoms of and/or exposure to a sexually transmitted infection
Emergency departments are for critical situations that threaten the loss of your life or limbs.
| Cost | Hours | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|
|
Emergency visits are a $150 copay with UC SHIP; costs with other insurance will vary. |
Open 24/7. |
Prescriptions, advanced imaging, x-rays, lab, advanced life-saving measures. |
Examples
- high impact trauma or injury to head or eyes with or without loss of consciousness
- moderate to severe abdominal pain
- moderate to severe allergic reaction
- moderate to severe chest pain
- moderate to severe cuts requiring stitches
- moderate to severe dehydration or heat exhaustion symptoms such as extreme fatigue, increased thirst, decreased urination, dizziness, fainting/lightheaded, and rapid weak pulse
- moderate to severe eye or skin burns or chemical exposure
- moderate to severe injuries such as broken bones with open skin, multiple broken bones, or severely dislocated joints
- moderate to severe wheezing or shortness of breath
- seizure or seizure-like activity
- severe cold/flu symptoms
- severe headache or migraine
- severe sore throat, unable to swallow saliva
- suicidal or homicidal ideation
- weakness or numbness in one side of the body or slurred speech
SHS Nurse Advice Line
Need advice when you are sick or injured? Call (858) 534-3300 to consult with a Registered Nurse, available 24/7 to ALL students at no cost.
See options for Urgent Care, After-Hours Care, and Emergency Care.
Resources
Where Should I Go For Care? (PDF)
Where to Get Care Full Guide (PDF)
