University of Kentucky - Student Affairs, University Health Service

Student Health

Workers Care

Employee Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the questions listed under the various categories for the answers.

CLINICAL SERVICES PRESCRIPTIONS

HEALTH FEE INFORMATION MINOR STUDENTS

HEALTH INSURANCE PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES FIRST AID KIT

OUTSIDE PHYSICIAN ORDERS HEALTH EDUCATION INFORMATION

OBTAINING MEDICAL RECORDS

CLINICAL SERVICES
Do you offer flu shots?

Do you offer the meningitis vaccine?

Do you offer the hepatitis B vaccine?

If I started the hepatitis B vaccine but did not complete the series will I have to start the entire series over?

What happens if a student is diagnosed with meningitis?

My doctor at home wants me to have lab tests done. Will the health fee cover those labs? Will the health service fax/mail the lab results to my doctor at home?

I am a diabetic. Does the Health Service provide a container for disposal of needles?

Can I continue to self-administer my allergy shots while I am living in the residence hall?

Does the Health Service have free condoms?

I have an eating disorder. Is there someone at the Health Service I can talk with?

Does the Health Service offer sexual health counseling?

Does the Health Service offer nutritional counseling?

Does the Health Service offer mental/emotional counseling? (back to FAQ contents)

HEALTH FEE/COVERAGE
What does the University Health Service (UHS) health fee cover?

I understand that part-time students do not automatically pay the UHS health fee. What is the procedure for part-time students who want to pay the health fee?

What does the Aetna Student Insurance cover and how is it different from the health fee?

Am I eligible to be seen at UHS if I graduate?

Am I eligible to be seen if I "sit out" a semester or more?

Can I have my health fee waived if I have my own insurance?

Am I covered by the health fee during the summer? (back to FAQ contents)

HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION
Will my parents' insurance cover me while I am attending University of Kentucky?

What is the difference between the mandatory student health fee and student insurance?

Can a non-student husband/wife be seen at University Health Service?

Can my children be seen at University Health Service? (back to FAQ contents)

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES
What forms of payment do you accept for service?

How much time do I have to pay my bill?

How much are fee-for-service visits?

Why doesn't the Health Service file private insurance claims?

Will you send my medical bills to my parents? (back to FAQ contents)

OUTSIDE PHYSICIAN ORDERS
My doctor at home wants me to have lab tests done. Will the health fee cover those labs? Will the health service fax/mail the lab results to my doctor at home? (back to FAQ contents)

PRESCRIPTION INFORMATION
How much does it cost for oral contraceptives?

How can I get a prescription for birth control pills?

Will I be able to fill my out-of-state prescriptions(s) at the Health Service pharmacy?

Can I receive the student rate for prescriptions written by a physician outside the University Health Service?

Click here for information about the Student Health Pharmacy (back to FAQ contents)

MINOR STUDENTS
I am a "minor" student - not yet 18 years old. Will I need a parental consent to be seen at University Health Service? (back to FAQ contents)

PSYCHOLOGICAL/EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
I/my roommate/friend is depressed. What can I do?

I am concerned about my grades. Is there anyone I can talk to?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

I am concerned about my out-of-control drinking or drug use. Who can I talk to? (back to FAQ contents)

HEALTH EDUATION INFORMATION
Where can I get confidential health education and prevention information?

Is there someplace I can get free condoms? (back to FAQ contents)

OBTAINING MEDICAL RECORDS
How do I get copies of my medical record?

Do you offer flu shots?
We offer flu shots each year in late October unless there is a shortage of flu vaccine. Watch the Kentucky Kernel (UK student newspaper) for flu shot information or you may call the University Health Service at 323-5823. (top)

Do you offer the hepatitis B vaccine?
Yes. You may call 323-APPT (2778) for an appointment. Please bring proof from your physician or health department if you have already received the first one or two of the three doses. (top)

If I started the hepatitis B vaccine but did not complete the series will I have to start the entire series over?
No. We pick up the series where you left off. (top)

My doctor at home wants me to have lab tests done. Will the health fee cover those labs? Will the health service fax/mail the lab results to my doctor at home?
Laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic tests requested by a non University Health Service clinician will not be covered by a student's health fee. You can schedule an appointment at the Health Service (323-2778) to discuss your illness, diagnostic tests and having results sent to your own physician. (top)

I am a diabetic. Does the Health Service provide a container for disposal of needles?
Yes. Schedule a nursing appointment to pick up the container for disposal of syringes and needles. When the container is full, bring it back to the University Health Service to be exchanged for a new one. Call 323-APPT (2778) and ask for a "nursing appointment." (top)

Can I continue to self-administer my allergy shots while I am living in the residence hall?
We prefer that you schedule a nursing appointment in the University Health Service to receive your allergy injections. Your antigen can be stored in the refrigerator in our allergy injection room. Severe reactions can occur without warning after an allergy injection. If you are not in a medical facility at the time of a reaction, treatment can be dangerously delayed. (top)

Does the Health Service have free condoms?
Yes. Condoms can be obtained at no cost at the University Health Service, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am. - 5:00 pm, or 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in the summer. For more information about condoms or to talk with a Health Education Specialist, you may call Fadyia at 323-5823, or go to the American Social Health Association Web site. (top)

I have an eating disorder. Is there someone at the Health Service I can talk with?
University Health Service has a registered dietitian as well as mental health counselors who treat people with disordered eating. You can reach the dietitian at 323-5823 ext 238. Or call the Mental Health clinic at 323-5511. Also, you can call the University Counseling & Testing Center at
257-8701. (top)

What does the Aetna Student Health insurance cover and how is it different from the health fee?
All full-time UK students pay a mandatory health fee in the fall and spring semesters that entitles them to most services at University Health Service at no additional cost. The health fee is voluntary for all students in the summer, as well as for all part-time students in the fall and spring semesters. The student insurance (Aetna Student Health) is a health insurance plan that is available for students to purchase. The plan offers inpatient, outpatient, injury, surgical and prescription benefits. (top)

Can I have my health fee waived if I have my own insurance?
Sorry - no. The Student Health Fee is mandatory for all UK students, and is recommended for all part-time students. It is one of several fees approved by the UK Board of Trustees to provide the optimum educational experience for our students. The fee supports a broad spectrum of services, including public health activities carried out by the Health Service for both routine and emergency public health functions. In many ways, the Health Service acts as the health department for the University, providing health education on campus, offering immunizations, sponsoring flu vaccine campaigns, advising the administration on health matters, and working to prevent outbreaks of disease within the campus community. UHS also provides a wide range of medical services at no additional cost to the student.

We have found that even the small insurance co-payments and deductibles required by insurance companies can be a barrier to students seeking necessary health care. The Health Service eliminates this barrier. It is often less expensive to use UHS than to pay co-payments.

Finally, the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care ensures the high quality of care offered at UHS, a distinction few outside doctors' offices hold. As an integral part of the Student Affairs division, we can mobilize all resources necessary to ensure success for every student t the University of Kentucky. (top)

Will my parents' insurance cover me while I am attending University of Kentucky?
The best answer we can give is "maybe." We recommend that parents contact the health insurance company to inform them that their student will be attending the University of Kentucky and inquire about any coverage issues. Students should bring a copy of parents' insurance card to facilitate quick pre-certifications for referral appointments, emergency room visits and treatment not provided by University Health Service. (top)

Can a non-student husband/wife be seen at University Health Service?
The non-student spouse may be seen on a fee-for-service basis, EXCEPT FOR MENTAL HEALTH VISITS, as long as the student is eligible to be seen at University Health Service. The non-student spouse should bring the spouse's student ID card. Spouses and children can be covered, for an extra premium, through the Aetna Student Health insurance plan. Spouses are not eligible to be seen in the mental health clinic. (top)

Can my children be seen at University Health Service?
No. University Health Service does not treat children of students. You may wish to make an appointment with UK Pediatrics at 323-5481 or UK Family Practice at 323-6711. (top)

What forms of payment do you accept for services?
We accept cash, check, debit card, Plus card and credit card (Master Card and Visa only) (top)

How much time do I have to pay my bill?
Some services, such as immunizations, must be paid in full before care is rendered. Other services may be billed directly to the patient. If payment cannot be made on the day of your visit to University Health Service, full payment is expected within 30 days. Students who do not pay their balance in full after 30 days are delinquent to the University of Kentucky and may have a hold placed on their student record. Students who need additional time to resolve an outstanding balance should contact our billing office at (859) 323-5823 for assistance. (top)

How much are fee-for-service visits?
Fee-for-service visits can range from $60-$100 or more, depending on the reason for your visit. Additional charges will be incurred if lab tests, X-rays, immunizations, or special procedures are necessary. (top)

Why doesn't the Health Service file private insurance claims?
At this time, University Health Service does not file third party insurance plans except for the University's student insurance (Aetna Student Health) plan. Insurance claims processing can be an expensive venture in college health. Most medical practices process claims to approximately 20 different insurance plans in their geographic area and keep processing costs low by being participating providers in those plans. In college health, our student patients come to us from many different regions, states, and countries. The cost associated with processing claims to an infinite number of insurance plans from all over the world is greater than universities can absorb. We do, however, recommend that students file their own claim to their insurance plan and will provide a bill formatted for you to do so. For additional information, please contact our billing office at (859) 323-5823. (top)

Will you send my medical bills to my parents?
UHS is required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect the confidentiality of your medical and billing information. In order to insure we are doing our best to protect your privacy, all medical and billing information will be sent directly to the address you provide. (top)

How much does it cost for oral contraceptives (birth control pills)?
Most oral contraceptives prescribed by University Health Service clinicians can be purchased at the Student Pharmacy (Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy) at a student discount. The Pharmacy is able to offer several oral contraceptives at $10 per pack and some others at $20 per pack. (top)

How can I get a prescription for birth control pills?
Students can call 323-APPT (2778) to schedule an appointment in the University Health Service gynecological (GYN) clinic. Birth control pills, the birth control patch (Ortho Evra®), the vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) and the birth control shot (Depo Provera®) are available by prescription in the University Health Service and Kentucky Clinic pharmacies. Students receive a discounted price if the prescription was written by a Health Service Physician. (top)

Will I be able to fill my out-of-state prescription(s) at the Health Service pharmacy?
The Kentucky Clinic/Student Health Pharmacy will fill a student's prescription written by a non-UK clinician one time only. Then the student will be told that the prescription must be written by a UK (or Student Health) clinician who is following the student as a patient or the student can take the prescription to a non-UK pharmacy. (top)

Can I receive the student rate for prescriptions written by a physician outside the University Health Service?
No. Prescriptions are only discounted by the Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy for students whose prescriptions are written by a University Health Service or University of Kentucky physician. (top)

What should I have in my personal first aid kit?
Various sized bandages, antibiotic ointment, a digital thermometer, a mild analgesic for pain such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, hand sanitizer, and antiseptic and/or alcohol wipes. A small flashlight with batteries would be useful in the event of a power outage. (top)

How do I get copies of my medical record?
Your medical record contains your personal health history and assures continuity of care. This record is kept confidential and is not released to anyone without your written consent, except in compliance with state and federal laws (i.e., subpoena, court order, health department reporting requirements, etc.)

Copies of your medical record on file with University Health Service are available with a signed Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Information form.

Medical records may be released to a student's parents only with the student's signed authorization. This is done on a "case by case" basis.

For further information call our Medical Records Department at (859) 323-5823 ext. 249.