University Health Services

Director: Bernette Melby
University Health Center, 577-5000
Mental Health Services, 545-2337
Patient Services-Health Plan Information, 577-5192

University Health Services (UHS) is an ambulatory care center, accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, providing a broad range of services including medical care, eye care services, health education, and mental health services to University students, staff, and faculty.

Basic Health Plan (BHP)

All students taking five or more credits are automatically billed for the non-waivable mandatory Basic Health Plan. Coverage begins on September 1 for the fall and February 1 for the spring. Most services at UHS are covered by the BHP, including unlimited visits in General Medical Clinics, Urgent Care Services, Laboratory, Radiology, and Physical Therapy. Specialty services and after-hours care require a co-payment. Routine eye care services are not covered by the BHP and are available on a fee-for-service basis. For patient services and health plan information, call 577-5192.

Student Health Insurance Plan and Student Family Plan

The University offers a Student Health Insurance Plan to provide for hospital and specialty care. Students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan unless they fully demonstrate comparable coverage by submitting an Insurance Waiver Card to the Bursar with payment of their tuition bill. Enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan meets both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the University requirement that all students have adequate comprehensive health insurance. The Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy's Web site at www.state.ma.us/dhefp can answer questions regarding the Commonwealth's insurance requirements.

Students, spouses, same-sex domestic partners, and/or their children may, for an additional fee, join a Family Plan that combines the Basic Health Plan and the Student Health Insurance Plan.

Immunization Entrance Requirements

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all students to have adequate immunization. Protection is required against measles (two doses), German measles, mumps, tetanus, and diphtheria at the time of enrollment for all students. In addition, beginning September 2001, all entering freshmen and health science students will be required to have protection against hepatitis B. The immunization questions on the New Student Immunization Form, completed and signed by a student's health care provider, will satisfy this requirement. Failure to have adequate levels of immunization at the time of matriculation will lead to administrative sanctions during the first semester. Students should contact their health care provider to update their immunizations prior to enrollment. For more information on immunization for new students, call 577-5275.

Medical Care

Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health professionals work as a team to provide medical care to students at UHS. On-site facilities include radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, and physical therapy, and an observation unit. Specialty services such as an allergy and travel clinic are also provided, as are consultation in orthopedic surgery, general surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.

Any student who is under medical supervision prior to entrance is urged to have his or her physician write to UHS, giving reports and instructions in appropriate detail. In brief, UHS aims to provide each student with a coordinated and comprehensive program of health supervision formerly provided by the family physician.

All visits to UHS are treated as confidential. No information is released without the consent of the student.

Eye Care Services

Eye Care Services include optometry examinations, an optician (eyeglass services), a comprehensive contact lens service, and co-management of laser refractive surgery. Fees may apply for complete optometry exams, contact lenses, and eyeglasses. Emergency care treatment at UHS is a covered benefit for Basic Health Plan members.

Mental Health Care

Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist provide services to individuals, couples, children, and families. The brief intervention model includes 24-hour and year-round emergency services, a behavioral medicine clinic, eating disorders clinics, group programs, medications prescribed by psychiatrists and a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, and consultation and education services to community groups and organizations. The multicultural staff, sensitive to a variety of needs and backgrounds, have various interests and skills, and can be matched to a client's interests and needs. For more information, call 545-2337.

Health Education and Outreach

Health promotion programs address a wide range of issues through workshops, peer education programs, special events, for-credit courses, consultations, theater performances, media advocacy, and printed materials. Through proactive outreach and risk reduction programs, students are supported in identifying personal health risks and making health-enhancing choices in their lives. Topics include alcohol and other drugs, tobacco control, sexual health, body image, eating disorders, stress management, HIV/AIDS, relationship violence, women's health, men's health, international student health, nutrition, and athletic health enhancement.

The Student Health Advisory Board works with UHS staff in reviewing policy, evaluating services, and initiating and developing new programs. Students are urged to participate in the activities of the board.