If you have any additional questions about the United Insurance Plan, you may contact agent Jerry Holland at Gerald Holland Insurance, P.O. Box 328, Southaven, MS 38671; phone: 662.895.5528; fax: 662.895.5549; toll free: 888.393.9500.

For New Students

Required Blood Shots and Tests

What is a titer?

A titer is a blood test that determines if you have immunity to a particular disease. UHS offers titers for chickenpox, hepatitis, mumps, measles, and rubella.

What if I have a negative Hepatitis B titer or do not convert to positive after my series of 3 shots?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that if a person fails to convert after the 3 shot series, the series should be repeated once. If the repeat titer remains negative, no further shots are recommended.

How long is my immunity after the Hepatitis B series of shots?

Immunity may be for a life time but it varies with each individual. CDC recommends a follow-up titer every 4 years to determine if your immunity has changed.

Why am I required to have the varicella antibody titer if I know I had chickenpox as a child?

You must have proof of immunity which can be shown by a lab test (varicella antibody titer). You may get this test at UHS and the cost is $40 for UTHSC students. If you have a negative titer, you must get the shots to prevent you from getting the disease. This is a series of 2 shots for a cost of $200 and can be given at UHS.

Do I have to get a meningitis shot?

Meningitis shots are required for students in the Clinical Laboratory Program, College of Health Professions. They are recommended for residential students but not required. UHS has these shots for $100.

What will happen if I don't complete all of my vaccines before orientation?

A hold will be placed on your account so you will not be able to register. You will need to make an appointment at UHS to complete any deficiencies. You will be compliant if you get the first shot of any shot series, but make note of when the next shot is due. Hepatitis B is a series of three shots plus a titer. Varicella is a series of two shots. It is very important that you continually check OpenCommunicator throughout your entire enrollment at UTHSC. All student immunizations must be up to date for enrollment and registration for each semester.

TB Skin Testing or Blood Tests

Why do I need a TB Skin test every year?

TB skin tests are required for all students every year. If you are a health care worker or around health care workers in your job, you need to be screened for exposure to tuberculosis every year. TB is an airborne disease that is a risk for all health care professionals. TB skin tests are administered at UHS on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (not on Thursdays since we can't read them over the weekend).

What is a T-Spot Blood test?

The T-Spot TB test is a blood test for screening for exposure for TB if you have a history of a previous positive response to the PPD. It can also validate a past positive TB skin test and determine more accurately if you have been exposed to TB.

What if I have a positive TB skin test?

If you have a history of a positive TB skin test, you must be cleared from a US County Health Dept. and show UHS a card demonstrating this clearance. If you do not have that card, UHS will either offer you the T-SPOT TB TEST or refer you to the Memphis Shelby County Health Dept. for clearance.

Counseling and Behavioral Health Services

How can UTHSC students directly access services at UHS?

Students can access all services offered at UHS by coming to UHS or calling 901.448.2380.

Who is available for counseling on campus?

UHS is staffed by one counseling psychologist (Dr. Kimberly Williams-Collins) and 3 Student Assistance Program counselors.

How does UHS approach medication management?

Medication management is professionally and ethically managed at UHS by licensed medical providers experienced with prescribing medications from an extensive formulary. We work with students to determine the optimal solution to ensure support during their academic program.

If concerns develop after regular business hours, students should contact the UHS answering service at 901.541.5654 to be connected to the provider on call who will then consult with the students to determine the best UHS provider to address the students’ needs.

Who is available for medication management?

UHS employs 1 primary care physician, 2 family nurse practitioners, and 2 part-time physician assistants.

How many hours are staff available for medication management?

Monday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed daily 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

If a student is not satisfied with UHS regarding medical management or the amount of time in receiving a response, who may they contact to resolve issues?

Please contact Dr. Louise LaFlora by calling 901.448.2380 or by emailing llaflora@uthsc.edu.

How can a student make an appointment for UHS?

All appointments at UHS are managed by our very capable and experienced front desk staff by calling 901.448.2380

For information related to disability services, accommodations and/or how to apply for accommodations, please contact Laurie Brooks at 901.448.1452 or 901.448.5056 or by emailing lbrook15@uthsc.edu.

What other mental health services are available for UTHSC students at UHS?

University Health Services has psychiatric services for medication management, psychotherapy and emergency issues for students. Call 901.448.2380 to set up an appointment.

What are the options for services in the community if the student needs ongoing mental health services?

For community resources, verify providers and benefits with your insurance company.

ADHD

I think I might have ADHD, what can I do to get medication and/or accommodations?

Official testing is required. This battery of tests must be performed by a qualified mental health professional such as a Psychologist. It is imperative that you have the correct testing to ensure the most effective care. Refer to this link on theDisability Services Website or call 901.448.7745 for details on the testing requirements. UHS recommends that you take these guidelines with you for your testing appointment.

We recommend the following options for testing.

a). If you are on the student insurance plan, we have added coverage for the testing. You will still be responsible for your deductible/co-pay. The following is an approved provider on the student plan: David B. Goldstein, LPPHD, 4646 Poplar Ave, Suite 413, Memphis, TN 38117, Phone: 901.853.3910.

b). If you are not on the student insurance plan and your insurance does not provide coverage for the testing, we recommend the University of Memphis (901.678.147). They will charge based on a sliding scale fee system. There will most likely be a waiting list.

What if I was tested as a child or I was diagnosed with ADHD by my primary care provider?

You must be tested as an adult within the past 5 years by a qualified mental health professional such as a Psychologist. The policy of University Health Services is to obtain the proper documentation before prescribing ADHD medication.

How do I request medication refills?

Once you are on a stable dose of medication, you are required to schedule follow-up appointments every three months. You can call 901.448.2380 for refills or to schedule your appointment. If you request by e-mail, you must document the medication, dosage, how you are doing on the medication, and how are your sleep and appetite in your e-mail.

I think I may need a quiet environment or a private testing room because of my ADHD. How do I request this?

This diagnosis is considered a disability, so you can qualify to receive accommodations (disability services). Your mental health provider at UHS can help you determine what accommodations you might need. UHS will process the required paperwork and forward to the Academic Success. You will be asked to sign a consent to release form between UHS and Academic Success. See this link on theAcademic Success website regarding disability services.

Why are there such strict guidelines about ADHD?

Most medications prescribed for ADHD are controlled substances, strictly regulated by state and federal law because of their potential for misuse, abuse and diversion. When prescribing controlled drugs on a regular basis, we must follow state laws regarding prescribing controlled substances. Our clinic policy is designed to protect your ability to access controlled substances and our ability to prescribe for you.

When receiving prescriptions for controlled drugs, you’ll be required to sign a Controlled Substances Contract for UHS.

Urgent Care

What do I do if I need to be seen quickly?

Call UHS at 901.448.2380 and tell the person on the phone that it is urgent for you to be seen. If UHS is closed, call 901.541.5654 to reach the provider on call.

Can I just come to UHS?

Please call 901.448.2380 to schedule appointments

Emergency Contraception

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is a backup method for preventing pregnancy and is not for routine use. Plan B® can reduce your chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. For example, if you were using a condom and it broke, if you forgot to take 2 or more of your birth control pills this month, or if you were sexually assaulted, Plan B® may be a good option for you. It is important to know that Plan B® is not RU-486 (the abortion pill). Because Plan B® is used to prevent pregnancy, it will not work if you are already pregnant, and it will not affect an existing pregnancy.

Remember that you have only a few days to prevent a pregnancy after unprotected sex. If it is taken within 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex, it can decrease the chance that you will get pregnant by 75-89%. The longer the delay after unprotected intercourse, the less effective Plan B becomes. Plan B is available over the counter at most drug stores.

Needlestick or Other Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure

What do I do if I have an exposure to blood or body fluids?

See our Injuries and Exposures information page.

Good Faith Estimate

What is the Good Faith Estimate?

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your health care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have certain types of health care coverage or who are not using certain types of health care coverage an estimate of their bill for health care items and services before those items or services are provided.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any healthcare items or services upon request or when scheduling such items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
If you schedule a health care item or service at least 3 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 1 business day after scheduling. If you schedule a health care item or service at least 10 business days in advance, make sure your health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after scheduling. You can also ask any health care provider or facility for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you do, make sure the health care provider or facility gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing within 3 business days after you ask.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more for any provider or facility than your Good Faith Estimate from that provider or facility, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate and the bill.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Consumers page, email FederalPPDRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov, or call 1- 800-985-3059. You can also call the clinic at 901.448.5630.

Contact

Who do I contact for comments, concerns?

Dr. Louise LaFlora at llaflora@uthsc.edu or call her at 901.448.2380.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

UTHSC Campus Insurance Plan

How do I get information about the UTHSC campus sponsored insurance plan?