SUBJECT:

Student Health Service

The Student Health Service (SHS), a division of Student Affairs, invites you to utilize our services for a variety of your medical needs. The facility, known as the Student Health and Wellness Center, is located in the center of campus, just west of Library Walk and the Price Center Bookstore. All students paying registration fees have access to SHS.

SERVICES AT SHS:

Our staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, optometrists, health educators, and other health care professionals are committed to helping students maintain healthy lifestyles. Most outpatient primary care medical services at SHS are provided to you at no cost while you are a registered student. Clinic Services include: Primary Health Care, Urgent Care and First Aid, Pharmacy, Laboratory, X-ray, Optometry, Men’s/Women’s Health Services, Travel Clinic, Immunizations, Nutrition Counseling, HIV Testing, and Health Education. Please access our website at http://studenthealth.ucsd.edu to review the various services we provide.

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT AT SHS:

To make the best use of your time, we encourage you to make an appointment for your healthcare at SHS. Please access our online appointments at http://studenthealth.ucsd.edu or call our Central Scheduling Office at (858) 534-8089. Same-day appointments are available for urgent problems. If you have an illness or injury that requires more immediate attention, you may utilize our Urgent Care clinic for a $15 fee for those who purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or $25 for those who do not purchase SHIP.

MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

As a condition of enrollment at UCSD, the UC Regents require that all students have a major medical health insurance plan that provides benefits in the San Diego area. While SHS provides most primary medical outpatient care, it does not substitute for medical insurance. All registered students are automatically enrolled into the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), a major medical health plan that offers extensive benefits, coverage worldwide, and is affiliated with an extensive preferred provider network in coordination with SHS providers. SHIP provides 100% coverage of eligible benefits, after an annual $200 deductible, when utilizing a UCSD Medical Center facility or hospital with a SHS referral. Students enrolled in SHIP will receive a brochure by mail this September. In the meantime, you may view the brochure online at: www.renstudent.com or http://studenthealth.ucsd.edu.

Graduate and professional students are billed three quarterly premiums of $516 ($1548 annual) and undergraduate students are billed three quarterly premiums of $283 ($849 annual).

Many students have found SHIP to be more affordable, especially when considering its benefits. Please keep in mind, your insurance coverage outside of your home area may be limited. If that is the case, purchasing the University policy would provide coverage for medical diagnostic procedures or treatments not covered by your insurance. If you are not covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan, no further steps are needed. The cost of SHIP will be automatically assessed with your Fall quarter registration fees.

OPTION TO WAIVE SHIP:

Students who have comparable insurance that meets University criteria may waive out of SHIP on TritonLink by the September 19, 2008 deadline. Please access tritonlink.ucsd.edu and click on the “Health Fee Waiver” tool to view open waiver periods, requirements and other information. Students who choose to waive out of SHIP will encounter fees for labs, special services, and x-rays at SHS. More information regarding the waiver can be found at http://studenthealth.ucsd.edu.

Best wishes for a healthy academic year.

Brian J. Murray, M.D., F.A.C.P. Director Student Health & Wellness