Q. Do I need an appointment to be seen in the SU Student Health Center?
A. Yes. Students should call the SUSHC (Susquehanna University Student Health Center) at 570-372-4385 to schedule appointments.
We enjoy seeing our students stop in for medical pamphlets, sexual health material or other items displayed and offered free of charge in our waiting room, but walk-in appointments are rarely available and are discouraged.
Q. What should I do if I have a medical question and the SUSHC is closed?
A. 911 should be called for ANY medical emergency, whether the SUSHC is open or closed.
If it is during the academic year and the SUSHC is closed and you have an urgent medical question, such as you are feeling ill or you have an injury and need medical advice but do not know if your situation is an emergency, please call: 844 – 936 – 1731. This will connect you with FoneMed, our after-hours phone triage service. FoneMed is staffed with RN’s that are trained in phone triage and can tell you what you should do. FoneMed will NOT be able to answer administrative questions or schedule appointments. Their specialty is phone triage for urgent medical questions.
The FoneMed nurses will be supplied with a general list of information specific to health care on the SU campus, and the immediate area.
Q. If my parent(s) or legal guardian are worried about my health, can they call the SU Student Health Center and get information from the nurse and/or the physician?
A. No. Without explicit, written permission from the student, the SUSHC, by law (HIPPA) is not allowed to disclose the student’s private and personal health information.
Yes. Parents and legal guardians can call the SUSHC with broad questions.
Q. If my parent(s) or legal guardian cannot get information without my consent, should we stop by the SU Student Health Center with signed consents before they leave campus on move-in day?
A. No, but after they leave, you can call the SUSHC and ask when you can come up to have such consents signed. We will be happy to help you. Legally, and to ensure that you are not being coerced, you need to sign Consent forms without being in the presence of your parents or legal guardian.
Q. Is there a fee to be seen by a medical provider at the SU Student Health Center?
A. No, all full-time undergraduate students can be seen free of charge in the SU Student Health Center.
Q. What is the “student benefit package”?
A. All full-time undergraduate students at Susquehanna University are charged a Health Center fee. This fee covers all visits to the SUSHC and the most frequently ordered lab tests including, but not limited to, Mono tests, strep (throat) cultures, flu swabs, sexual health tests and a single-view chest x-ray. Medical tests, procedures and referrals ordered by the SU Student Health Center medical provider that are not covered by the benefit package will be billed to the student’s private insurance.
Q. If I am covered under the “student benefit package,” do I need health insurance, while I am at SU?
A. Yes and no. SU does not require students to carry health insurance. Many universities require students to show proof of health insurance AND the insurance must work in the area where the university is found. This is called a “hard waiver.” If the university recognizes that a student’s insurance is not compatible in the area, the student might be charged a considerable sum for a plan chosen by the university.
Currently, SU does not have a “hard waiver,” but it is important for you and your parents or guardian to know how your private insurance plan will work in the Selinsgrove, PA 17870 area. Accidents and illnesses that cannot be cared for in the SUSHC happen infrequently, but they do occur, and you should be prepared with insurance coverage that will work in this area. Many private insurance companies offer “away from home” packages for their clients who have children away at college.
Q. Are there any services provided in the Student Health Center for which a student would be charged a fee?
A. Yes, services with added fees include Tuberculosis skin testing (PPD), prescribed medications dispensed from the Health Center, EKG’s (when available), and some Physical examinations. Most of the medications or services associated with a fee are $25.00 or less.
Q. Can I get prescription medications at the Student Health Center?
A. Yes. We carry a supply of our most frequently prescribed medications. The SU Student Health Center does not bill insurance. We charge a small fee for medications dispensed at the Student Health Center. Payment for medications dispensed at the Student Health Center can be billed directly to the student’s SU account or paid on site by credit card.
Q. Do I HAVE to buy my medications prescribed by the SU Student Health Center at the Health Center? My parents have insurance coverage, and my medications are always cheap, when I get them at a pharmacy.
A. No, please inform our medical provider while he/she/they are still in the exam room with you that you would like the medication called to a local pharmacy and the provider will be happy to send the prescription electronically to the pharmacy of your choice.
Q. If I do not have to buy my new prescription from the SUSHC, why do you carry medications?
A. We know that many students do not have prescription coverage. Most students have busy schedules, limiting their time to go to local pharmacies to pick up prescriptions.
Research shows that there is better compliance when medications are obtained and started as soon as possible. We carry medications for your convenience!
The SUSHC purchases medications at cost and the savings are passed on to our students. Most medications are less than $25.00.
Q. Can I also get over the counter (OTC) medications through the Student Health Center?
A. Yes. Most OTC medications are free, but the SUSHC only offers students enough of the OTC medication to last a few days.
We encourage all students to bring and keep their own supply of OTC medications, to be used as needed. Examples of these medications include, but are not limited to Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), cold and flu medication, cough medication, antacids, cough drops, throat lozenges, stool softeners, allergy medication, and wound care products.
The SU Bookstore, found on the lower level of the Degenstein Center, carries a large supply of over-the-counter medications.
Q. Are there any medications that are not prescribed at the SU Student Health Center?
A. Yes. The SU Student Health Center’s medical provider does NOT prescribe ADD/ADHD medications. Students with prescriptions for ADD/ADHD or chronic health conditions are encouraged to keep prescriptions current through their home provider.
Q. Are vaccinations available at the SU Student Health Center?
A. No. The SU Student Health Center staff will be happy to answer questions about vaccine availability in the area.
Flu vaccinations are available to students through the SU Student Health Center. The SUSHC orders a limited quantity of the flu vaccine and offers flu shots to students free of charge, while supplies last.
Q. Is the Student Health center open during semester breaks?
A. No, the Student Health Center is open from late August until finals are over but closed during scheduled university breaks (fall, winter, spring, and summer). FoneMed follows the SUSHC calendar.
