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Frequently Asked Questions
Following are the questions clientele of the Health Center often ask of us. The answers to each are listed below.
When is the Health Center open?
In General, the University Health Center is open when Residence Halls are open. Specific hours will be listed on our homepage. During Fall and Spring semesters the Health Center hours are from 9am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, and from 11am to 2:30pm on Saturdays. During Summer semester and breaks the Health Center hours are from 8am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday. A physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant is present at all times when the Health Center is open.
What do the services of the Health Center cost?
The Comprehensive Service Fee is automatically included on the University invoice each semester and covers most of the services offered at the University Health Center. Students must pay additional fees for certain in-house laboratory testing, medical equipment, immunizations, oral and other contraceptives, nasal steroids and anti-histamines, for medications dispensed above the maximum allotment each fall and spring semester and for all medications dispensed during the summer semester.
How do I enroll in the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan?
All registered full-time and part-time, (registered for 6 or more on campus credits) undergraduate and graduate domestic University at Albany students may enroll in the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan. Enrollment for the insurance plan is done through MyUAlbany. Click on the My Optional Fees link and select Accident/Sickness Insurance. Enrollment in the insurance needs to be done each semester by the deadline. Student Accounts assesses charges and collects payment for the insurance.
What is the Health Center's billing policy?
Students are billed through the mail at the billing address entered in MyUAlbany. At the end of each semester, bills are sent to the student's permanent billing address. Payment should be made by return mail at least five business days prior to the due date printed on the invoice. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE AN OUTSTANDING BALANCE ANYWHERE ON CAMPUS THAT IS OLDER THAN HEALTH CENTER BILL DUE, YOUR PAYMENT WILL GO TOWARD THE OLDEST OUTSTANDING BALANCE FIRST. THEREFORE, YOU MAY STILL END UP WITH A HEALTH CENTER HOLD FOR NON PAYMENT UNTIL ALL YOUR BALANCES ARE BROUGHT TO CURRENT. Students may also pay their bill in person at the Bursar's office. Students paying in person should request the payment be applied to their health center bill.
Students with unpaid financial obligations will have a "hold" placed on their records, and will be unable to receive transcripts, register for future terms, or receive diplomas.
Delinquent accounts may be transferred to private collection agencies and/or the New York State Attorney General's Office for collection. Delinquent accounts are subject to interest and collection fee charges.
Why do I have a Health Center hold?
Medical/Fiscal
Students with unpaid financial obligations will have a Medical/Fiscal "hold" placed on their records, and will be unable to receive transcripts, register for future terms, or receive diplomas. You may have received a charge for certain in-house laboratory testing, medical equipment, immunizations, oral and other contraceptives, nasal steroids and anti-histamines, and for medications dispensed above the maximum allotment each semester. Students may pay their Health Center bill at the Bursar's office. Students paying in person should request the payment be applied to their health center bill, failure to do so may delay lifting of the hold. If you have an outstanding balance anywhere on campus that is older than the Health Center bill, your payment will go toward the oldest outstanding balance first. Therefore, you may still end up with a Health Center hold for non payment until all your balances are brought to current. If there are further questions please contact the Health Center billing person at (518) 442-5462.
Administrative - Immunization
Students who have not handed in complete immunization records will have a Administrative Records Student Health Center Hold placed on their account. This hold will prevent students from registering from classes so it should be dealt with promptly. Students should provide appropriate proof of immunizations to the Health Center. You can find the requirements at our Immunization Requirements page. If you believe you have provided appropriate documentation, please contact the Health Center at (518) 442-5454.
Administrative - HLTH
Students who have a Medical Withdrawal will have a Administrative Records HLTH hold. Students should call the Medical Directors office at (518) 442-5461 when they are ready to return to campus.
What happens if I need to see a specialist?
When necessary, patients will be referred to consultants in specialty areas for services not offered at the University Health Center. Students (or their private health insurance carriers) are directly responsible for paying the costs of such services. A low cost program of student accident and sickness insurance specifically designed for students is available on an optional basis. Students may opt for this coverage through MyUAlbany.
What should I do in an emergency?
If the problem is life threatening, CALL 9-1-1. The student should get to one of the local emergency rooms immediately no matter what time of day or night, even if the UHC is open. During the Spring and Fall semesters the student operated 5 Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service will provide transport at no cost to University Community members.
What if the Health Center is closed?
If the student cannot wait until the University Health Center is open, he/she should go to an area urgent care facility or hospital emergency room for care. See the Community Resources page for more information.
Are Health Center records confidential?
The University Health Center medical records are absolutely confidential. Medical records or information will not be released to anyone without the students written and notarized consent. Exceptions may include in the event of an emergency, when there is danger of a student harming him/herself, when a physician needs to speak with another member of the clinical team to coordinate treatment, or when a third party payer requests information necessary for reimbursement.
How can I get a copy of my medical records?
You can find the Medical Records Release Policy and procedure under Health Center Policies.
What if I have a suggestion, concern, or compliment about about the Health Center?
If you have a complaint, a compliment, or a suggestion about any aspect of the services at the Health Center and you would like to write to us by mail:
Medical Director
University at Albany
University Health Center
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
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