You are strongly encouraged to have health insurance.

Some services provided by UHWS require payment. These include, but may not be limited to:

• On campus laboratory services such as rapid strep and flu tests
• Administration of vaccines and other injectables
• Stitch and staple removal
• Appointments with the Nurse Practitioner  

For a list of all fees please see the List of Fees and Description of Services

At the time of the visit, the patient will be provided a medical encounter form itemizing all charges incurred for services rendered.  Often referred to as a "superbill", this itemized statement contains all the necessary information to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. 

UHWS does not bill a patient's insurance company. Payment is due at the time of service and payment is accepted by cash, check and Captain's Card.  If a patient is unable to make a payment by any of these methods, the patient may sign a Short Term Loan / Promissory Note and make payment at his or her earliest convenience. 

In addition, the Nurse Practitioner may

• order off campus lab work, x-rays or other clinical testing **
• write prescriptions
•  and refer a patient to an off campus specialist or medical facility  

In order to avoid the paying out of pocket or being denied coverage by insurance, it is the patient's responsibility to contact the insurance company's member service for pre authorization prior to having any off campus medical service. This will require your contacting your insurance company or your primary care physician in your hometown.  Health insurance companies may deny payment for services or refuse reimbursement if a patient does not comply.  It is the responsibility of the patient to inform the health care providers in UHWS of any insurance requirements before services are rendered. 

** When the health care provider writes a prescription the patient may have it filled at the pharmacy of his or her choice and as directed by the patient's health insurance.  When blood work is ordered, the patient has the option of going to Lab Corp or Quest laboratories.

Please contact your insurance company in advance to be certain they will provide reimbursement for any off campus medical services such as lab work, testing, and prescriptions ordered by UHWS medical providers.

The three major Health Systems in Newport News are:

• Riverside Health System
• Sentara Health System
• Bon Secours Health System

UHWS does not file for insurance, all services that require a fee are paid for by cash, check or flex card. Most fees are usually not much more than a co-pay, and the student is provided with the necessary paperwork to file him/herself.  

STUDENTS WHO ARE INSURED

Your insurance Card: If you should become ill or injured and need off campus medical care, x-rays or lab work, you will be required to have a copy of the front and back of your insurance card. Other than life threatening situations, without your card, most facilities will require you to pay for the entire cost of the visit at the time of service and/or run the risk of not being seen.

Please be prepared to know the answers to the following in the event you become ill or injured:

• Am I covered on my parents' health plan, and if so for how long?
• Am I covered under my own health plan?
• Do I have a copy of my parents' or my Insurance Card?

• If I am referred by Health Services to an off-campus physician or urgent care center, or if I become ill on weekends or after hours, will the visit be covered under my insurance? 

                    Most insurance companies will require some type of pre authorization. 

                     Which urgent care centers am I authorized to use?

• Who do I call for after hours authorization?
• What is my co-pay and  what form of payment will they accept?
• What pharmacy does my insurance authorize to use?    

STUDENTS WHO ARE UNINSURED, AGED OFF OF PARENTS' INSURANCE, AND GRADUATES

Health Insurance is not offered through the University; however the following companies offer various student plan options. Health insurance application packets from the following health insurance companies are available in the clinic.

The National Insurance Store

The American College Student Association

UHWS Staff are available to assist you with any questions or concerns, but it is difficult at the time of illness or injury to make calm and thoughtful decisions. It is important to be prepared!

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