Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ:  UTHSC CAMPUS INSURANCE PLAN

How do I get information about the UTHSC campus sponsored insurance plan?  
The agent for the Aetna Insurance Plan is Mr. Jerry Holland at:
Gerald Holland Insurance
P.O. Box 328
Southhaven, MS 38671
662-895-5528

662-895-5549 (fax)
888-393-9500 (toll free)
gholland@geraldhollandinsurance.com

FAQ: For New Students -Required shots and blood 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.

 Why do I have $200 on my UTHSC fee sheet for Hepatitis B immunization?

The $200 covers the cost of the series of 3 immunizations for Hepatitis B ($60 per shot) + the cost of a blood test to determine if the series of shots gave you immunity to Hepatitis B (antibody titer test - $20).  You must complete the series of 3 shots AND get your titer and show proof to University Health Services to meet this requirement.  This is the only immunization charged to your fee sheet.

If you get this series somewhere else, you are welcome to get the titer at UHS.  We will refund your $180 after the titer is drawn.  You must have all 4 components - 3 shots + titer- before full or partial refund will be given.

What if I do not have a positive titer or I 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.

What if I got my shots somewhere else?  Can I get a refund?
You can get a refund once you bring proof to UHS showing you have gotten 3 shots and have the titer results documented as positive.  You may get the titer or any of your remaining shots at UHS and you will get a refund once all requirements are met

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 $38 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 Allied Health.  They are recommended for other students but not required (ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LIVE ON CAMPUS?). UHS has these shots for $100.

What will happen if I don’t complete all of my vaccines before orientation?
You will need to make an appointment at UHS to get caught up on your shots and blood tests. You have until the end of the semester to get started on all that you can.  If you do not get started or attempt to complete your immunizations, your name will be given to your Dean at the close of the semester.

FAQ:  TB SKIN TESTING OR BLOOD TESTS

Why do I need a TB Skin test 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.

What is a TB Quantiferon Blood test?
The Quantiferon Gold 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.  This test is offered at UHS and is free to UTHSC students.

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 QUANTIFERON GOLD TB TEST or refer you to the Memphis Shelby County Health Dept. for clearance.

FAQ:  COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH

What if I need to talk to someone about some problems I am having?
Call 1-800-­327-2255 to access the UTHSC Student Assistance Program.  Counselors are available 24/7 and can help you get an appointment with a provider in the area where you are living.  You can get 6 face-to-face visits for any issue and no insurance is filed.

What if I need to see a psychiatrist?
UHS will have a psychiatrist on staff that can see you medical evaluations and prescriptions.  Call 901.448.5064 for an appointment or for more information.

FAQ:  URGENT CARE

What do I do if I need to be seen quickly?
Call UHS at 448.5630 and tell the person on the phone that it is urgent for you to be seen.  If UHS is closed, call 541.5654 to get the provider on call.  

Can I just come to UHS?
Yes, you can come to UHS. UTHSC WALK-in hours are from 8-10 Monday – Friday – no appointment necessary. IF YOU CANNOT COME DURING THIS TIME, CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT AND YOU CAN USUALLY BE SCHEDULED THE SAME DAY. If you walk in at other hours and you need urgent care, we will fit you in as soon as possible.

FAQ: 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 will decrease the chance that you will get pregnant by 89%. THE LONGER THE DELAY AFTER UNPROTECTED INTERCOURSE, THE LESS EFFECTIVE PLAN B BECOMES.
http://www.go2planb.com/ForConsumers/Index.aspx

FAQ:  ON THE JOB INJURY

What should I do if I get hurt on my job?
IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE OR A RESIDENT: Notify your supervisor immediately and have them complete the State of Tennessee, Accident Report Form prior to being seen at UHS. This must be submitted to the Worker’s Compensation office in 910 Madison Ave, Suite 722. This form is essential for documentation of occurrence and determination of benefits through Worker’s Compensation.  You may come to UHS for your care or go to the nearest emergency department.

IF YOU ARE A STUDENT: Have the facility file all charges on your insurance.  The campus sponsored plan has this coverage. If you are on another insurance plan, other than Aetna, you should verify that this coverage is in your policy. It is very important that these procedures are followed as you are responsible for any bills incurred.  All follow up care is to be scheduled at UHS.

FAQ:  NEEDLESTICK OR OTHER BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE

What do I do if I have an exposure to blood or body fluids?
Go to this link: http://www.utmem.edu/univheal/Exp_rep_guide.html

FAQ: Who do I contact for comments, concerns?
For Billing or Mental Health:  Christa Deiss at 901-4485064 or cdeiss@utmem.edu
Dr Peggy Veeser, Director of UHS at pveeser@utmem.edu or 901-4485269.