Parent's FYI

Student Health Services is appreciative that parents and guardians care about the health and wellness of their children in higher learning. Our medical provider and staff carry your concerns every time students visit us, for many of us are parents too and we know how it feels. Assure yourself that the care your student is receiving is quality and highly confidential. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

• Send off your student to UTSA with PROOF of health insurance. Unexpected medical expenses may occur in the course of the school year. If your student is not covered for health insurance, consider enrolling in the Student Health Insurance, UnitedHealthcare. Regardless of insurance status, there is no charge for visits at Student Health Services to registered students. These visits are covered by the student health fees. However, the cost of lab work and prescriptions are not covered and these costs are the responsibility of the student. Please make sure your student has a copy of the insurance and the insurance card.

• Inform your student about past medical history and family medical history. This is important information when the medical provider is assessing your student.

• Inform your student of the types of vaccinations they have taken. It’s even better that they have a copy of their vaccination record. This makes it easier for the medical staff to determine future vaccinations and recommendations.

• Teach your student to be responsible for his/her health. Let them know the signs of a need for medical attention and to get yearly checks (i.e. females having a Pap done, etc.).

• Prepare your student if he/she has a severe medical condition that requires a specialist. The medical clinic serves ambulatory students only. If your student has a chronic medical condition, it is best to plan ahead for their medical care. Speaking to the student's existing physician ahead of time is helping in determining the best course of action for their time at school. It is best to speak to his/her specialist and discuss options. If your student is covered through your own medical insurance, refer to the medical insurance for medical specialists in San Antonio, Texas should there be a need for one.

• Inform your student to take advantage of the services offered on campus. UTSA has a multitude of programs for students. This is to ensure the success of your college student. Student Health Services is interested in maintaining the health and wellness of your student and we provide prevention education through Health and Education Promotion, a component of Student Health Services. Each semester, for example, we have a Health and Wellness Expo and feature free health screenings, as well as community resources from around San Antonio.

• Support your freshmen student on requirements. Freshmen 17 years and under must submit a Student Health History Form prior to attending college. All incoming Freshmen must complete Alcohol Edu during posted dates. Click on Alcohol Edu for more details.

• Support patient confidentiality. Students age 18 years and older are legally adults and therefore clinic staff are unable to discuss your student’s medical visit with anyone, including parents. As with any patient, the student’s medical information is protected by Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. However, your student’s information can be shared if he/she signs the Release of Information form and submits the completed form to Student Health Services.