STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE

The mission of the SFSU Student Health Service (SHS) is to provide high quality medical care to all registered students of SFSU, promoting an optimal state of health and greater health awareness. As part of an institution of higher learning, the SHS contributes to the educational process by increasing students' knowledge of disease prevention and reinforcing their positive health behaviors.

The Student Health Service is built below ground level adjacent to the Psychology Building and across the pathway from Burk Hall (education building). The SHS staff comprises physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical aides, pharmacists, health educators, health records technicians, optometrists, a nutritionist, x-ray and laboratory technologists, a rehabilitation specialist, as well as administrative and support staff, all of whom are available to assist students in learning and maintaining life-long healthy practices. The SHS is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)—acknowledging the health service's high standard of outpatient medical care and services.

Operating Hours. During the academic year, the SHS is open during the following hours:

Contacts:

Appointments: 338-1719
Information: 338-1251
Web site: www.sfsu.edu/~shs

The SHS is closed on official university holidays. In the event of a medical emergency on campus, the Department of Public Safety should be contacted at x82222. If a student is elsewhere, 911 should be dialed.

Confidentiality. All patient-related information, including medical records, is confidential and will not be released without a student's/patient's express written consent, except as required by law.

Services. Health care is offered to all enrolled students from any CSU campus that is supported by a health service fee each semester. These services, which are provided at little or no cost, include:

Emergent and Urgent Care—Care for conditions needing immediate medical attention.

Primary Medical Care—Health care by appointment for the spectrum of medical and health concerns, ranging from evaluation and treatment of acute illnesses to care for patients with chronic health conditions.

Women's Services—Routine gynecologic care, including cancer screening, contraception (emergency contraception and other modalities), evaluation and treatment for sexually-transmitted diseases, and menopausal health care. Also, information, education, and counseling related to STDs, pregnancy, and sexual assault.

Immunization Services—Immunization for the prevention and control of common communicable diseases.

Pharmacy—Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications at a reasonable cost. Prescriptions from providers outside the Student Health Service may also be filled at the pharmacy, depending on availability of the prescription and other factors.

Nutrition Services—Individual appointments and group/classroom presentations on topics such as sports nutrition, weight management, eating disorders, vegetarian diet, nutrition assessment, and other nutrition-related topics.

Parenting Resource—Resources for students, faculty, and staff who are parents or who are interested in parenting.

Preventive Medicine—Health promotion, lifestyle and health assessment, patient education, and disease prevention programs.

Psychiatric Services—Evaluation of mental health concerns and medical (medication) treatment when indicated.

Sports and Performing Arts Medicine—Evaluation and treatment of sports- and performing arts-related injuries and conditions in athletes, dancers, musicians, theater artists, and other performing artists.

Specialty Care Services. In addition to the above primary care services, the following specialty care services are available (some with a nominal fee): optometry, immunization, wellness, podiatry, allergy, men's health, and travel clinics; also, pre-employment and travel physicals.

Care to Graduated Students. For one year (twelve months) following graduation from SFSU, students may continue to utilize the SHS. They are required to pay $60 per visit plus any augmented fees.

Care to Non-Students. Emergency first aid services and referrals to community health facilities are available to all SFSU staff, faculty, and visitors. In addition, the SHS provides initial evaluation for work-related injuries for campus employees.

Health Insurance. Although the Student Health Service may meet the majority of many students' health care needs, it is strongly recommended that students obtain health insurance for hospital or other care not available at the SHS (or for when the health service is closed). The university does not assume responsibility for payment of outside medical care including ambulance service. All international students (F-1 and J-1 visa holders) and all students living in student housing are required to have health insurance. Insurance for these categories of students may be from the SHS cashier. For more information on obtaining health insurance, see the web site (www.sfsu.edu/~shs/insurance.htm).

Athletic Injuries. The State of California, the university, and the Associated Students do not assume or acknowledge responsibility for injuries to students incurred during participation in athletic training, competition, or other activities. Students voluntarily participating in these activities assume the risks involved. Members of varsity athletic teams have supplemental insurance coverage for injuries received while participating in intercollegiate athletics. The team physician must authorize all treatment and expenses incurred. More information about the types and extent of medical coverage offered are available from the office of the director of athletics who administers the program.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENT

All new and readmitted students born after January 1, 1957 will be notified of the requirement to present proof of measles and rubella immunity. This is not an admission requirement, but is required by the beginning of the second term of enrollment in the CSU.  The university will institute a registration "hold" at the end of the first semester for all students who have not met the requirement. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain proof of measles and rubella immunity prior to enrollment at SFSU.

Proof of measles and rubella immunity is also required for certain groups of enrolled students who have increased exposure to these diseases. Proof of Hepatitis B immunization is also required of certain students prior to enrollment; these students will be notified of the requirement.

Proof of immunity should be submitted to the Student Services Center, not the Student Health Service. For students unable to obtain acceptable proof of immunity, the SHS provides measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine during scheduled immunization hours; the charge is $12. For more information, call the immunization information line at (415) 338-6000, x9090, or access the web site (www.sfsu.edu/~shs/mmr.htm).