The mission of the 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 adjacent to the Psychology Building, directly across 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 health 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 Student Health Service is open during the following hours (limited services 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.):
Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday |
8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. |
Wednesday |
10:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m. |
The SHS is closed on official university holidays. In the event of a medical emergency on campus, contact the Department of Public Safety at x8-2222. If a student is off-campus, he/she can dial 911. Cellular phone users should be aware that all cellular telephone 911 calls are automatically forwarded to the California Highway Patrol.
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. All regularly enrolled students are entitled to use the SHS for basic health care whether they have health insurance or not. The Spring 2004 SHS fee is $83. Basic services at SHS are included in this fee, while augmented or specialty services carry nominal fees. Please check the SHS web site for fees listing.
Emergent and Urgent Care--Care for students with conditions needing immediate medical attention.
Primary Medical Services--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--Immunizations 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.
Preventive Medicine--Health promotion, lifestyle and health assessment, patient education, and disease prevention programs.
Specialty Care Services. In addition to the above primary care
services, the following specialty care services are available (for a nominal fee): optometry,
podiatry, massage, and physical therapy.
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. SHS provides one-time first aid treatment to all persons while on campus when open. In addition, the SHS provides initial evaluation for work-related injuries for campus employees.
Health Insurance. Although the SHS 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. Students can read about and purchase campus sponsored plans (both domestic and international) via www.csuhealthlink.com. For general information on obtaining health insurance, see the SHS 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.
Student Health Advisory Committee. The Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) is a student-run organization that serves to represent student interests at the SHS and on campus, and to increase students' awareness of health issues. For more information, contact the SHAC staff adviser at (415) 338-2191.
Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU campus they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.
These are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions 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 immunization requirement(s). Students are strongly encouraged to obtain proof of measles, mumps, and rubella immunity prior to enrollment at SFSU.
Proof of immunity should be submitted to the One Stop Student Services Center not the SHS. The form can be downloaded from www.sfsu.edu/~shs/immunization.htm. The completed form should be mailed to the Registrar's Office, SSB 101, SFSU, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132 or faxed to 415-338-0588. For students unable to obtain acceptable proof of immunity, the SHS provides measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine during scheduled immunization hours. For more information, call the immunization information line at 415-338-6000, x9090, or access the web site at www.sfsu.edu/~shs/mmr.htm.
Meningococcal Disease. Also called meningitis, this is a rare but serious bacterial infection of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. If not treated immediately, meningitis may lead to permanent complications such as hearing loss, brain damage, or even death. SHS strongly recommends those living in the residence hall or apartments receive the meningococcal vaccine. Each incoming freshman who will be residing in on-campus housing will be required to return a completed informed consent waiver indicating that he/she has received information about meningococcal disease, the availability of the vaccine to prevent one from contracting the disease, and whether he/she has chosen to receive the vaccination.
Chickenpox Disease. This condition tends to be common and is a highly contagious disease of childhood that may affect adults. In children, chickenpox is a mild disease, but in adults, it is more serious. If a student has not had chickenpox or has not previously been immunized, SHS strongly recommends that the student obtain a vaccination against chickenpox.