Intoxication, alcohol poisoning, and other drug use place students at risk for serious illness or injury. In accordance with University policies and guidelines, the primary concern is for the health and safety of the individual(s) involved. Upon seeking services for these reasons, the medical situation will be attended to immediately.
Additionally, within a few days after the medical emergency, the Individual(s) will be contacted to arrange for an initial consultation with a staff member of Counseling and Psychological Services (215-898-7021). Strict confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. The purpose of the consultation is to help the student(s) assess whether further help would be useful and/or necessary. Responsible decision making about alcohol and other drug use is covered in the education workshops run by Peer Health Educators (D.A.R.T.).
Students, friends, or family members interested in learning more about the many alcohol and other drug resources and services both within the University community and in the Philadelphia area are encouraged to call the Office of Health Education (215-573-3525), Counseling and Psychological Services (215-898-7021), or the 12-Step Referral Hotline (215-898-3670).
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Allergy
If you are already on a desensitization program, you may deliver your vaccine to the nursing staff at the SHS along with a written schedule signed by the prescribing physician that details content, frequency, and route of injection. Allergy injections are provided at no additional charge. They are performed daily by appointment by the allergy nurse.
Appointments and Urgent Care
Both future and same day appointments are available on a daily basis. In addition, a triage nurse can always be reached at 215-746-3535 when we are open if you are not sure of how to handle a medical problem. After hours, the on-call physician can be reached by calling 215-746-3535.
To see a general practitioner, call 215-746-3535 and set an appointment time. You may ask to see a specific clinician if you wish. 15 minutes prior to your appointment time, check at the front desk in the Student Health lobby.
If you have an urgent problem and no appointment slots are available when you phone, you will be referred to the triage nurse. The triage nurse will assess your treatment needs. Severely ill students will be given priority.
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Dental Problems
Although the general medical staff is available to first evaluate dental emergencies, all dental care requiring a dentist will be referred to the Hospital's Department of Dental Medicine or the Dental Care Center at the Dental School. Dental checkups can also be obtained at both of these locations. All dental care outside of Student Health, including the Dental School, is at your own expense. A list of private dentists and/or private dental clinics in the area and in Center City is available at the SHS reception desk.
Dermatology
Skin conditions are assessed first by the genera medical staff. If the physician decides that additional evaluation is necessary, you will be referred to a dermatologist. You will be responsible for any charges not covered by your insurance. Biopsies and complicated dermatologic surgery will be referred to the hospital pathology and/or dermatology staff and paid for by you or your insurance. Routine problems such as acne will be followed by a generalist with referral as needed to a dermatologist
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Eye Care (Ophthalmology)
Acute eye problems are evaluated by the general medical staff. If an eye specialist is needed, the student will be referred to the Department of Ophthalmology at HUP. These referrals, as well as routine eye care, are at your expense. You can submit these bills to your insurance carrier.
Medical Records
Your medical record is strictly confidential. It is important for you to provide Student Health with a list of your emergency contacts and their phone numbers to keep on file. If you sign a release for your medical records, your entire chart will be sent with the exclusion of all information concerning psychiatric care, drug and alcohol treatments, and/or HIV-related issues. A separate release must be signed for release of these records.
Requests should be submitted within a reasonable time to allow for duplicating and mailing as records cannot be copied at the time of the request. Release forms are available in the Health Service. There may be a charge for copying your records. Seniors need to notify the Health Service where they want their health information forwarded before their charts go to offsite storage in July following graduation.
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Medication Services
We have a medication dispensing service in Student Health where you can obtain our most commonly prescribed medications at reduced cost. This service is for prescriptions written by SHS providers only. Payment must be made at time of purchase. We will provide receipts that you can use for insurance company reimbursement. You may also fill prescriptions at the Hospital's Outpatient Pharmacy or at neighborhood pharmacies.
Orthopedics
Orthopedists are available to assess both acute and chronic orthopedic problems upon referral from one of the general medicine staff. Follow-up care is provided by the general medical staff or the orthopedist as indicated. In order to be seen by an orthopedist at the Student Health Service, you must be referred by a general physician or nurse coordinator to the Student Health Orthopedic Service.
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Podiatry
The Podiatry Clinic, staffed by a private podiatrist two days a week, is available to diagnose and treat common foot and ankle problems such as corns, calluses, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, bunions, hammer toes, heel pain and flat feet. Some costs are covered by Student Health and others can be billed to insurance. Call 662-2850 to make an appointment.
Routine Physicals
Team sports and other selected Penn-sponsored programs/activities require a physical exam for participation. These physical exams are available in the Primary Care Section. When time and staffing permit (primarily during the summer months), short health forms for non-Penn programs will be completed for a small additional fee.
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Self-Care Cold Center
Student Health provides a Self Care Cold Center to help you when you have a cold. Students can come in at their convenience during regular Student Health Service hours and get a starter package of over-the-counter cold medicines and information on ways to feel better.
Sports Medicine
A clinic is offered one day per week by sports medicine specialists to assess injuries sustained while playing sports or injuries that interfere with your ability to play sports. Initial assessment is performed by a medical or general orthopedic physician in the Student Health Service prior to referral to the Sports Medicine Clinic.
Student Awareness of Safer Sex Supplies (SASSS)
Our SASSS program is part of our medication service. Contraceptive pills and devices are available at reduced prices compared to outside pharmacies. In order to use this service, you must have a prescription updated within the past year written by a Student Health Service provider. No prescriptions from other clinics or private doctors are accepted. You need an appointment for an evaluation in order to obtain a prescription from us.
Only Penn students, spouses and domestic partners showing a current ID are eligible to use the in-house medication service.
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Surgery
A HUP senior staff surgeon will evaluate students with a potential surgical problem upon referral from a SHS provider. If you have a problem that requires hospitalization and/or surgery, a staff surgeon will examine you and provide your hospital care, which can be billed to your insurance. With your permission, the doctor will explain the need for surgery to your parents. If you want a particular staff surgeon to do the required surgery, we will refer you to that surgeon.
Travel Advisory Program
The Travel Advisory Program is available for students involved in international travel for work, study, or recreation and is particularly important for travelers going to tropical or third world countries. Public health recommendations change frequently so it is important to update your travel information for each trip. During a consultation appointment, the travel itinerary is reviewed and health risks outlined. Precautions for eating, drinking, swimming and other activities are provided and disease prevention by medication or immunization is discussed. All recommended immunizations can be obtained through the Student Health Service. You should schedule a travel consultation at least eight weeks prior to departure so that there will be enough time to complete immunizations. Immunizations are given by appointment only. A fee is charged for each immunization to cover the cost of the vaccine and its administration.
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Victim Support
If you need medical care as the result of a fight, accident, robbery, stranger or acquaintance rape, we can help you -- and we're confidential. Public Safety's Victim Support provides excellent support and referral to appropriate resources as needed. We work together to provide the help needed for recovery. Confidentiality and privacy are maintained.
Women's Health
Women's Health is a section of Student Health staffed by women to serve Penn women. See us for all of your contraceptive and other women's health concerns. All services are confidential.
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