Eligibility & Charges
What Do I Have To Pay?
All full-time students, graduate and undergraduate, are required to pay a health fee. The fee, $88.00 each term (fall and spring), is billed to the student along with tuition and university fee charges. A separate summer fee is paid directly at Student Health. VCU students that have been enrolled in the spring and will be enrolled in the fall are eligible to use Student Health in the summer. Students are required to pay a separate summer fee if they choose to use USHS during the summer.
Part-time students taking a minimum of three credit hours may be seen at USHS if they choose, and they are encouraged to do so. The fee is billed to the student account when the part-time student seeks services.
Refunds — Before add/drop week at the beginning of each semester, students who change their status from full-time to part-time may receive a full refund of the health fee if they choose. After add/drop week, no refunds will be given to students who change from full-time to part-time. Students who changed their status from part-time to full-time will be charged the full semester fee.
Students who pay the fee and withdraw completely from VCU will be given refunds only at the discretion of the director or assistant director for administration of USHS. In addition to the health fee, students must pay for services not covered by the health fee. See What's Covered? What's Not? for detailed information.
What's Covered? What's Not?
Services covered by the Health Fee
- All services, examinations, consultations and minor procedures by USHS nursing, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physician staff
- Laboratory tests associated with acute illnesses ordered by USHS staff
- After-hours emergency care for illness at VCU Health System by referral, subject to restrictions
- Health education activities sponsored by USHS (There may be a minimal fee for specific classes.)
- Allergy injections. Students must supply serum and instructions from their allergists.
Services not covered by the Health Fee
The following services are not paid for by USHS and may be necessary. All students should have health insurance to pay for what USHS does not cover.
- X-rays ordered by USHS staff
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
- Laboratory tests associated with chronic illnesses, routine gynecological care and tests not medically indicated
- Referrals to specialists outside of USHS
- Emergency room visits for accidental injury, emergency transportation or hospitalization for any reason; also, emergency room visits during USHS office hours, or for which no referral from USHS was obtained in advance
- Birth control
- Allergy skin testing, evaluation and cost of serum for hyposensitization
- Expenses incurred as a result of accidental injury
- Dental care, routine eye examination and refraction for eyeglasses, prosthetic devices, speech therapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy or any items not listed under covered services
- Immunization vaccines
Patient's Rights and Responsibilities
USHS is committed to providing an environment which fosters quality health care for our patients. The Patient Rights and Responsibilities outlines aspects of care which patients are entitled to receive during their clinic visit. A copy of the Patient Rights and Responsibilities is posted in the waiting area of USHS.
Patient Rights
- To receive the best care available for your problem, without regard to national origin, race, age, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, or illness.
- To be treated with respect, consideration and dignity. To expect that your personal convictions and beliefs will be taken into account when you seek help.
- To know the identity and professional status of your medical provider.
- To expect that your medical records will be kept confidential, and that access to information about you will be limited to those legitimately involved in your care. Your medical records will be released only in cases of medical emergencies, in response to court-ordered subpoenas or to persons you specify with your written consent.
- To receive information from your medical provider concerning your illness, condition, treatment, including possible side effects, and plans for your care.
- To participate in decisions involving your health care (including ethical concerns) and to review your records with a medical provider.
- To have your privacy respected.
- To agree to or refuse any health care service and to be informed of medical consequences of services refused.
- To be informed of any research aspect of your care and to be able to decline participation. Non-participation will not jeopardize your access to medical care and treatment.
- To state your preference for medical provider and preference of either academic or VCU Medical Center clinic.
- To express grievances concerning your health care without fear of retribution.
- To know charges for services before received.
- To appropriate assessment and effective management of pain.
- To give informed consent before any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is performed (unless a life-threatening emergency precludes informed consent).
Patient Responsibilities
- To seek prompt medical attention.
- To provide your medical provider with complete information regarding any health problems that you have had in the past and any medications or treatments that you are currently receiving.
- To follow treatment plan recommended by your medical provider. To make it known whether you comprehend the contemplated procedures or treatment plans.
- To note and report significant changes in symptoms, or a failure to improve.
- To be respectful and considerate of other patients and student health staff.
- To schedule and keep appointments that are arranged.
- To be responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the medical provider’s instructions.
- To follow University Student Health Services rules and regulations.
- To express grievances to the appropriate person as defined in USHS policy.
- To carry adequate health insurance, be familiar with policy coverage, and provide information necessary for appropriate provider referral, if needed.
- To pay any charges billed to you.
