Parents

A Message from Health Services

Syracuse University Health Services is committed to provide student-centered primary healthcare and promote proactive lifelong wellness. We strive to provide these services in a way that engages the student as an adult consumer of healthcare.

We work in collaboration with other health, wellness, and safety units on campus, including the Counseling Center, SAPHE Office, Options Program, R.A.P.E. Center, Recreation Services, and Department of Public Safety.

We are in the midst of a 24-month development plan, at the conclusion of which we will be significantly advanced toward our vision of providing national leadership in the field of college health and wellness services.

Here we’ve provided answer to some of the most commonly asked questions about our services. If at any time you have additional questions or concerns, call us at 315-443-9001. We will be happy to provide assistance.

James R. Jacobs, M.D., Ph.D., FACEP
Director of Health Services

What health services does the University provide?

Syracuse University Health Services (SUHS) provides primary health care for illnesses and injuries. Services include medical and women’s health, immunization and allergy services, nutrition services, ambulance and medical transport services, pharmacy, laboratory, and x-ray services, and health promotion and education services. The staff at Health Services includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other health care professionals.

What should my student do in case of a health emergency?

When school is in session, Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) provides services for the University community and can be contacted by calling 711 on campus or by dialing 443-4299 from off campus. Unforeseen circumstances may force SUA to be out of service during regularly scheduled hours. When this occurs, medical calls are referred to a local ambulance company. Students are financially responsible for all expenses incurred from these outside-provider emergency services.

What immunizations are required for my student?

Syracuse University policy in accordance with New York State public health law requires all students to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. In addition a completed response form related to meningococcal meningitis vaccine is required. Additional vaccines are recommended and the health form included in your student’s admission booklet should be completed.

What credentials does Syracuse University Health Services have?

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care accredits Health Services, certifying that it has met recognized standards for quality health care. The New York State Department of Health licenses the laboratory, pharmacy, x-ray, and ambulance services.

What does the health fee cover?

Payment of the fee entitles students to office visits to the Health Services, SU Ambulance services, Medical Transport services, Counseling Center services, and all SUHS health promotion activities and programs. There are separate fees for medications dispensed (prescription and over-the-counter), x-rays, laboratory tests, and selected clinical procedures. The health fee is not health insurance.

Should my student have health insurance coverage?

It is strongly recommended that students carry health insurance to cover expenses not covered by the health fee and medical expenses incurred outside of SUHS such as emergency room care and hospitalization. If your health care coverage is provided by a health maintenance organization or managed care program, you should determine what coverage is available while your student is outside the network. Students should always carry their health insurance card with them when seeking care, and be familiar with how to access services under their policy. Keep in mind, SUHS does not direct bill third party plans* other than those sponsored by SU.**

*Many pharmaceutical charges can be billed to some insurance plans (check with the pharmacy to see if insurance is accepted).

**A health insurance plan designed specifically for our students is available through SUHS. For more information about the plan, see www.haylor.com/student/ or call our insurance coordinator at 315-443-2668.

Are parents able to access their student’s medical information?

A student’s medical record is strictly confidential and protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Information cannot be shared with anyone without the written consent of the student. Consent to share details with parents must be given for each encounter.

Who should be notified if my student can not attend classes because of illness, accident, or family emergency,

Students should notify professors personally if they are absent for up to three days. If the student will be absent longer, they should contact their home school or college. If the student is unable to do so, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs should be notified and they will notify the school or college. Upon returning to the University, students must provide their home school or college office with written documentation verifying the reason(s) for the absence.