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New Student Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions

New students at Saint Louis University should complete the following steps:

  • Waive or enroll in the University Health Plan (UHP) through Aetna.
  • Investigate the UHP if your out-of-state health insurance does not cover services at the Student Health Center.
  • Receive meningitis vaccine or sign meningitis vaccine waiver acknowledging the risks of not receiving the vaccine.
  • Send your completed and signed immunization record to the Student Health Center by August 1 for fall, January 3 for spring, or May 1 for summer.
  • If you deal with ongoing medical or mental health issues, let us assist you in your health maintenance plan. Call 314-977-2323 prior to or at the beginning of the school year and make an appointment to see our providers.
  • If you can’t find the answer to a question on this page, contact us by phone at 314-977-2323 or email at shc@health.slu.edu.

Student Health Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered below, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all full-time SLU students on campus. A request must be completed online through Aetna Student Health during open enrollment periods to either enroll in or waive out of the University Health Plan. If no action is taken, you will be automatically enrolled in the University Health Plan.

If I see the doctor, is the visit free?

The Student Health Center is a regular fee for service physician’s office and will bill your primary insurance company. You may pay your co-payment at the time of service.  Charges are based on usual and customary fees in the St. Louis area. Billing questions can be answered by calling 314-977-5050.  If you do not want us to bill your insurance, ask us about our self-pay options. 

Do you take my insurance?

We bill all insurance companies. However, we recommend that you call your benefits plan coordinator first to see if they will cover our physician services. Please see this information on insurance companies who have contracted with SLUCare SSM, as well as more tips for making sure your coverage is set up to cover you when you need it. If not, some students select the University Health Plan. You are responsible to pay the balance your insurance does not cover. If payment is not received within 120 days from the date of service, a hold will be placed on your registration.

How do I get the university health plan insurance coverage?

Saint Louis University offers health insurance to SLU students for general care, emergency care, hospitalization, visits to specialists, prescription medication and other services.

Learn More About the University Health Plan

Are my immunizations up to date?

Saint Louis University requires students to provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and tetanus, as well as a screening for tuberculosis. A meningitis vaccination is required for all freshmen living in the residence halls unless a waiver is signed. 

Learn More About Required Immunizations and Health Forms

How do I know if Student Health Services received my immunization records?

Our staff enters immunization records into Banner after reviewing them. We can search the database to check if your records have been entered if you provide us with your Banner ID.

Can I get a copy of my medical records?

Yes. Students who wish to receive a copy of their medical records must complete a release of confidential information form. Please read the release closely. The Student Health Center adheres to all HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.

Can I see the physician today?

For your convenience, staff physicians are available to see students on an appointment basis weekdays from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. However, if there is an urgent situation, we strongly encourage you to walk into our office and speak to a nurse.

Is the physician affiliated with Saint Louis University?

Yes. All of our physicians are faculty members of Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Nancy Z. Delaney, M.D., our primary care physician, is board certified in internal medicine. The sports medicine physician is here five days a week. Additional specialties, including gynecology, orthopedics, psychiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and dietetics, are available weekly.

Where can I get information about STIs/alcohol/drugs/quitting smoking/nutrition/stress?

There are a number of ways to obtain the information you want on a variety of health topics. We suggest you take a moment to look through the free brochures available in the Student Health Center. You can also ask a nurse either by phone or email.

Do you perform STI checks?

Yes. The Student Health Center can check for all Sexually Transmitted Infections per physician order. If you do not have a physician order, you can schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.

Can I have my prescription filled at the Student Health Center?

While the Student Health Center does not have an outpatient pharmacy, we do carry some commonly prescribed medications and make them available to students at a discounted price if ordered by a physician. If we do not stock the medication prescribed for you, Walgreens can fill your prescription and it will be delivered to the center for convenient pick up.  Students do not need to be a patient at SHC to utilize this service - they will deliver medications prescribed by a student's home physician as well.

Do I need a meningitis immunization?

There are two meningococcal vaccines available to protect against the five serogroups that cause most meningococcal disease, Meningitis Quadrivalent A,C,Y, W-135 (MenACWY), and serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (MenB).  Men ACWY vaccine is required for all students living in residence halls. If you do not receive the immunization, you must sign a waiver acknowledging that you understand the risks of meningitis and benefits of the vaccine. We also recommend considering the additional Men B vaccine.  It is best to discuss both with your primary care physician.  Both vaccines are available at SHC.

Does the Student Health Center provide wellness exams for women?

Yes. It is recommended that all women 18 years of age or older have a gynecological exam yearly. The exam includes: a pelvic exam, Pap smear test, and a breast exam. A SLUCare SSM gynecologist will perform the examination. An appointment is necessary.

Does the Student Health Center provide the Gardasil vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer?

Yes, we do provide the Gardasil vaccine series. The cost is $230 per injection, billable to insurance.

Does the Student Health Center provide the flu vaccine?

Yes. Every school year between October and December flu injections are given. The cost is $70, billable to your insurance. It is covered 100% with the University Health Plan.

What tests can be performed at the Student Health Center?

A number of tests can be performed at the center including:

  • X-rays
  • strep test
  • pregnancy test
  • urinalysis

Any special tests, such as cultures or blood work ordered by a physician, can be obtained at the center and sent to Quest Laboratories. You will receive a bill directly from the Quest Laboratories for these services.

Are my test results in yet?

Results from lab tests are usually available in one to three days, although some tests, such as Pap smears, can take up to two weeks to process. You will be notified of your test results by telephone from a health professional.

Can I get a prescription for oral contraceptives at the Student Health Center?

In keeping with the Jesuit Catholic beliefs regarding family planning that are espoused by Saint Louis University, the Student Health Center does not provide oral contraceptives or other devices for the purpose of preventing pregnancy. Anti-ovulatory medications are prescribed for medical reasons other than birth control, including but not limited to acne, irregular periods, heavy periods, cramps, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

I am from out of state. How do I get my monthly medications refilled?

Make an appointment with the physician in the Student Health Center who will rewrite the prescription for you to fill at the pharmacy of your choice.

I’m a parent. How do I get information on my sick student?

In an emergency, parents of a student will be called immediately by the emergency room physician or University officials. Otherwise, the student needs to have signed a release of information form for the staff at Student Health to release information about them to anyone, including parents.

Can I receive my allergy injections the Student Health Center?

Yes. A private allergist must provide serum and treatment plan.  This service is available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What do I do after hours and on weekends if I am sick?

If you are ill, you can call 314-977-2323 24-hours-a-day and you will be in contact with the nurse on call to help determine a plan of action. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. We use the services of Saint Louis University Hospital emergency room.

Do my parents need to know that I have used the services of the Student Health Center?
No. Missouri law states that individuals age 18 and older are legal adults. Therefore, if you want to share information about your medical or mental health services, you need to sign a release of confidential information form.