Important Policies

Eligibility for using the Health Service

Any fee-paying student, undergraduate or graduate, full-time or part-time, may utilize the Health Service programs. The Health Service is supported by required health fees for all students who are part time or higher. Please note that the required health fee is separate from the optional medical insurance plan, which has separate premium charges.

Health clearance requirement

Upon admission to the University and prior to completing registration, every full time student is required to receive a health clearance. Each student is required to complete and submit a health history and immunization report record for review by a healthcare provider.All residential students are required to complete these requirements prior to moving into the residence halls.

Documented proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and Hepatitis B is mandatory for a clearance to be completed. Additionally, all new residential students must either receive the meningitis vaccine or sign a waiver (PDF).

Cost of service

The University Health Service is supported by mandatory student fees. Students taking day classes are charged a $47.50/semester health fee. The fee is prorated for part-time students. This fee entitles students to unlimited confidential sick visits to the office for evaluation, diagnoses, and treatment.

Each time you visit Health Services for care, we are able to bill your insurance (whether it's your student health insurance plan through the university, your own plan, or a family health insurance plan). In addition, Health Services charges a $15 co-pay for all preventative visits (immunizations, gyn exams, athletic physicals). We do not charge a co-pay for illness visits (colds, flus, sore throats, etc.).

To pay the co-pay for preventative visits, students must put money on their UMass Pass cards (use the "UMDollars" account). The Health Services office does not accept cash, check, or charge.

*Health insurance is required for laboratory work and x-rays, which is sent to an outside lab.

Confidentiality

All medical care is confidential. You have the right 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 (including threats of harm to self or others), in response to court ordered subpoenas or to persons you specify with your written consent.

Information will be released in the following situations as required by law:

• Some communicable diseases must be reported to the Department of Health
• Immunization records must be available for some UMass Dartmouth officials and state inspectors

Health insurance policy

International students on a visa who plan to attend UMass Dartmouth will automatically be enrolled in the Qualifying Student Health Insurance Program at UMass Dartmouth. These students will not be allowed to waive the school insurance.

Any domestic student who waives school health insurance, must have insurance that meets the QSHIP Guidelines and be billable in the local UMass Dartmouth area.

More information about health insurance

Absence excuse policy

Health Services does not issue sick notes. If you are ill, you should notify your professor prior to missing class. In certain circumstances, a clinician may need to exclude you from class; for example, when you have a communicable disease. Otherwise, no excuses are written.

If a student wants proof of a visit, you may request a transaction sheet from the clerical desk in Health Services, 48 hours after your visit. 
 


 Last Updated On: 11/14/07