New Students - Welcome to OSU

Title: 

New Students - Welcome to OSU

Welcome to Oregon State University!

To better understand more of our services and offerings please download our full START program packet with the link below. This will give you a better overview of the many services we offer to students throughout their time at OSU.

Download our full START Packet

Student Health Services at the Oregon State University Corvallis campus, founded in 1936, continues to serve as leaders for student health and wellbeing across campus. Our aim is to support student success while giving students the knowledge, skills, care, and support they need to be healthy while at OSU and throughout their life span.

Student Health Services is a multi-disciplinary team comprised of a highly qualified and dedicated staff of health professionals who are committed to the practice of healthcare, while also working to create campus environments that support health, safety, and wellness. Our programs and services are tailored to meet the holistic needs of the student population, including their physical, mental, emotional, social, and academic wellbeing.

Student Health Services places a high value on health equity, social justice, and inclusion, and we honor the diverse cultures and backgrounds of our students. As part of the division of Student Affairs, we are continuously working in collaboration with other departments to better support students who have faced historic and systemic challenges. This includes our first-generation students, students with high financial need, and BIPOC students.

We are here for you, please reach out if you have questions about student health and well-being at OSU.  We really look forward to working with you this coming year!

Kelly Hower
Executive Director-Student Health Services
Oregon State University

Introducing Student Health Services

 

New Domestic Students

Title: 

New Domestic Students

Welcome, new domestic students!

We look forward to assisting you with healthcare needs you may have during your time at Oregon State.

Below, you'll find a list of key resources at SHS to help you better navigate our clinic.

Your first steps...

Health history and other forms

All students must complete and submit a mandatory health history and immunization form. This form is not only a requirement but it's a helpful tool in meeting your health and wellness needs.

Immunization requirements and information

We require students to have specific vaccinations against illnesses to decrease the potential spread of disease around campus. You can learn more about the requirements for domestic students or how to request an exemption/waiver.

Helpful tools available...

OSU-sponsored insurance plans

Healthcare is expensive, and while SHS is proud to offer a wide variety of services at no extra charge to students who pay their health fee, some services like labs, x-rays (now available through Samaritan Athletic Medicine Center) and even needing to see an off-campus specialist can cost extra. Avoid financial hardship and learn about the OSU-sponsored health insurance plans available to all students.

Patient portal

We have a patient portal available for you to check your immunization status, lab results, appointment summaries and better communicate with our care providers over the web.

Learning your way around...

Clinic location

The Health Center on the Oregon State University Corvallis campus is located directly east of Reser Stadium at 850 SW 26th St.

For directions and current business hours, click here!

Some final points...

Infectious diseases

We are passionate about reducing the spread of serious infectious diseases on campus. Visit our webpage where we have provided detailed information about prevention and treatment of these diseases, including HPV, mono, tuberculosis and more.

Records and referrals

Only you can access your medical records or decide when/to whom they are released. In our "records and referrals" section, we show you how to fill out a Release of Information form and explain the do's and don'ts of medical records.

Making an appointment

If you have any chronic medical conditions or have ongoing prescription needs, we encourage you to make an appointment with a primary care provider early in your academic career.

New International Students

Title: 

New International Students

Welcome, new international students!

We're so happy you chose Oregon State University to continue your education. If you become ill or injured while you are a student, call Student Health Services at 541-737-9355. Usually office visits are free to students. You might need to pay for some services such as lab tests.

Did you know? Translation services are available at the clinic for more than 170 languages. SHS staff members access the translation line by way of speaker phone or conference call. The service is free and confidential.

Start here...

Health insurance

International students* are automatically enrolled in the OSU international student insurance plan. If you have other insurance that meets federal, state and university requirements (OAR 576-025-0020), you may submit a waiver to remove the charge.

It's important to note that your dependents living in the U.S. (if any) need to be covered by health insurance as well. If you have questions, you can call the SHS insurance office at 541-737-7600.

Immunizations and health history

All students coming to Oregon State must receive a series of required vaccines. If you have already received some or all of your required immunizations, you must submit proof to the immunization office. If you still need some (or all) of your required immunizations, you can get them at SHS.

You must also submit an international student health history form, which can be found in our forms section.

Important details...

Fees for services

Most services at SHS are covered by a health fee, and are therefore free of charge. Other services are not covered by the health fee, and therefore cost extra and are billed to your student account. You can visit our fees page to learn more about what services are covered.

Patient portal

We have an electronic medical record system and a secure patient web portal to help you make the most out of your care. Our web-based services allow for faster access to patient information and confidential, electronic communications with providers.

You can also use the portal to submit required forms and make appointments.

Staying healthy at OSU and beyond...

Infectious diseases

Preventing the spread of infectious diseases is very important to Oregon State. To promote the health of the campus community, SHS offers general information on how to prevent disease and vaccinations for diseases such as influenza.

Sexually transmitted infections

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections that can be passed between people during sexual activities. They affect people of all ages and backgrounds. In the United States there are about 19,000,000 new cases each year, half of these are among young people ages 15-24 years.

SHS offers a variety of resources to help prevent the spread of these infections.

Health coverage while traveling

Students who are enrolled in OSU Student Health Insurance are covered by Assist America if they get sick or injured when traveling.

If you are at least 100 miles from OSU, or in another country, call Assist America as soon as possible by dialing 1-800-304-4585 or 1-609-921-0868. Assist America cannot reimburse you for any medical expenses unless they are arranged, approved and provided by Assist America, so always call them first.

Veterans

Title: 

Veterans

Student Health Services welcomes military veterans!

We thank you for your service, and are ready to support and assist you in your health and wellness needs as you transition to being a student at OSU. If you are entitled to VA benefits, SHS is committed to work with you to coordinate medical care.

Student health and other campus services

As an enrolled student, you are eligible to access our many services. Please take a few minutes to explore our site and learn about all that SHS has to offer. In addition to a wide range of clinical services, SHS also contributes educational information and wellness programming through its wellness team. The Plageman Building, where the health clinic is located, is also home to the Pharmacy operated by the OSU College of Pharmacy. Pharmacy services are available to registered students.

GI Bill and other benefits

If you have specific questions about campus and community resources for veterans, please contact William Elfering, OSU Military and Veteran Resources Advisor, at 541-737-7662 or via email.

Assistance with homelessness

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) has founded a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline to ensure that homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. To access resources, call 1-877-4AID VET (1-877-424-3838). 

Information for Homeless Veterans

 

College of Veterinary Medicine Students

Title: 

College of Veterinary Medicine Students

Congratulations on this new beginning!

For your own health and safety and for the safety of your peers and animal patients, the following are required upon admission to OSU & the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

College of Veterinary Medicine Health History Form

Complete, sign and submit the College of Veterinary Medicine Health History Form. This form must be completed and submitted to receive medical clearance.

Complete and sign: College of Veterinary Medicine Health History Form

Submission options:

Upload to the Patient Portal: Return completed form by uploading to: Immunization Record section on the Student Health Services Patient Portal https://myhealth.oregonstate.edu

By email: [email protected]

By mail: 

Oregon State University Student Health Services
Attention: Professional Programs                    
850 SW 26th St.
Corvallis, OR 97331

By fax: 

Attention: Professional Programs Nurse
Fax: 541-737-7236

OSU Health History and Immunization Forms

*Note: This is different than the Veterinary Medicine Health History Form.

You must also complete the general OSU Health History and Immunization forms before your first term. Please visit the Patient Portal to complete this requirement. If you are unable to use the online form, you may go to the forms section of our website and print the appropriate form to send along with your immunization records.

Submission options:

By email: [email protected]  

By mail: 

Oregon State University Student Health Services
Attention: Immunization Compliance
850 SW 26th St.
Corvallis, OR 97331

By fax: 

Attention: Immunization Compliance
Fax: 541-737-9665 

Required Additional Immunizations for the College of Vet Medicine

 Rabies Vaccine Series (must choose one of four options):

  • Submit documentation of 3 shots pre-exposure protocol (day 0,7,21-28).

OR

  • Submit documentation of 2 shots pre-exposure protocol (day 0 and 7) with a positive Rabies titer IF it has been over 2 years since receiving the 2 shot series.

OR

  • Submit a copy of medical records with the date and location/provider stamped or signed by an authorized healthcare agent indicating significant antibody titer by RFFIT testing (1:5).

OR

  • Attend the rabies clinics through Student Health Services during Fall Term to receive the 2-shot rabies series. Since the series is difficult for some students to obtain prior to coming to OSU, the entrance requirement for rabies can be completed at these special clinic dates. These dates will be coordinated with the College of Veterinary Medicine during the start of Fall Term. The opportunity to bill student insurance will be offered at the time of the vaccine clinic dates.

Additional Information

Animal Allergies:

Oftentimes, animal handlers may be unaware of an animal allergy until they are exposed to animals over time. If at any point in your studies you develop allergic symptoms or your current symptoms progress, please contact Jessica Ziegler at, 541-737-2724, who will then help coordinate an appointment at Student Health Services (covered by the student health fee).

Billing:

The College of Veterinary Medicine is offering a 25% off discount for vet students for the rabies series only. A Student Health Services billing department representative will coordinate billing student insurances. Please bring your insurance card with you to the rabies clinic and contact us via email with any further questions.

Student Health Services and Oregon State University sincerely appreciate your efforts in keeping you and the OSU community safe.

Common Healthcare Terms

Title: 

Common Healthcare Terms

Body: 

We use words to describe and explain medical care and insurance that may be very confusing! Below are listed some definitions and explanations of important concepts and insurance terms. If you need further explanation, call the insurance office at 541-737-6748.

For additional information, the Student’s Guide to Health Insurance offers valuable information for students living independently for the first time, and for recent grads entering the workforce.

A-B                          C-I                           M-P                        S-U     

Accident: 

An unexpected event that causes injury.

Basic Medical Plan: 

Insurance coverage that pays agreed-on medical expenses up to a relatively low maximum. For example, an insurance maximum may be $50,000 lifetime benefit for each injury or sickness.

Benefits: 

The money the insurance company pays the health care provider for medical services to you if you become ill or injured.

Claim: 

A request by you for payment by the insurance company of medical expenses that are covered under the insurance policy. The provider of a medical service will usually file a claim for you.

Co-insurance: 

The amount (typically a percentage) you are obligated to pay for covered medical services after you’ve satisfied any co-payment or deductible required by your health insurance plan.

Co-payment: 

The set or fixed-dollar amount you are required to pay each time a particular medical service is used. A co-payment for services may be $10 per visit.

Coverage: 

The conditions for which the insurance company will pay.

Deductible: 

The cumulative amount that you must pay annually before benefits will be paid by the insurance company. If the insurance policy indicates a "$250 deductible," the insurance company pays as agreed after you pay the first $250.

Dependents: 

Your spouse and children.

Emergency: 

A severe medical condition which may include pain, loss of breathing or consciousness, heart attack, stroke, poisoning, convulsions or severe bleeding.

Exclusions: 

Conditions for which the insurance company will not pay; for example, cosmetic procedures are exclusions.

Explanation of Benefits (EOB): 

The statement you receive from the insurance company showing the services, amounts paid by the plan and total for which you are being billed.

Health Insurance Policy (coverage, plan):

Insurance to cover the costs or losses incurred if an insured person falls ill.

Identification Card: 

A card given to you that identifies you as being eligible for benefits. The card must be presented when seeking treatment.

Insurance: 

A system under which individuals, businesses and other organizations, in exchange for a premium, are promised payment for losses resulting from certain dangers as specified in a contract.

Insurance Company: 

An organization licensed to operate as an insurer.

Insurance Policy: 

The legal document issued by the company to the policyholder (Purdue) which outlines the terms and conditions of the insurance; also called a "contract."

Insured: 

A person or organization covered by an insurance policy.

Major Medical: 

A plan that provides much broader coverage than the basic medical plan up to a high limit. You may increase your coverage by paying an additional amount more than your basic premium.

Network:

A group of medical providers that are contracted with a specific insurance company for highest payment levels.

OSU Health Fee: 

Charged to all students, provides on-campus health clinic with clinician visits covered as part of the health fee, violence prevention programs, health promotion and education to the campus community.

Out-of-network care: 

Healthcare rendered to a patient outside of the health insurance company's network of preferred providers. In many cases, the health insurance company will not pay for these services.

Out-of-Pocket Costs: 

The total you pay out of your pocket for a policy year. These costs include the deductible, co-insurance and amounts considered by the insurance company to be above the "Usual and Customary charges."

Pharmacy: 

A business where drugs approved by a doctor are legally sold.

Pre-existing Condition: 

A medical condition that required treatment during a fixed period of time, usually 3 or 6 months, before you purchased your insurance policy.

Premium: 

The price you pay for your insurance policy.

Stop Loss: 

See "Out-of-Pocket Costs."

Usual and Customary Charges: 

(Also called "Reasonable and Customary Charges") The routine charge for a medical service by similar professional medical providers in the same geographical area. You may pay an amount above the Usual and Customary charge if a provider charges more than other providers for the same service.

Managing Stress

Title: 

Managing Stress

Students have many options to help manage stress:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture draws on the body's own ability to heal itself, apparently stimulating that function in several ways. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture balances the energy flow of the body. Each acupuncture point has well-defined functions for the restoration of health and harmony. While the mechanisms of action remain only partially understood, there is a significant body of research demonstrating the effects of acupuncture. 

Massage

Massage therapy is an age-old health practice that has become part of many OSU students' health and fitness routine. Students find that massage is a complement to other health services in promoting their health. Therapeutic massage can be a component of your health maintenance or wellness plan.

Health coaching

Health Coaching is informal, confidential meetings with a health educator that are designed to help students improve their overall health. Discussions focus on areas of desired improvement and goals associated with these areas. Health coaches help participants to develop an individualized health improvement plan in order to meet these goals. (No charge for students.) Learn more about health coaching.

Sleep

College students report at least two times as many sleep difficulties as the general population. This is of particular concern because poor sleep quality can cause increased tension, irritability, depression, confusion and lower life satisfaction. There is also strong evidence that getting adequate sleep can positively affect academic performance and GPA. Learn more about how to get a good night's sleep.