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University Health Service
207 Fletcher Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1050
(734) 764-8320

 

FOR PARENTS OF NEW STUDENTS

Parents are students' primary source of health information, according to a survey of UM undergraduate students. You can help your student make a healthy transition to college by taking the following steps. This information is also available in a Health Checklist (PDF format).


Immunizations, health examination and health history:

Update immunizations before your student leaves for college and document them on the UHS Immunization Form. (See link below. UHS also provides immunizations for a fee).

A physical exam is not required by the UM, however athletic teams or clubs may have different requirements; check with team or club to be sure.

Make sure you student knows about his/her health history. If your student has a complex health history:

  1. Get a summary letter from your student's physician
  2. Encourage your student to schedule an introductory appointment with a UHS physician and hand-carry the letter (don't send it in advance) to that first visit

Encourage your student to carry a list of his/her medication allergies.

Print, complete and send forms:

Immunization form (best completed by a health care provider)

Health Insurance form

Consent to Treatment form (if your student is younger than 18 years old)

Prescriptions:

Update prescriptions.

Arrange for a supply of medications to bring to school.

Contact UHS Pharmacy (734-764-7387) regarding transferring prescriptions, if desired.

If you student takes ADD/ADHD medications, help prepare. For obtaining a prescription at UHS, students must visit a UHS physician and bring both of the following to the first visit:

  1. Documentation of diagnostic neuropsychological testing for ADD/ADHD
  2. Documentation of current management plans for ADD/ADHD

If your student wears glasses or contact lenses, send a copy of the current prescription with him/her, to make getting replacements easier.

If your student takes allergy shots, help prepare. Students can either bring allergy antigen from their home allergist and continue therapy OR see the UHS allergist to start therapy. UHS can prepare antigens for a fee, which will require that the student be evaluated by the UHS allergist. For questions call 734-764-8304.

Health Insurance (All students should have health insurance):

Know how health care works on campus: UHS provides most services at no or low cost. Payment for health care outside UHS is your student's responsibility, which is the reason your student should have health insurance.

Arrange health insurance if needed. See Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan.

Inform your health insurance company that your student will be away at college, and inquire about the level of coverage in the Ann Arbor area. Ask whether your plan has network providers here.

Provide an insurance card (with policy numbers, billing address and pharmacy information) or a photocopy (front and back) and encourage your student to carry it with him/her.

Discuss with your student when and how to use health insurance.

You may wish to consider purchasing the Tuition Refund Plan, which significantly reduces financial loss if students are unable to complete a term due to illness (physical or psychological).

Help your student practice decision-making skills:

Talk with your student about decisions s/he is likely to encounter in college such as alcohol and other drug use, getting enough sleep, managing time, handling stress, exercising, eating, sexual behavior, hygiene (e.g., hand washing, covering coughs), and being financially responsible.

Help your student practice making important choices before leaving for college.

Tell your student what you expect.

Offer non-judgmental listening and let your student know you're available.

Assemble a health care kit:

Send your student to school with a kit. Many medications are available generically. Ask a pharmacist for recommendations. Suggestions include:

Supplies Medications
Ace bandage for sprains Acetaminophen for pain relief, fever reduction e.g. Tylenol
Adhesive bandages, tape Antibacterial hand sanitizer, e.g. Purell
Cotton swabs Anti-inflammatory e.g. ibuprofen
Heating pad Antiseptic skin cleanser e.g. hydrogen peroxide 3%
Ice pack Antacid tablets e.g. Tums
Scissors Antibiotic cream or ointment e.g. Bacitracin
Sterile gauze pads Anti-diarrheal e.g. Imodium or Pepto Bismol
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) Antihistamine for itching and allergies e.g. Benadryl
Thermometer Calamine lotion for relief of itching
Tweezers Cough suppressant
  Decongestant e.g. Sudafed or phenylephrine

For further information, contact:
UHS Questions and Comments
Telephone 734-763-1320
Health Promotion and Community Relations

 


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