If you bill my insurance, will I have to pay anything for care I receive at UHS?

Currently we only bill the SHIP for services rendered at UHS. You will only be responsible for any non-covered charges associated with your visit. Non-covered charges are usually not incurred at UHS.

I am covered by private health insurance. Will the University Health Services (UHS) accept my insurance?

The UHS is currently unable to bill any private insurance plans for office visits and covered medical services provided in our facility, however students are welcome to receive our services at no expense for their visit.  We cannot bill Medicare, Medicaid, Kaiser Permanente, or TRICARE. If you are a student insured by a private insurance, medicare, Medicaid, or other health plan, you should contact your plan in advance to locate service providers they will cover for your care.  You are welcome to visit UHS for any acute or urgent health issues.

If UHS is not a participating or "preferred provider" (i.e. in-network) with my plan, can I still be seen at UHS for health care?

Yes, however, we cannot bill private insurance plans or government insurance programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare and TRICARE. The student is NOT charged for the visit.

Please review the immunization and other public health requirements here.

Check for your immunization records at any school you have attended or with your doctor's office.

If you cannot locate your immunization records, you will need to receive the required vaccines again. Immunizations may be obtained at University Health Services (fees may be assessed at your expense). If you are certain you have been vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella, varicella, hepatitis B, you can ask your physician to do a titer (blood test) to prove your immunity.

What can I do if I'm unable to complete the immunization requirements prior to arriving at UDC?

We expect students to meet immunization requirements before arrival at UDC. When this is not possible, students must complete their requirements or begin receiving an immunization series prior to being cleared to register for classes. Immunizations may be given by UHS; however, fees may be assessed for these services. For more information about the required immunizations and fees, and to schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 202.274.5030.

To obtain, disclose, or discuss your health information on record at University Health Services you will first need to complete a form entitled Authorization for Release of Health Records. If you have any questions please contact the University Health Services at 202-274-5030.

Immunization requirements are in place to protect the health of the community. Therefore, very few exemptions are allowed by DC Public Health Law. At present, the following two exemptions may be pursued:

1. Medical exemption: The student's physician must provide a written statement of exemption, specifying which of the immunization products should not be administered, the reason, and how long the medical contraindication will last. Click here for medical exemption form.

2. Religious exemption: In order to qualify for a religious exemption: a student under 18 years old must submit a written statement signed and notarized by his/her parent(s) or guardian stating that they hold religious beliefs contrary to the practice of immunization. (A students 18 years old or older must submit such a notarized statement themselves to qualify for religious exemption). Click here for religious exemption form.

Statements must describe the beliefs in sufficient detail to permit the institution to determine 1) the beliefs are religious in nature (not philosophical*), and 2) the beliefs are sincerely and genuinely held. Prior religious exemption statements addressed to other institutions are not considered valid.

* Public Health Law does not allow for philosophical exemptions.

IMPORTANT: Should you choose either form of exemption (medical or religious), please note that - by law - in the event of an outbreak of measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, meningitis on an UDC campus or other operated facilities, you will be required to leave campus (even if you live in a UDC housing, residence hall or apartment) and will not be permitted to attend classes or any other campus activity until the DC Department of Health has declared it safe for you to return to campus. Your own assessment of the risk your presence on campus might pose to you or others will not factor in their decision.