University of Pittsburgh Student Health Services: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to supporting the health and well-being of its students. Student Health Services (SHS) offers a wide array of resources and services designed to address the diverse health needs of the student population. From medical care and mental health support to wellness programs and insurance information, SHS strives to provide accessible and comprehensive care to help students thrive during their academic journey.

Comprehensive Health Care Services

Student Health Services provides a range of medical services to address various health concerns. These services include:

General Medical Care: SHS offers routine medical care for common illnesses and injuries.
Mental Health Services: Therapies are available to treat adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, panic attacks, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, stress, and other conditions.
Registered Dietitian: The Registered Dietitian is available for initial and follow-up appointments. The service is free of charge, and the Dietitian applies Medical Nutrition Therapy, using a non-diet approach to nutrition and health. In addition, the Dietitian provides education, skills, and support according to each client’s individual needs and preferences to help them reach their health and wellness goals. To schedule an initial assessment (45 minutes), please contact the Front Desk at 412.383.1800.

Wellness and Recreation Support

The Wellness and Recreation Support Fee covers a variety of health education resources and services, including:

Annual flu vaccines
Rapid HIV testing
Visits with a registered dietician
Stress-Free Zone programs

Understanding Student Health Insurance

Navigating health insurance can be confusing, so SHS provides resources to help students understand their coverage options.

UPMC Health Plan

UPMC Health Plan is part of the Insurance Services Division of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), one of the nation’s top-ranked health systems. UPMC Health Plan maintains an "Excellent" rating (the highest available from NCQA) for its commercial HMO/POS, Medicaid HMO, and Medicare HMO products. U.S. News & World Report’s annual guide has recognized UPMC Health Plan for two years in a row.

Key Features of UPMC Health Plan:

Comprehensive Coverage: The medical plan provides comprehensive coverage with a modest deductible.
Dedicated Customer Service: UPMC Health Plan provides a dedicated customer service unit comprised of a team of highly trained Health Care Concierges.
Award-Winning Service: UPMC Health Plan won the 2012 Global Call Center of the Year award in the large call center category from the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI). ICMI recognizes call centers that make a commitment to superior service and have done the most to deliver a quality customer experience.

Important Information Regarding Enrollment:

Student coverage does not automatically continue each academic year. Re-enrollment is required every fall to maintain active coverage. All coverage ends 8/31 without re-enrollment.
Graduate students with academic appointments, Fellows, and Certificate Trainees (as Defined in University Policy) may have different coverage ending dates depending on their appointment ending dates or graduation date.
For general plan inquiries, contact the University's Benefits Department by calling 833-852-2210 or submit an inquiry online.

Dental Coverage with United Concordia

United Concordia administers dental benefits for more than 8 million members and 26,000 clients, including state and local governments, unions, and many of the top 100 Fortune® 500 companies. The Advantage Plus network includes more than 73,600 unique dentists at more than 149,000 access points nationwide. Their network includes both University Dental Health Services and the University of Pittsburgh Dental Medicine Clinic. For questions regarding the dental plan, contact United Concordia’s Member Services at 1-877-215-3616.

Vision Coverage with Davis Vision by MetLife

Davis Vision by MetLife provides vision benefits, eye care, and eyewear to over 55 million members and a seamless member experience with unparalleled ease of use and value. Davis Vision by MetLife is one of a select few vision care programs in the country with NCQA’s Certification in Credentialing, maintained since 2004. Davis Vision by MetLife's labs and Customer Service Center are the only ones in managed vision care to be certified to ISO 9001:2008 standards.

LifeSolutions: Your Assistance Program

LifeSolutions is the University of Pittsburgh's Assistance Program that provides a broad range of services to assist University students and their household members in balancing school and the stresses of daily life. This includes a specialized program for students like you! LifeSolutions offers personalized care services, 24-hour support, online resources and tools, and more, all at no cost to you. You can speak with a LifeSolutions specialist in-person, through video, or by telephone. To speak with a specialist or to schedule an in-person appointment, call 1-833-223-5754 (TTY: 711).

Additional Resources and Services

Assist America: Through UPMC Health Insurance, University travelers are automatically eligible for Assist America services. Assist America services include emergency medical services such as help with hospital admissions, referrals to qualified physicians, and emergency medical evacuation.
Confidentiality: Clinical staff are considered confidential employees of the University of Pittsburgh.
Rape Kits: Student Health Services does not perform rape kits for collection of evidence and thus refers patients to UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital.
CHIP: Alternative coverage may be available for your dependents through Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

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