Navigating WashU Student Health Services and Resources: A Comprehensive Guide

Your health and well-being are an essential part of your academic success at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). Understanding the available health services and resources is crucial for all students. This article provides a detailed overview of the WashU Student Health Center (SHC), its services, and other related resources to help you navigate your healthcare needs during your time at WashU.

Overview of WashU Student Health Services

The WashU Student Health Center, located on the Danforth Campus, is an AAAHC-accredited clinic that provides medical and psychiatric care, as well as health promotion services. Staffed by board-certified physicians who hold faculty positions at the School of Medicine, along with nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and medical assistants, the SHC is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for young adults.

Key Components of Student Health Services

Habif Medical Services: Offers routine and preventive health care, evaluation and treatment of illnesses and injuries, travel medicine, allergy shots, and immunizations.
Psychiatry Services: Provides ongoing medication management for students addressing mental health concerns, with specific policies regarding stimulant medications.
Health Promotion Services: Works to improve individual and environmental health and well-being at WashU, offering free resources and programs related to alcohol and other drug use, mental health, and sexual health.

Accessing Care at Habif Medical Services

Habif Medical Services is dedicated to offering a wide array of medical services to students. These services include everything from routine check-ups and preventative care to the diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses and injuries. Habif also provides specialized services, such as travel medicine, allergy shots, and immunizations, to cater to the diverse health needs of the student body.

Comprehensive and Compassionate Care

Habif Medical Services is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to all students. Whether you require a routine check-up or treatment for a more serious condition, the dedicated team of healthcare professionals at Habif is available to offer the support and care you need.

On-Site Facilities

For added convenience, Habif Medical Services also houses an on-site lab, radiology department, and pharmacy to serve students. This ensures that students can conveniently access essential medical services in one location, making it easier to manage their healthcare needs while balancing their academic pursuits.

Psychiatry Services at WashU

Psychiatry Services at the WashU Student Health Center offers ongoing medication management for students who are already taking medication to address their mental health concerns. However, it's important to note a significant policy change regarding stimulant medications.

Important Policy Regarding Stimulant Medications

The Psychiatry Services department no longer accepts new or transferred patients who require prescriptions for stimulant medications. This includes medications such as Adderall, Adderall XR, Ritalin, Concerta, and Focalin. This policy is crucial for students to understand, especially those who rely on these medications for managing conditions like ADHD.

Recommendations for Students Currently on Stimulant Medications

If you are currently receiving stimulant medications, it is highly recommended that you continue working with your current provider. Maintaining a stable relationship with your existing healthcare professional is crucial for ensuring consistent and effective management of your condition.

Guidance for Students Seeking to Start Stimulant Medication

If you are considering starting stimulant medication to manage a health condition, the Psychiatry Services department will assist you in finding an outside provider that accepts your insurance. While they cannot initiate treatment themselves, they can provide valuable support by connecting you with appropriate resources in the community.

Health Promotion Services: Fostering Well-being

Health Promotion Services plays a vital role in fostering a healthy campus environment by focusing on improving individual and environmental health and well-being at WashU. They offer a variety of free resources and programs designed to support students in making informed decisions about their health.

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Key Areas of Focus

Alcohol and Other Drug Use: Providing risk-reduction information and resources to promote responsible decision-making.
Mental Health: Offering programs and support services to address mental health concerns and promote emotional well-being.
Sexual Health: Providing education and resources related to sexual health and wellness.

Understanding ADHD/ADD Resources

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of students at Washington University requesting evaluation and care for attention deficit-hyperactivity related disorders (ADHD/ADD). Understanding the resources available and the policies surrounding ADHD/ADD is crucial for students who may be affected.

Diagnostic Testing for ADHD/ADD

If you are unsure of a diagnosis of ADHD/ADD, it is recommended that you proceed with formal diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis. Formal testing is typically performed by a psychologist and may be necessary to establish the diagnosis.

Limitations at the Student Health Center

It's important to note that while the SHC can provide support and resources, they are unable to offer assessment and initiation of pharmaceutical treatment for ADHD. However, the Counseling and Psychological Services (CCPS) often has psycho-educational groups teaching skills to cope with difficulties experienced by people with ADHD.

Importance of Diagnostic Testing for Accommodations

As a general rule, diagnostic testing is mandatory for any accommodations desired from Wash U Disability Resources or for accommodations on major examinations such as the LSAT, GRE, MCAT, etc. This requirement ensures that accommodations are provided to students with a confirmed diagnosis and documented need.

Psychiatric Referrals

Please keep in mind that psychologists cannot prescribe medication for ADHD/ADD; therefore, psychiatric referrals are necessary for medication management. The SHC can assist in providing referrals to qualified psychiatric providers in the St. Louis area. It is recommended that you check with your insurance company to see if there are preferred psychiatric providers covered by your plan.

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Students are required by university policy to have adequate health insurance coverage. For many students, this means enrolling in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Understanding the details of your health plan is crucial for being an informed consumer of healthcare services.

Enrollment and Payment

Payment for SHIP will be automatically added to student accounts, ensuring that all students have access to health insurance coverage.

Primary Care Provider Requirement

When covered under the school plan, you must use the Student Health Center (SHC) as your primary care provider and receive referrals for any other medical care. This requirement helps to coordinate care and ensure that students receive appropriate medical attention.

Exceptions to the Referral Requirement

There are some exceptions to the referral requirement, including:

Emergency care
Urgent care when SHC is closed
Medical care received 50+ miles from SHC
OBGYN services
Mental healthcare

These exceptions allow students to seek care outside of the SHC in situations where it is necessary or more convenient.

Important Health Information Requirements

Prior to moving to campus, you are required to provide the Student Health Center with important health information, such as immunization records and health history. This information helps the SHC to provide you with the best possible care and to ensure the health and safety of the entire campus community.

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