Frequently Asked Questions
Health & Immunizations
Q. What healthcare services are available to students?
A. The Student Care Center (SCC) at the University of Chicago Hospitals provides comprehensive medical care for students. Care provided by the SCC is confidential. You will not be treated by fellow medical students, residents, or faculty that will supervise your clinical performance. Students with concerns about seeking care (medical or mental health) at the University of Chicago will be assisted with outside referrals.
If you are doing summer research, you may use the SCC only if you pay. To learn more about payment options, please visit the United Healthcare StudentResources website.
Charges will appear quarterly on your University account, except during the summer.
The Student Counseling and Resource Service (SCRS) provides consultation and short-term counseling services for students. Please contact the SCC Medical Director for further information about medical referrals. Please contact the SCRS for a list of off-campus mental health referrals.
Q. What if I want to waive my healthcare insurance?
A. All University of Chicago students must carry health insurance, but if you are covered by another plan, you may waive your student health insurance. The deadline to waive student health insurance is October 10, 2008 . If you neither waive nor select a plan by this point, you will be automatically enrolled in the Basic Plan. To waive or upgrade health insurance, please visit the Student Health Enrollments page.
Q. What immunizations do I need to enroll at Pritzker?
A. Full-time and visiting medical students must present proof of immunity to the following:
- proof of immunity through blood titer to Measles (Rubella), Mumps, German Measles (Rubella) and Hepatitis B;
- proof of immunity through blood titer or vaccination to Varicella;
- up-to-date Tetanus/Diphtheria vaccination;
- screening for exposure to tuberculosis;
Failure to submit proof of immunization or vaccination will result in class registration penalties and reduced access to campus facilities (library, athletics, etc.) by the University Registrar.
- Entering Medical Student Immunization Form (PDF) - Deadline: July 1, 2008
- Visiting Medical Student Immunization Form (PDF)
Forms must be completed by a Health Care provider or you may attach photocopies of your childhood immunizations that were signed by a licensed provider.
Q. How do I get Health & Disability Insurance?
A. The University requires students to carry medical insurance to ensure that they have appropriate medical coverage. Students must either purchase student medical insurance through the University of Chicago Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP) or show proof that they are insured by an outside policy. If students do not make an active insurance enrollment or waiver decision by the deadline*, then you will be automatically enrolled in U-SHIP Basic coverage. Students may also purchase coverage for family members through the University's plan. The plan begins on September 1. You will be billed for this with your quarterly tuition. For more detailed information, visit: Student Health Insurance.
Disability insurance is mandatory for all enrolled MD and PhD students. Students’ disability insurance is carried by Rx Financial Resources Inc. The underwriters are UnumProvident Corporation.
*For Fall Quarter 2008 the deadline is 5:00pm on Friday, October 10th.
Q. What if I am exposed to infectious material?
A.If you are exposed to blood or other infectious material, follow this four step process:
- Clean/Decontaminate
- Page the needlestick hotline: 188-9990 immediately
- Inform your supervisor
- Follow instructions of the UCOM Clinician
All infection control measures are funded by the medical school at no cost to the student. During orientation week students receive education regarding infectious and environmental hazards, bodily fluid exposures, needle stick policies and infection control. This training is reviewed extensively during the three day introduction to Clinical Biennium.
