Services and ProgramsServices and Programs

University Park Health Center

At USC every effort is made to help you achieve and maintain good physical, mental and social health. The University Park Health Center offers direct medical care and psychological counseling, as well as prevention programs to assist you in assuming responsibility for your personal well-being.

The University Park Health Center (UPHC) is located at 849 W. 34th Street.

Hours of Operation for Fall and Spring:

In addition to holidays, the health center is closed evenings (5-7 p.m.) during university recess periods. All closures will be posted in advance.

Hours of Operation for the Summer Session:

For further information, visit the USC-University Park Health Center Web site at www.usc.edu/uphc.

Eligibility for Services

Services at the UPHC are available to students who have paid the current semester student health fee. Fall or spring semester students, taking six or more units, are automatically assessed the health fee on their fee bill. Students taking fewer units may use the health center by paying the student health fee.

During the summer, health fee assessment is based on the number of weeks a student is in class and not on the number of units being taken. Continuing students from the spring semester, who are not taking summer classes, may use the health center by paying the summer health fee.

Although the student health fee covers most services rendered at the UPHC, there may be nominal charges for lab tests, prescriptions, orthopedic appliances, copies of X-rays and copies of medical records.

For more information on eligibility and charges, please call the UPHC'’s cashier at (213) 740-0238.

Student Health Insurance

USC Student Health Insurance Plan coverage dates for the Spring/Summer 2009 semester are: Jan. 12, 2009 - Aug. 16, 2009.

The university requires that all students have supplemental health insurance. This will help to cover the cost of health care that cannot be obtained at the health center, especially in emergency situations where hospitalization may be required. All students carrying 6 units or more are automatically enrolled in the USC student health insurance plan. All international and Health Sciences campus students are required to have health insurance even if they carry less than 6 units and are automatically enrolled. The USC student health insurance plan requires that all students use the university’s Student Health Centers for their primary care. For this reason, all students enrolled in the insurance plan are required to pay the student health fee.

New Waiver Requirements

Enrollment will only be waived if documented proof of coverage from another plan is presented to the Student Health Insurance Office on your campus and it meets all of the following criteria:

The waiver must be submitted by Jan. 30, 2009.

• Must provide at least $500,000 in lifetime aggregate coverage (no per incident maximum, no major exclusions).
• Must cover the student for the entire coverage period.
• Must have effective dates covering the entire semester: Jan. 12, 2009 - Aug. 16, 2009.
• Must pay for at least 80 percent of covered expenses (not just emergency care) in the Los Angeles area.
• Must provide verifiable proof (identification card or insurance policy).
• Must have a deductible of $2,500 or less per policy year in the Los Angeles area (lower deductible may be advisable).
• The plan description must be provided in the English language and currency must be converted to U.S. dollars and have an insurance contact phone number in the United States.

For more information, email uscins@usc.edu or call the Student Insurance Office at (213) 740-0551.

Graduate Assistants

Graduate Assistants with a .25 award or higher may be eligible to have the USC student health plan and the USC Student Health Center fee paid for by their departments. Their assistantship award must show in the Student Financial Detail System. More information is available in your award packet through your academic department.

Student Health Insurance for Students Studying Overseas

Students enrolled in overseas study programs are required to have adequate health coverage. These students are automatically enrolled in the USC Overseas Studies health insurance plan for the duration of their overseas program unless they are enrolled in the USC health plan. For more information, call the Student Health Insurance Office at (213) 740-0551.

Mandatory Measles and Mumps Immunization Policy

The university requires all students to show proof of measles and mumps immunity prior to registering for classes. A photocopy documenting one of the following will serve as proof of immunity: (1) documentation (month and year) of receiving two doses of the combination MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine OR two doses of measles vaccine and two doses of mumps vaccine; (2) documentation of a positive Rubeola titer and Mumps titer (laboratory blood test); (3) documentation from a physician or clinic indicating a past diagnosis of the disease(s). All documentation must include an official signature or stamp from the physician or clinic. The first dose of Measles, Mumps or MMR vaccines must be given after the first birthday and the second given a minimum of four weeks after the first dose. Students born prior to Jan. 1, 1957 are considered immune and will automatically be listed as exempt from the Measles and Mumps requirement.

Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination

The USC-University Park Health Center strongly recommends that all incoming USC freshmen receive the meningococcal meningitis vaccination before they come to campus or as soon as possible after arrival.

Meningococcal meningitis is a serious illness that can lead to brain damage, disability and death. College freshmen, particularly those who live in residence halls, have a modestly increased risk of getting this disease. Presently, there are two vaccines available. Both provide protection against four of the five most common strains. For information on this disease, please visit our Web site at www.usc.edu/uphc.

Tuberculosis Screening Requirement

All international students are required to be screened for tuberculosis in the United States or Canada within six months prior to their first semester of enrollment at USC. The following documentation will serve as proof of screening:

One of the following on printed letterhead from a physician or clinic: (1) documentation of a negative TB skin test (PPD) administered and read in the U.S. or Canada within six months prior to enrollment; (2) documentation of INH therapy for prophylaxis for at least six months and a written report of a negative chest X-ray performed in the U.S. or Canada within six months prior to enrollment; (3) documentation of both a positive PPD skin test and a negative chest X-ray performed in the U.S. or Canada within six months prior to enrollment; (4) a written report of a negative chest X-ray performed in the U.S. or Canada within six months prior to enrollment for students with documentation of previous treatment for active tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis skin testing must be administered and read in the U.S. or Canada six months prior to enrollment and must include measurement of reaction in millimeters. A history of BCG immunization does not fulfill this requirement. Chest X-rays must be performed in the U.S. or Canada and must be in the form of a written report. X-ray films will not be accepted.

Students unable to provide the required documentation will be asked to receive a PPD skin test and/or chest X-ray and provide us with that documentation. Please mail or deliver all screening/immunization documents to Immunization and Screening Requirements, 849 W. 34th St., Los Angeles, 90089-0311. For additional information, please call UPHC Student Services the Compliance Coordinator at (213) 740-1163.