University Park Health Center
At USC every effort is made to help you achieve and maintain good physical, mental and social health. USC University Park Health Center (UPHC) offers direct medical care and psychological counseling, as well as prevention programs to assist you in assuming responsibility for your personal well-being.
Student Health Services, located at the University Park Health Center, is open during the summer on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The UPHC is closed on weekends throughout the summer and on all university holidays. For further information, visit the UPHC Web site at www.usc.edu/uphc.
For treatment of most acute illnesses and injuries, a primary care appointment can be scheduled Monday through Friday by calling (213) 740-2778. Specialty care appointments are available by referral only. Areas of specialization include: gynecology, orthopedics, internal medicine, dermatology, allergy, acupuncture and chiropractic services. Only routine gynecological appointments may be made without a referral by calling (213) 740-2778.
Emergency/Urgent Care Needs
If you have a medical illness or injury that requires urgent medical attention, you may be seen without an appointment. Each patient who checks in at the front desk will be evaluated and seen based on medical condition and urgency. Should your medical condition require urgent medical attention during non-business hours, and you would like to speak with an on-call registered nurse, please call (213) 749-9355 and follow the recorded instructions. In case of a life-threatening emergency when you are on or near the University Park campus, call the USC Department of Public Safety at (213) 740-4321. For all other emergencies, call “911.”
Eligibility for Services
Services at UPHC are available to students who have paid the current 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 receive services by paying the summer health fee. Although this fee covers most services rendered at the health center, there may be nominal charges for lab tests, prescriptions, orthopedic appliances, copies of X-rays or copies of medical records. For more information on eligibility and charges, please call the University Park Health Center’s Cashier at (213) 740-0238.
Mandatory Measles and Mumps Immunization Policy
Effective fall 2007, all new incoming students are required to show proof of two measles and two mumps vaccinations or two MMR (combination measles, mumps and rubeola) prior to their first semester at USC. All documentation must include the month and year of the immunization and must include an official signature or stamp from your physician or clinic. A photocopy letter or medical record from your health care provider documenting one of the following will serve as proof of immunity: (1) documentation of two doses of measles and mumps vaccine or MMR – dose one given at 12 months of age or later and dose two given at four years of age or later and at least one month after dose one; (2) documentation of a positive rubeola and mumps titer (laboratory blood test); (3) documentation from a physician or clinic indicating a past diagnosis of the disease(s); (4) proof of date of birth prior to Jan. 1, 1957. Students should provide photocopies of documents and keep the originals for their personal records. Each photocopy should include the student's name and 10-digit USC ID number.
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 within 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/Screening, 849 W. 34th St., Los Angeles, 90089-0311. For additional information, please call the Immunization/Screening Compliance Office at (213) 740-1163.
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.