Student Health

• Medical Services Fee
• Mandatory Student Health Insurance
• Bacterial Meningitis
• Immunizations
• Tuberculosis Surveillance
• Exposure Management
• Drug Screening

Medical Services Fee

​TTUHSC provides health services to students who are currently enrolled and have paid the Medical Services Fee as part of their tuition and fees. To receive health services, students must present their student I.D. card at the time of their appointment. Students who also have private insurance will need to submit their receipt for the co-pay charged at the appointment to their insurance company for reimbursement.

1. Each TTUHSC campus has designated facilities that students can use when needing health care services. Each location offers a range of services from medical checkups and mental health services to wellness support and health education. Students will find information about each facility and covered services at the following link: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/health.aspx. The Medical Services Fee covers only those services listed on the aforementioned webpage. All other charges incurred are the students’ responsibility.
2. If a student receives a bill from the Health Sciences Center for services covered by the Medical Services Fee, they should contact the Office of Student Life at (806) 743-2302.

Clinic Procedures

https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/health.aspx

Each Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) campus has a facility that students can use when needing health care services, including medical checkups and mental health services to wellness support and health education. Each campus has identified facilities are available to all students that have paid the Medical Services Fee. 

Please call to make an appointment. If you need to be seen for a sudden illness, please call that day as early as possible. If you need to be seen after clinic hours, call your campus’s clinic phone number and ask to leave a message for the on-call physician. When you check in, please inform the receptionist that you are a TTUHSC student. If you come to the clinic without an appointment, it may be necessary for you to wait for a physician. Immunizations, paperwork, and routine procedures are not ordinarily considered urgent care, and may not be taken care of on the same day as requested. Telemedicine and nurse on call services may also be available. If you have a health emergency that requires you to be seen at a hospital emergency room, go to the hospital listed for your campus under “Clinic Locations.” Visits to an emergency room that generate a charge from either TTUHSC or the hospital are your responsibility.

Mandatory Student Health Insurance

https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-life/health-insurance.aspx

1. ​Per OP 77.19, Mandatory Student Health Insurance, all students must obtain and maintain health insurance coverage that is Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant while enrolled at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), except those enrolled in a 100% distance program. Link to the list of programs:https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-life/documents/Programs-Do-Not-Require-Insurance.pdf.
   1. The term “100% distance program” means the entirety of the degree program is online, with no face to face or onsite academic, research, or clinical component.
   2. “Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant” is defined as coverage which accepts preexisting conditions and meets the criteria of Minimum Value and Essential Health Benefits.
      1. Minimum Value covers at least 60 percent of the total allowed cost of benefits that are expected to be incurred under the plan.
      2. Essential Health Benefits include hospitalization, ambulatory services, emergency services, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, prescription drugs, lab tests, preventative services, pediatric services, rehabilitative and “habilitative” services.
2. Per OP 77.03, Requirements of Health, Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance for F-1 Non-immigrant Students, TTUHSC requires that all non-immigrant F-1 students have health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment. This guarantees that both TTUHSC and the non-immigrant students are in compliance with United States federal regulations and guidelines.
3. TTUHSC will add the fee for the university sponsored student health insurance plan to students’ tuition and fee accounts each semester at the time they register. Students will have the ability to opt-out of the student health insurance plan by submitting a waiver request if they have qualifying alternative insurance. If the waiver request is approved, the fee will be removed or refunded. If a student has an approved waiver for the fall semester, the approved waiver will carry over to the spring and summer semesters. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their alternative insurance is active during this time. A new waiver request will be required each fall or the first semester a student begins a program. All information about the university sponsored student health insurance plan can be found on the Office of Student Life website,https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-life/.
4. Any student who does not comply with the Student Health Insurance requirement may have a hold placed on their account and not be able to register for the next semester or receive their diploma if graduating.

Defined Terms

For purposes of this policy:

1. The term “student” does not include residents.
2. The term “100% distance program” means the entirety of the degree program is online, with no face to face or onsite academic, research, or clinical component.
3. “Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant” is defined as coverage which accepts preexisting conditions and meets the criteria of Minimum Value and Essential Health Benefits.
   1. Minimum Value covers at least 60 percent of the total allowed cost of benefits that are expected to be incurred under the plan.
   2. Essential Health Benefits include hospitalization, ambulatory services, emergency services, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, prescription drugs, lab tests, preventative services, pediatric services, rehabilitative, and “habilitative” services.

Student Responsibility

1. All students must obtain and maintain health insurance coverage that is Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant while enrolled at the TTUHSC, except those enrolled in 100% distance programs as defined above.
2. The cost of the TTUHSC sponsored student health insurance plan will be added to the tuition and fee statement of all students required to maintain health insurance each semester at the time of enrollment.
3. Students with alternative health coverage (e.g., coverage by a parent, guardian, spouse, or employer) that is ACA compliant may submit a waiver request.
   1. If a waiver is approved, the cost of the TTUHSC sponsored student health insurance plan will be removed from, or refunded to, the student’s tuition and fee account.
   2. If a student’s waiver request is denied and they would like to appeal the decision, they can contact the Office of Student Life. The Office of Student Life will work with Academic Health Plans to confirm the waiver denial is valid, based on the requirements of this policy.
4. Students will have the option to opt-in to allow the Federal financial aid awards (e.g., grants and loans) to cover the student health insurance. Students who do not opt-in will need to pay for the student health insurance after they receive a refund of their remaining financial aid balance.

Enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan

Enrollment is automatic and added to the tuition and fee statement at the time of a student’s enrollment in classes. Make sure to pay the fee by the institutional deadline to avoid additional fees or a hold being placed on your account.

The plan will provide health insurance coverage from August 1 to December 31 for new students in the fall, September 1 to December 31 for returning students in the fall, from January 1 to August 31 for students in the spring/summer, and May 1 to August 31 for new students in the summer. You will be able to access your health insurance benefits and request your insurance card starting on the dates above on the Academic Health Plans Website.

Students wanting to add a spouse or dependent(s) should follow these directions:

1. First pay the student health insurance fee on your tuition and fee account.
2. Go to the Academic Health Plans enrollment website.
3. Click the Enroll/Cost tab.
4. Choose your school and Click on the blue button to enroll your dependent(s).

Waiver of Health Insurance Requirement

If you have alternative health insurance coverage (e.g., coverage by a parent, guardian, spouse, or employer) that is Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant, you have the option to submit a request to waive the student health insurance plan on the Academic Health Plans website beginning mid-June for the fall, November for the spring/summer, and April for the summer. If your waiver is approved, the student health insurance plan fee will be credited back to your tuition and fee account. A new waiver is required every fall semester. If your request for a waiver is denied you will need to pay the charge for the student health insurance plan billed to your account. If you think your waiver was denied in error, you may email or call the Office of Student Life for assistance. Alternative health insurance coverage must be active during the duration of your academic term. Travel plans, short term plans, cost sharing plans, or plans that require you to pay for treatment yourself and then apply for reimbursement will NOT be accepted.

To submit a waiver:

1. Go to the Academic Health Plan waiver website.
2. Review the waiver criteria.
3. Click on the blue button at the bottom of the page to submit your waiver.
4. On the login page, students will enter their TTUHSC student ID in the R12345678 format as their username and their date of birth in MMDDYYYY format as the initial password unless previously changed. Students are then taken to the student dashboard screen.
5. Fill out alternative health insurance information, upload documentation, and submit.

Please allow 5-7 days for review. You will receive an email from AHP. If approved, the charge on your tuition and fee account will be removed or refunded back to your account.

Utilize the resources on the Office of Student Life website and the AHP website, which provide detailed information about the enrollment and waiver processes for the student health insurance plan.

Bacterial Meningitis

General

Meningococcal disease is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. This disease affects approximately 3000 Americans each year, including 100-125 people on college campuses, leading to 5-15 deaths per year among college students.

Risks and Exposures

The organism is spread from person-to-person through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions such as coughing and kissing. Sharing cigarettes, water bottles, eating utensils and food, may increase your exposure. Resident Hall-style living may also play a role as crowded environments facilitate the spread of the infection.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is important. Your healthcare provider may use a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests to diagnose the disease. Seek medical attention immediately if one or more of these symptoms appear:

1. High fever
2. Severe headaches
3. Vomiting
4. Light sensitivity
5. Stiff neck
6. Nausea
7. Lethargy
8. Seizures
9. Confusion and sleepiness
10. Rash or purple patches on skin​

Possible Treatment and Consequences If NOT Treated

Antibiotic treatment may be effective if exposure and disease is detected early. Possible consequences of the disease, include, but are not limited to:

1. Permanent brain damage
2. Kidney failure
3. Learning disability
4. Gangrene
5. Coma
6. Convulsions
7. Hearing loss
8. Blindness
9. Limb damage that may require amputation
10. Death​

Prevention

Vaccinations may be effective against 4 of the 5 most common bacterial types that cause 70% of the disease in the United States. Vaccinations typically take 7-10 days to become effective, with protection lasting 3-5 years. The vaccination is generally safe–most common side effects may include redness and minor pain at the injection site for up to two days.

Information

If you have more questions contact:

1. Your healthcare provider
2. Your local or regional Texas Department of Health
3. TTUHSC Family Practice Clinic at (806) 743-2757
4. Visit these web sites for more information - http://www.cdc.gov/ncird/dbd.html or www.acha.org.​

Immunizations

In order to protect the health of our students and the health of the patients with whom they come in contact, TTUHSC requires all entering students to provide documentation of all immunizations as listed below. Immunization requirements are based on regulations, guidelines and recommendations available as of October, 2012 from the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). The meningitis requirement must be sent in immediately and all other requirements must be met prior to orientation. The student is responsible for all associated costs. For those who do not comply with COVID vaccine mandates, it may impact the Covered Individual’s ability to provide care, obtain required clinical hours, and maintain credentialing.

Medical and Religious Exemptions

Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §97.62 describes the conditions under which individuals can seek exemptions from Texas immunization requirements. Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications, active duty with the armed forces of the United States, and reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.

1. A person claiming exclusion for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, from a required immunization may only obtain the affidavit form by submitting a request (via online form, mail, fax or hand-delivery) to the department. The request must include following information:
   1. Full name of student.
   2. Student’s date of birth (month/day/year).
   3. Complete mailing address, including telephone number.
   4. Number of requested affidavit forms (not to exceed 5).
2. View the Request for Exemption from Immunizations for Reasons of Conscience for written requests.
3. Affidavit form requests will be processed and mailed within one week from the receipt of the request. If additional information is needed in order to process the affidavit, you will be notified.
4. The vaccine exemption forms for reasons of conscience including a religious belief are only for students claiming a vaccine exemption for the first time after 9/1/03. If you’ve submitted a religious exemption prior to 9/1/03, you are grandfathered under the old law and do not need a new form.

Tuberculosis Surveillance

Tuberculosis surveillance for Covered Individuals is based on current U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Recommendations and Reports (December 30, 2005, 54 (#RR-17):1-147), Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings.

Exposure Management

Institutional management of exposure to: (1) blood-borne pathogens, (2) body fluids and, (3) other miscellaneous exposures is based on regulations, guidelines and recommendations available as of October 2012 from the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For exposure-related incidents, students must notify the Office of Institutional Health at (806) 743-4020 or go to https://www.ttuhsc.edu/institutional-health/ for information.

Affiliated Entities-Student Drug Screenings, HSC OP 77.15

For purposes of this policy the term “Student” does not include residents in the Schools of Medicine or Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy.

Background

1. TTUHSC enters into affiliation agreements with various health care clinical entities (“Affiliated Entities”), such as hospitals and other facilities, in order to provide clinical experience opportunities for its students enrolled in TTUHSC clinical education programs.
2. Affiliated Entities may establish more stringent standards for students who wish to do a clinical rotation at the affiliated entity, than those required by TTUHSC as part of its admission process. Affiliated Entities may require students, among other things, to undergo and satisfactorily pass additional background checks and/or drug screenings as a pre-requisite to participating in a clinical rotation at the Affiliated Entity.
3. Clinical rotations are an essential element in certain degree programs’ curricula. Students who cannot participate in clinical rotations due to a positive drug screening may be unable to fulfill the requirements of a degree program. TTUHSC schools may NOT mandate this requirement for all students. It applies solely to those students who must fulfill the requirement for participation in a clinical rotation at an Affiliated Entity.

Clinical Placement

1. Placements at Affiliated Entities for clinical rotations will be based on the learning objectives as defined by each program consistent with the learning objectives of each student. Determination of unacceptable results of a drug screening will be made by the Affiliated Entity. Any student placed with an Affiliated Entity that requires additional background checks and/or drug screens, who cannot meet these requirements, must discuss all available options with their School’s Office of Student Affairs or their designee.
2. Affiliated entities may conduct their own drug screening. If the student fails the drug test and is consequently denied externship placement, s/he shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the TTUHSC policies.

Responsibility of the School

The student’s school shall:

1. Notify the student of the Affiliated Entity’s requirements for a drug screen, to include the type(s) of drug screen required by the Affiliated Entity, deadlines to meet the Affiliated Entity’s requirements, a list of approved drug screen testing vendors, and a completed Authorization, Attachment “A,” for signature by the student.
2. Receive the student’s drug screen test results, which shall be maintained in a confidential, locked file separate from the student’s primary educational records.
3. Notify and ensure the Affiliated Entity that all students prior to their clinical rotation have met their drug screening requirements.

Responsibility of the Student

1. The student shall pay for the cost of any and all drug screening required by an Affiliated Entity that is designated for student matriculation by TTUHSC provided articles b, c, d, below are met. The student shall be responsible for the cost of any necessary re-test or subsequent tests at TTUHSC designated Affiliated Entity(s) and any drug screening required by an Affiliated Entity selected for matriculation by the student.
2. The student shall complete the drug screen prior to the deadlines provided by the School and meet the guidelines of the Affiliated Entity. Failure to complete the drug test prior to the deadlines may result in an additional expense to the student, and/or delay in, or denial of, rotation in the Affiliated Entity.
3. The student shall use a drug screen vendor from the designated vendors provided to the student by their School and/or the Affiliated Entity. Results from a vendor NOT on designated by the School and/or Affiliated Entity will not be accepted and the student shall be required to have the drug screening test(s) conducted by an approved vendor.
4. The student will be required to sign a valid consent and authorization, Attachment “A,” consenting to the drug screening and giving the vendor performing the test permission to provide the drug screen test results to the person designated by the School to receive student drug screen tests results under this policy.

Student Refusal to Consent to Drug Screen

Any student who fails or refuses to consent to a drug screen required by an Affiliated Entity to which the student has been assigned by their School shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the TTUHSC Student Handbook/Code of Professional and Academic Conduct, the Schools’ written policies, if any, and this policy.

Period of Validity - Drug Screen Results

1. Unless otherwise required by an Affiliated Entity, drug screen test results will generally be valid for the time the student is in the program within the School unless there is a break in enrollment, defined as not enrolled for one full semester.
2. Students may be required to undergo drug screening more than once depending on the requirements of each Affiliated Entity in which the student is placed to meet their learning objectives or the number of Affiliated Entities at which the student is placed.

Drug Screen Results

1. Diluted Specimen. Should the vendor report that the screening specimen was diluted, thereby precluding an accurate drug screen test, the student, at their expense, will be required to complete and successfully pass a new drug screen test.
2. Negative Drug Screen Results. The School which receives a student’s drug screen test results, may release negative drug screen test results to the student, provided the student has signed the appropriate release form, Attachment A.
3. Positive Drug Screen Results
   1. A positive drug screen is any instance in which a drug screen report shows a positive test for one or more of the drugs on the panel required by the Affiliated Entity.
   2. Any student with a positive drug screen will not be placed in any clinical facility pending review and outcome of appeal with the vendor.
   3. The student has the right, at their expense, to request an independent review of any positive drug screen, by an independent Medical Review Officer, provided by the vendor. There will be an additional charge if review by the Medical Review Officer is requested, and the student is responsible for all costs related to this review.
   4. Any appeal based on a positive drug screen is solely between the student, the Medical Review Officer and the vendor. The student’s School will not become involved in the appeal of a positive drug screen.
   5. If, after review by the independent Medical Review Officer, there is no valid medical basis which would cause or contribute to the positive drug screen, the test results will stand, at which point the student will be referred to the School’s Office of Student Affairs for disciplinary action in accordance with this policy and the School’s written policies.

Confidentiality of Records

Drug screening reports and all records pertaining to the results are considered confidential information with restricted access to the extent allowed by law.

Re-Admission

1. Any student who is withdrawn due to a positive drug screen without medical validation will only be eligible for readmission to any TTUHSC program of study in accordance with the School’s readmission policies.
2. If accepted for readmission after the required period of time, the student must, at their own expense, provide a negative drug test and satisfactory documentation of completion of any remedial action required by the School.

Right to Change Policy

TTUHSC reserves the right to change, modify, amend or rescind this policy in whole, or in part. at any time.