- Medical Services
- Scope of Services
- Eligibility
- How To Access
- Fees
- Medical Release Form
- Consent for Minor
- Medical Excuses
Who We Are
Medical Services provides a full-range of primary care, referral, and educational services, focusing on your specific health needs as a Boise State University student. Services are student-focused, accessible and affordable, emphasizing early screening and prevention, empowering students with self-care knowledge and skills. A team approach is utilized for referrals and continuity of care (both internal and community networks).
Whether it is an acute illness, concern about personal issues, or questions about staying fit, we can help you get the care you need. Our health care staff includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered and licensed practical nurses, and certified medical assistants. We strive to provide the majority of the primary health care needs of our student population.
Eligibility
All currently-enrolled Boise State University students are eligible to utilize Medical Services. Students who were enrolled during the spring semester but are not enrolled in the summer session are eligible for care during the summer.
How to Access
Appointments
We want your visit to be as quick and easy as possible. Walk in and scheduled appointments are available and accepted. Please call (208) 426-1459 to schedule an appointment.
EMERGENCY/Immediate or Urgent Care
IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911.
If you need immediate care that is not an emergency, call Health Services at (208) 426-1459. Appointments are available daily for immediate care.
When the Health Center is closed:
When the Health Center is closed, our main office number (208) 426-1459 connects to a 24-hour Registered Nurse Triage Line for assistance with medical problems (this service does not handle billing issues or make appointments at the Health Center).
Fees
Visit Fees:
Call the Health Center to check for current fees for medical exams, procedures, etc. Coverage varies among insurance companies. Check with your company for exact details of coverage of fees. Uninsured patients will be charged the full fee for the service, and payment is due at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made with the business office. Health Services will not turn away any Boise State student because of their inability to pay.
Missed Appointment Fees:
If you must cancel your visit, please call (208) 426-1459 at least 24 hours prior to the appointment, or as soon as possible for appointments made on the same day. We would like to use unused appointment slots for fellow students who may be waiting to be seen at the Health Center. Failure to call and cancel will result in a no-show fee.
Release Forms
Consent Form
Medical Excuses
Health Services does not provide medical excuses for missed classes, exams, etc. Health Services does not provide excuses because the organization has a strong commitment to student privacy and lacks direct knowledge about illnesses or injuries you've effectively managed by self-care.
This policy of not providing medical excuses resembles those of many other major universities; is consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association, and is supported by the Provost and the Vice President for Student Affairs (approved by the Boise State University Faculty Senate on September 12, 2006). An informational letter explaining this policy is available from Health Services. Some students find it useful in communicating the policy to faculty who are requesting medical excuses.
In addition, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs offers the following suggestions for communicating with the instructors about absences from classes due to illness or other emergencies: Just as most employers do not require employees to submit letters from physicians to verify their illnesses or absences, most faculty members and teaching assistants accept your word that you have a legitimate reason for missing a class, an exam, or an assignment deadline. Written verification is generally not necessary.
In the event of an illness, accident or an emergency, the best practice is for you to make direct contact, preferably before the class or exam takes place, with your professor or teaching assistant. You should talk with her/him in person, if possible, or through a telephone call or e-mail. If you cannot reach her/him through either of these means, you can leave a message in your instructor's department mailbox, being sure to note your telephone number or email address and when you can be reached. If you need to leave the city, state, or country, you can go directly to the departmental office and leave a note explaining your situation.
Neither the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs nor Health Services writes retroactive excuses for students, nor do they have the authority to excuse your absence. These matters need to be communicated and discussed with your instructors; all decisions about the impact of your absence on your grade, as well as any arrangements for making up work, are at the discretion of your instructors. Students who are seen at the Health Center as a patient for active illness may request proof of service or be given a letter of advice from the medical provider if concern for the student's health needs to be communicated to academics, athletics or employers, or if concerns for the health of others (for example, limiting the spread of contagious disease) exists.
Faculty and departmental phone numbers and addresses can be obtained at www.boisestate.edu/directory/EmployeesByDepartment.pdf. If you are unable to make a direct contact with your instructor or leave word with the department, a member of the Vice President for Student Affairs staff will inform her/him of the circumstances by sending a brief note or making a phone call. You should be aware that this intervention does not change in any way the outcome of the faculty member or TA's decision regarding your academic work and performance in the course. You will still need to make that personal contact as soon as you are able.
If you need assistance from the Vice President for Student Affairs, please provide the names, course numbers, and departments of the instructors needing notification. You may also want to use the VP's office simply to discuss your circumstances and get some advice about how you should proceed. Remember that your academic dean's office is also a valuable resource for advice in this matter.
Scope of Services
Primary Care
Our major focus is to provide acute and preventive care services. Our providers are experienced in treating common medical problems. We are interested in helping you stay healthy and active during your enrollment at Boise State. We offer initial diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate follow-up care for a broad spectrum of illnesses and injuries.
Specialty Care
During your Health Center visit, our staff may either treat your needs on site or refer you to specialists such as orthopedists, gynecologists, or dermatologists. You will also be referred for dental care and regular eye exams.
Medications
We provide some over-the-counter medications, as well as an appropriate range of prescription drugs. The medication dispensary service located at the Health Center makes getting medications easy, convenient, and affordable. Students are expected to pay for all prescriptions filled.
Reproductive Services
We provide education and information about all birth control options. Our medical staff can help you choose the type of contraception that best meets your needs. Our services are confidential and feature low costs. Our dispensary stocks many types of contraceptives at or below market prices.
- Oral Contraceptives ("The pill"), Depo-Provera ("The shot"), NuvaRing, Intrauterine Device (IUD), diaphragm fitting and free condoms
- Emergency contraception
- Tests for sexually-transmitted infections
- Pregnancy test
- A new vaccine (Gardasil) for women 17-26 to protect against HPV, a cause of cervical cancer
Vaccines
Medical Services stocks and administers vaccinations. Visit the vaccines page for a complete listing. No appointment necessary to receive most vaccines. If you are enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), these vaccinations are covered at 100%. If you have other insurance, call your insurance carrier for coverage details. Health Services accepts most insurance plans.
Services Not Provided
The medical services provided do not include the treatment and extended care of serious or life-threatening illnesses. We do not provide treatment or maintenance for certain chronic or long-term conditions. We do not manage chronic pain or provide long-term narcotic medications for pain. We do not prescribe medication for or manage drug withdrawal or alcohol detoxification. Appropriate referrals to community resources will be made for services not provided at our facility.
Eligibility
All currently-enrolled Boise State University students are eligible to utilize Medical Services. Students who were enrolled during the spring semester but are not enrolled in the summer session are eligible for care during the summer.
How to Access
Appointments
We want your visit to be as quick and easy as possible. Walk in and scheduled appointments are available and accepted. Please call (208) 426-1459 to schedule an appointment.
EMERGENCY/Immediate or Urgent Care
IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911.
If you need immediate care that is not an emergency, call Health Services at (208) 426-1459. Appointments are available daily for immediate care.
When the Health Center is closed:
When the Health Center is closed, our main office number (208) 426-1459 connects to a 24-hour Registered Nurse Triage Line for assistance with medical problems (this service does not handle billing issues or make appointments at the Health Center).
Fees
Visit Fees:
Call the Health Center to check for current fees for medical exams, procedures, etc. Coverage varies among insurance companies. Check with your company for exact details of coverage of fees. Uninsured patients will be charged the full fee for the service, and payment is due at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made with the business office. Health Services will not turn away any Boise State student because of their inability to pay.
Missed Appointment Fees:
If you must cancel your visit, please call (208) 426-1459 at least 24 hours prior to the appointment, or as soon as possible for appointments made on the same day. We would like to use unused appointment slots for fellow students who may be waiting to be seen at the Health Center. Failure to call and cancel will result in a no-show fee.
Release Forms
Consent Form
Medical Excuses
Health Services does not provide medical excuses for missed classes, exams, etc. Health Services does not provide excuses because the organization has a strong commitment to student privacy and lacks direct knowledge about illnesses or injuries you've effectively managed by self-care.
This policy of not providing medical excuses resembles those of many other major universities; is consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association, and is supported by the Provost and the Vice President for Student Affairs (approved by the Boise State University Faculty Senate on September 12, 2006). An informational letter explaining this policy is available from Health Services. Some students find it useful in communicating the policy to faculty who are requesting medical excuses.
In addition, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs offers the following suggestions for communicating with the instructors about absences from classes due to illness or other emergencies: Just as most employers do not require employees to submit letters from physicians to verify their illnesses or absences, most faculty members and teaching assistants accept your word that you have a legitimate reason for missing a class, an exam, or an assignment deadline. Written verification is generally not necessary.
In the event of an illness, accident or an emergency, the best practice is for you to make direct contact, preferably before the class or exam takes place, with your professor or teaching assistant. You should talk with her/him in person, if possible, or through a telephone call or e-mail. If you cannot reach her/him through either of these means, you can leave a message in your instructor's department mailbox, being sure to note your telephone number or email address and when you can be reached. If you need to leave the city, state, or country, you can go directly to the departmental office and leave a note explaining your situation.
Neither the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs nor Health Services writes retroactive excuses for students, nor do they have the authority to excuse your absence. These matters need to be communicated and discussed with your instructors; all decisions about the impact of your absence on your grade, as well as any arrangements for making up work, are at the discretion of your instructors. Students who are seen at the Health Center as a patient for active illness may request proof of service or be given a letter of advice from the medical provider if concern for the student's health needs to be communicated to academics, athletics or employers, or if concerns for the health of others (for example, limiting the spread of contagious disease) exists.
Faculty and departmental phone numbers and addresses can be obtained at www.boisestate.edu/directory/EmployeesByDepartment.pdf. If you are unable to make a direct contact with your instructor or leave word with the department, a member of the Vice President for Student Affairs staff will inform her/him of the circumstances by sending a brief note or making a phone call. You should be aware that this intervention does not change in any way the outcome of the faculty member or TA's decision regarding your academic work and performance in the course. You will still need to make that personal contact as soon as you are able.
If you need assistance from the Vice President for Student Affairs, please provide the names, course numbers, and departments of the instructors needing notification. You may also want to use the VP's office simply to discuss your circumstances and get some advice about how you should proceed. Remember that your academic dean's office is also a valuable resource for advice in this matter.