Other Services at UHS
In addition to medical care, UHS also offers an on-site pharmacy, clinical laboratory, and other specialty services that are easily accessible and can be ordered by a UHS clinician or outside health care provider. Let’s take a look at each of these services individually.
Pharmacy
Access to medicine may seem different in the United States versus in your home country. In many countries, individuals can walk into a pharmacy, describe their symptoms, and, without a prescription, gain access to several medicines to offer a remedy at the pharmacist's discretion. In the United States, we have medicine that requires a prescription from a doctor and medicine that does not require a prescription. The medicine that does not require a prescription is called "over-the-counter medication."
The UHS Pharmacy provides prescription services, over-the-counter medications, and health care products to Penn State students, staff, and retirees. To obtain many medications in the United States, a prescription, or a signed authorization form, from a doctor is needed. If you have medication that you take daily, please make sure that you are stocked up before leaving home. Once you arrive at Penn State, you should schedule an appointment with a UHS clinician to discuss getting your prescription filled at the UHS Pharmacy or another local pharmacy.
Students and their dependents covered under SHIP for Penn State can obtain prescriptions and refills through UHS Pharmacy.
The UHS Pharmacy is providing mail order service. At this time, UHS Pharmacy can only mail to Pennsylvania and Florida. There is a shipping charge for postage. Narcotics cannot be sent via mail.
Ordering a 90-day supply of prescriptions from the UHS Pharmacy can save you the $10/$30/$60 copays you will pay at another pharmacy for a 30-day supply through the SHIP for Penn State. You will only pay the shipping charge.
Clinical Laboratory
A clinical laboratory is a laboratory where tests are performed on clinical specimens (usually blood and urine) to obtain information about the health of a patient pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Many of these tests can be performed and examined right at UHS.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a rehabilitation and wellness practice that treats disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise. Physical therapy is often recommended to strengthen individuals after surgery or injury.
X-ray and Ultrasound
UHS offers on-site x-ray and ultrasound imaging services which can help clinicians diagnose and treat illnesses and disease.
Emergency Medical Services
The UHS University Ambulance Service is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and is staffed by a well-trained and experienced emergency staff. The University Ambulance Service provides services during special events at Penn State, often when large crowds are present.
All of the services at University Health Services and your student health center on your campus are meant for your use. Please take advantage of all the services necessary to keep yourself healthy during your time at Penn State.