University Health Services, Tang Center: People, Campus, Community UC students
Home Students Faculty and Staff Visiting Scholars and PostDocs Parents and Community

    Shortcuts
     Hours
     Directions
     Emergency/Crisis
     Forms
     News/Calendar

dotted line    

    Index of Tang Services
      Student Services A-Z

    Appointments
     Counseling
     Medical
     Urgent Care

    Health Insurance
     SHIP - Student Plan
     Additional Services

    New Students
     Important Info

   Online Health Topics
     Health Materials A-Z


dotted line

   


Student Services

Fees for Medical Services

Please note: Effective August 21, 2006, UHS will increase fees for certain services. Every effort is being made to keep fees as low as possible. The fee changes are the result of increases in the cost to UHS of providing these services. If you have SHIP, you still will pay only 20% of UHS fees. See below for more information about UHS fees.

Contents:

Understanding fees for services provided at the Tang Center

All Cal and Mills students, regardless of the type of health insurance they have, may use the services at UHS Tang Center. You may see a doctor or other clinician for primary medical care, receive counseling from a social worker or speak with a health educator at no cost.

Your registration fees cover the cost of most primary care visits; however, there are fees for procedures, lab tests, x-rays and medications if they are required. The Tang Center makes every effort to keep fees as low as possible. The fees you pay relate to your enrollment status. If you have any questions about this, please call the Cashier at 642-8448.

For SHIP members, students pay 20% of the fee and UHS submits the claim to Blue Cross. For students with other types of health insurance, you must pay the fee in full and submit your claim to your insurance carrier.

For example, you might be seen in the Urgent Care clinic for an injured ankle and have an x-ray done. While there is no charge for the clinic visit, there is a radiology fee of $50. As a SHIP member, you pay only 20% or $10. UHS will file a claim directly to Blue Cross for payment of the remainder of charges.

Please note: Services performed at the request of the patient, such as physicals, travel consultation, and immunizations for travel, have fees that may or may not be covered by insurance.

Understanding fees for services received outside of the Tang Center

Students may be referred to providers outside of the Tang Center for services provided by physician specialists, hospitals, community mental health services, or diagnostic imaging centers.

    Students with SHIP insurance:

  • All referrals for care outside of Tang must be authorized by the Student Health Insurance Office before care is provided to ensure coverage by SHIP. If your clinician refers you for care in the community, take your Request for Authorization to the Student Health Insurance Office, Room 3200 Tang. See How to Use SHIP.

  • Providers or students submit itemized bills to UHS Student Health Insurance Office. A community provider may require you to pay your portion of the fees at the time of your visit. See How to Use SHIP.

  • There is a $200 deductible for services rendered outside of the Tang Center, except for pharmacy claims and outpatient psychotherapy. See Benefits.

    Students with insurance other than SHIP:

  • Check with your plan for coverage and reimbursement.


FAQ's on fees, payment options, SHIP claims and more . . .

1. Why does UHS charge fees?
Student medical and counseling services at UHS are funded primarily by student registration fees and some user fees (fees for services). Registration fees subsidize part of the cost of the services so that the user fees are lower than medical and counseling services in the community. UHS is a non-profit service; all fees collected cover the basic operating costs of providing services.

2. What are my payment options?
You have three options:

  • You may pay your fees by cash, check or credit card on the day of service or within the next seven days.
  • You may ask the Cashier to charge fees to your CARS account. A $10.00 billing fee will be added to your charges.
  • If you need more time to pay your bill, you may ask the Cashier to set up a payment plan. If you do not pay your bill or arrange a payment plan within seven days from date of service, UHS will automatically bill your balance to your CARS account, including a $10.00 billing fee.

3. How does the Student Health Insurance Plan help with UHS fees?
SHIP pays 80% of the UHS fees for services covered by the plan. Therefore, you pay only 20% of those charges. Most UHS fees are covered by SHIP; the Cashier will notify you of any charges not covered by the Plan. If you are not enrolled in SHIP, we encourage you to consider joining next semester. The Plan is a relatively inexpensive way to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for both routine and unexpected health care.

4. Do I need to file a SHIP claim after my visit to UHS?
No. Once you pay the Cashier for the portion of fees for which you are responsible, usually 20% of the total, you are done! UHS will file a claim with SHIP for the remainder of the fees.

5. How will I know if a claim has been paid?
You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) by mail a few weeks after you have visited UHS. The "EOB" is sent by Blue Cross, the company that processes SHIP claims, and shows how much you were charged at the visit, how much you paid, and the amount paid by SHIP. If you have any questions regarding a claim, please contact the Student Health Insurance Office, 642-5700.

6. Am I required to file a claim if I have SHIP?
No. You may choose whether or not to have the covered portion of your fees billed to SHIP. If you choose to pay 100% of your fees, please let the Cashier know as soon as you arrive at the window to pay.

7. What if I have more questions?

  • For questions regarding fees, call the UHS Cashier at (510) 642-8448.
  • For questions regarding SHIP, call the Student Health Insurance Office at (510) 642-5700.

Back to Student Services A-Z>

 

University of California seal Contact Info bullet Join Our Team bullet About UHS bullet Gifts bullet Privacy Practices bullet Disclaimer bullet Online Tour bullet Meet the Staff
©2003 UC Regents bullet 2222 Bancroft Way, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-4300