UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With the fall semester in full swing, Penn State University Health Services (UHS) is reminding University Park students of the many on-campus health-related services available to them, as well as a new patient check-in process at the Student Health Center.
UHS is an all-inclusive health care service offered at University Park for students living on or off campus that specializes in outpatient student health, the treatment of medically urgent problems, and ongoing health issues. UHS provides primary care services, physical therapy, X-ray/ultrasound, lab services, and more.
Scheduling and new check-In
University Health Services appointments can be scheduled online through the myUHS secure access portal or by phone at 814-865-4UHS (4847); walk-ins are prohibited. Same-day appointments are limited to acute illnesses and injuries, but with severe conditions, accommodations can be made at immediate request.
The new check-in process at UHS centralizes patient flow by having all kiosks and Patient Services staff located on the second floor in one area instead of dispersed on multiple floors of the Student Health Center. Previously, patients would visit different desks on multiple floors after checking in at the kiosks (iPad check-in).
“We know that seeking health care can be difficult, and it is sometimes hard to take the first step to get help, so UHS leadership has continually worked on a check-in process that is convenient and easy to navigate,” said UHS Assistant Director of Operations Natahsha Baumgartner. “With our two-step check-in process now housed in the same space, patients have less to navigate before their appointment. We hope that this change contributes to a positive experience at UHS.”
Before scheduling an appointment, students should determine if insurance covers care. For more information, visit the UHS billing for medical services page.
“It’s important to remember that appointment openings continue to become available on a rolling basis, so it is beneficial to check the portal more than once. If you do not see an appointment through the online system that works for you, please call and speak with a UHS staff member,” said UHS medical director Rebecca Simcik. “UHS functions on an appointment system, so it is best to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete the check-in process and make sure your information is up to date.”
If you can no longer attend an appointment or need to reschedule, visit myUHS or call 814-865-4UHS (4847). Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least one hour before the scheduled time. Physical therapy appointments must be canceled or rescheduled at least 12 hours before the appointment time. Students must leave a voicemail if the evaluation or treatment appointment is scheduled for the morning.
There is a $20 no-show fee for medical and physical therapy appointments.
Advice nurse
Students with questions, comments or concerns about medical issues or their health can call the UHS advice nurse at 814-865-4UHS (4847) and press 3. The line is answered by UHS registered nurses Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. After these hours and on weekends, the calls will be handled by an answering service. All calls are reviewed by UHS staff on the following business day.
COVID-19
Students can still get tested for COVID-19 at UHS by scheduling via myUHS. The testing boxes closed on May 5, 2023. COVID-19 home-test kits also are available while supplies last on the second floor of the Student Health Center.
Mandatory masking is no longer required in the Student Health Center unless a student has encountered someone positive for COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19. For more information on COVID-19 concerns, visit the COVID-19 support webpage.
Pharmacy
The UHS Pharmacy offers prescription services, over-the-counter medication, and health care products for Penn State students, employees and retirees at University Park.
Students living in East Halls can have their prescriptions delivered. Only recurring or acute prescriptions can be shipped. More information on the East Halls delivery service and the pharmacy’s offerings can be found on the Pharmacy webpage.
For more information on what UHS can provide for students, visit the UHS homepage.