Welcome back to returning students, and to first-year students, welcome to University Park and the weekly Health Line column.

The staff of University Health Services (UHS) hopes you had a healthy summer and that you've come back well rested and full of energy to handle all the work -- and fun -- ahead of you.

We understand that your health may not be your top priority right now, with so many other important things going on in your life.

However, we know from years of experience helping thousands of Penn State students that one of the most important parts of a successful college education is staying healthy.

That's where UHS can make a difference for you.

We hope you don't get sick, but if you do, you can take advantage of our services offerred on campus in Ritenour.

And to help you stay healthy, you can benefit from preventive health services and health education programs.

When it comes to your health, UHS can be a very valuable resource for you.

What services does UHS provide?

UHS specializes in student health. Medical services include outpatient clinic visits for acute, ongoing, and preventive health care.

(Important: UHS is not a hospital or an infirmary offering 24-hour inpatient care.) Ancillary services, such as pharmacy, X-ray, lab, and physical therapy, are conveniently located at our main clinic in Ritenour Building.

Numerous health education services and programs are offered through the Office of Health Promotion and Education.

(Their services, such as a Nutrition Clinic, HIV testing and counseling, and tobacco cessation programs, will be highlighted in future Health Line columns.)

Are your records confidential?

All medical records at UHS are strictly confidential. Information about your care will be released only with your written permission.

This includes releasing information to parents, faculty, and insurance companies.

The one exception to this is a life-threatening situation where students are so ill, they are unable to give their consent.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible if you are registered for the current semester or if you are a spouse of a Penn State student who is covered by the Penn State Student Insurance Plan.

Where do you go for services?

You can choose from three convenient locations that provide easy access.

Main clinic: Ritenour Building (corner of Pollock and Shortlidge Roads, diagonal from the HUB-Robeson Center)

Satellite Clinics: Johnston Commons in East Halls and Shulze Hall in the Pollock complex.

When are services available?

Main Clinic:

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday,

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays during fall and spring semesters for urgent care

Hours at satellite clinics vary and are by appointment only, so please call ahead.

What happens if you need care and UHS is closed?

If you need medical care when we are closed, emergency services are available at Centre Community Hospital located two miles from campus. It is a 200-bed accredited hospital with 185 physicians in 34 specialties.

Please note: All hospital emergency room and inpatient fees are your responsibility.

If you have a life-threatening or serious medical emergency, dial 911 for the University Ambulance Service, which is available 24/7.

How much do services at UHS cost?

Basic clinic fee on weekdays: $18

Basic clinic fee on Saturday: $24

There are additional charges for some procedures, lab tests, X-rays, physical therapy treatments, pharmacy, and ambulance services.

Will insurance cover your care?

Except for our pharmacy, UHS does not have contracts with any health insurance companies; therefore, we do not direct bill insurance companies.

This means that you are responsible for paying all bills you incur for clinic visits and any ancillary or support services. You must pay at the time of services by either having the charge billed to your student account or paying by check, cash, ATM, VISA, or MasterCard.

However, you can submit the yellow "SuperBill" receipt for these services to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

However, whether or not it is reimbursed depends on your coverage.

If you have not already found out if your insurance company will cover your care at UHS, you should find out right away.

There may be restrictions on primary care outside of your insurance company's network.

If you find you are not covered, please consider purchasing student health insurance either through Penn State or another source.

For more information about student insurance, call the Student Insurance Office at 814-865-7467 or visit our Web site at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/insurance.htm.