How do I go about getting birth control pills at Penn State? I'm embarrassed!
Do I need to see a doctor or nurse to get a prescription for contraception?
Do I have to pay cash for birth control pills or does it get taken out of my Penn State account?
These are all good questions -- and ones we get asked a lot at University Health Services' (UHS) Women's Health Department.
Let's start with how you get a prescription at UHS for birth control.
The first thing to do is call 863-2633 to make an appointment because we require a complete physical examination, which we call an annual exam, for any woman requesting prescription contraception. The exam is necessary to assure you don't have any medical problems that would make using hormonal contraception unsafe.
Students who come to UHS for medical care must pay for their care directly at the time of services. It is a discounted rate that is lower than those of private medical practices. All charges (visits, tests and pharmacy charges) can be applied directly to your student account, or you can pay by cash, check, money order or by VISA or MasterCard.
Please note: If you charge it to your student account, the statement that goes to your home will specify only that there was a "University Heath Services Charge" or a "University Health Services Pharmacy Charge." It will NOT specify your diagnosis or what tests were done.
In other words, if your parents see your bursar account statement, they will know that you went to UHS, but they won't know any confidential details about your diagnosis, tests, treatment or drugs.
However, if your parents choose to submit these expenses to an insurance company for reimbursement, they will need to have a copy of your superbill, which DOES list your diagnosis, tests, treatment, etc.
So, if you don't want your parents to know that you went to UHS or if you are concerned they will submit your bill to an insurance company, then you should pay by cash or another method. Talk to your clinician or the checkout clerk about confidential payment options.
All weekday visits to the Women's Health Department include a $20 visit fee as well as additional fees for any tests that are done.
The annual exam usually includes a variety of tests. Which tests are done depends on each individual patient, because of factors such as your medical history and circumstances. The usual costs for testing range from $35 to $85.
Prescription contraceptives vary in cost and range from $14 per month to $40 per month, depending on the brand and various methods prescribed (pills, patches or vaginal rings). In order to help you find an affordable, safe contraceptive, clinicians can help you select the best choice by considering your medical history, examination findings and out-of-pocket costs.
