Frequently Asked Questions | Sewanee: The University of the South

Q: I’m having trouble accessing the waiver.  Where is it?

A: The URL has been changed; the correct address will be: https://studentcenter.uhcsr.com/sewanee.  We certainly do appreciate your patience and understanding.  

 

Q: My student will be traveling or out of the country once the waiver does open. Is this something that I can do in their absence?

A: Yes. In order to access the waiver, the process begins with your student’s name, date of birth, and student ID number (this is the nine digit number that begins with “B”). You will simply input your basic insurance demographics and answer a few questions and submit the waiver.

Q: At the bottom of the waiver, it asks for a signature. Do I print this and fill it out and mail or fax it?

A: No. It must be submitted on-line. The signature line is simply typing in your student’s name.

Q: Do I still need to mail a copy of the insurance card?

A: Yes, most definitely. Even with your insurance information that you gave us on the waiver, it’s very important that we get a copy of that card, back and front.

Q: I submitted my waiver and was denied. Now what?

A: If this happens and you know that your insurance will provide coverage for your student, please call the office and speak with the Insurance Manager, Kim Bradford at 931-598-1270. You can also reach her at kbradfor@sewanee.edu. She can help you with this situation.  If your waiver is denied because you have very limited coverage, we would strongly encourage you to enroll your student in the group insurance plan. If you choose to not do that, you will be required to sign a letter agreeing to pay for any medical services rendered to your child that your insurance does not cover. 

Q: Why do I have to submit a waiver?

A: The waiver does a couple of things. That is how we collect current insurance coverage for every enrolled student. Filling out the waiver also alerts the parents what type of coverage they have for their student and if, indeed, it will provide adequate coverage for their student while in Sewanee. 

Q: I have an HMO with a specific provider listed as my student’s primary care provider (PCP).  What does that mean?

A: That means that PCP must be the one to provide care and/or diagnostic testing. If you can change your student’s PCP to  one of our providers, that would be ideal.  The two nurse practitioners on staff are: Anne M. Sitz, FNP-BC & Natalie Owsley, FNP-BC; in addition to our medical director/physician.

Q: My student is covered by TriCare. Do you provide coverage?

A: Yes we do, but please make sure you notify your TriCare manager and alert them to where your student will be so the region can be changed, if necessary. 

Q: Is my student required to be enrolled in the group insurance plan?

A: No, not at all. Every student is required to have adequate insurance coverage and to submit that insurance information via the waiver.

Q: What if I don’t have any insurance and I want to enroll in the group plan?

A: You will be able to enroll on the plan through the waiver process. Just follow the links for that process. 

How much is the premium for the group insurance? The premium for 12 months is $982.00. Coverage is effective 8/1/2010 and will continue through 7/31/2011.

Q: Do I have to pay the premium all at once? Or can I pay it monthly or in two payments? The premium would be due in one full payment. 

A: Will I have to submit insurance information again through this waiver process, or is it just a “one time thing”? Insurance coverage can change all the time. This waiver process will be required of every student, every summer. The waiver period will also be open during the winter break, for those who transfer in or return from studying abroad or so that we can be notified of any insurance changes. 

Q: If I purchase the group insurance for my student, does that mean that it will provide coverage for them only at the Health Service?

A: No. The group plan is a Point of Service (POS) plan. Their benefits will cover them if they go anywhere, so long as that provider/facility participates with United Health Care. You will find more detailed information regarding the benefits by following the links to the brochure. 

Q: Does the University Health Service file insurance for it’s patients?

A: Yes. There is a $20 office co-pay for all students who are seen by a provider (physician or nurse practitioner).If a student is seen by a provider, that office visit will be filed to the student’s insurance, as well as any services rendered during that visit. All insurance claims are filed by our billing partner, Medical Billing Alternatives.

Their contact information is: 136 S. Cannon Avenue; Murfreesboro, TN  37129. Phone number is 615-849-8861. 

Q: Will my student have to pay the office co-pay at the time of the visit?

A: No. We are able to charge their student account for the office co-pay. 

Q: What if my insurance provides limited or no benefits for my student?

A: We would ask that you contact your insurance company to verify what type of coverage is provided for your student while away from home. If you know that you have limited or no benefits, we would strongly encourage you to enroll your student in the group insurance plan. If you do not enroll your student in the group plan or provide adequate coverage for your student, and you understand that your current insurance has very limited, or no benefits at all for your student, then your student’s account will be billed for any medical services rendered to them that your insurance does not cover. 

Q: Does the student group insurance cover injuries sustained during varsity athletics?

A: No. 

Q: Are appointments necessary?

A: Yes, we strongly encourage students to call the office to schedule an appointment. Once they call, their contact information will be collected and their chief complaint. An RN will call them back as quickly as possible to assess their symptoms and to determine how soon they should be seen and by whom. 

 
Q: When I try and call the office, I can’t get anyone to answer. It goes straight to voice mail.

A: Our phone stays very busy. If you get the recording, leave a message and you will be called back as soon as possible.  We can’t call you back if you don’t leave a message and a phone number. Another way of getting in touch with Health Services is through our website. Emails are also responded to in a timely manner. 

Q: Where would my child go if they needed to get a prescription filled?

A: There are two pharmacies in Monteagle; Fred’s and CVS. There are several down the mountain in Winchester; Kroger, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens and several independently owned pharmacies.

University Health Services also offers the convenience of being able to dispense certain medications on site. We have several types of antibiotics in stock, as well as, allergy medications, pain medications, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, stomach medications, just to name a few. If your student has prescription coverage and would prefer to go to the pharmacy of their choice, they would simply let the provider know that at the time of the visit, if treatment requires a prescription. If they choose to receive medications from our dispensary, there is a nominal fee for those and not eligible to be filed to your insurance. Price ranges from $5.00 to $40.00, with the average medication being around $10.00. This charge can be applied to your student’s account. We also have several types of over-the-counter medications we can give to the student, if necessary. 

Q: What if my student needs labwork or an x-ray?

A: We send the majority of our students next door to Emerald Hodgson Hospital for any out-patient labwork and x-rays. The hospital files the insurance for any services rendered. We also have access to LabCorp. The student’s insurance information would be sent to LabCorp for them to file. Our pathology lab is PCA Southeast. Any specimen sent to pathology would be filed to your insurance by them. 

Q: The deadline for the medical form is July 15th. What happens if this is late?

A: We would like to have the majority of forms in by the 15th, but we also know that several things can prevent that from happening (provider appointments, shots, travelling). If you see that the form is going to be much later than the 15th, please call Kim Bradford at 931-598-1270.  All forms must be in prior to the student’s arrival to Sewanee. 

Q: My student will be participating in varsity athletics.

A: There is a form required by the Athletic Department. Is this the same as the medical form? No; their form is completely different than the Health Service Medical Form. Please make sure that all information on the medical form is completed. 

Location

The University Health Service is located on University Avenue next to Emerald-Hodgson Hospital and across the street from the Sewanee Inn.

Eligibility

Full-time undergraduates and School of Theology students are eligible to use the Health Service. Services are not extended to dependents, spouses, faculty, or staff.