INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

You can help your student make a healthy transition to college by taking the following steps.

THINGS YOU SHOULD DO

Immunizations, Health Examination and Health History:

• Update immunizations before your student leaves for college and document them on the Medical History Report (157k pdf). The Decker Student Health Services Center provides some immunizations free and others for a fee. See Immunizations and For New Students for more information.
• A physical exam isn’t required by Binghamton; however, athletic teams or clubs may have different requirements, so check with them to be sure.
• Make sure your student knows about his/her health history. If your student has a chronic health issue that requires follow-up on campus:
  • Get a summary letter from your student’s physician/provider and forward that to the Decker Student Health Services Center
  • Encourage your student to schedule an introductory appointment with center staff
• Encourage your student to carry a list of his/her medications and allergies.
• If your student needs allergy shots, the Decker Student Health Services Center can give you a list of local providers.

Print, Complete and Send Forms:

Before your student arrives for Orientation, have him/her (See For New Students for additional information.):

• Fill out the Medical History Report (157k pdf), including the required proof of immunity, and return it to the Decker Student Health Services Center.
• If your student isn’t 18 years old yet, then you must fill out the Under 18 Consent for Emergency/Medical Treatment (43k pdf) and return it to the Decker Student Health Services Center.
• Complete the Tuberculosis Screening form (74k pdf) and return it to the Decker Student Health Services Center.

• Complete the Health Insurance Waiver (172k pdf) and return it to the Student Accounts Office only if you don’t wish your child to remain enrolled in the University’s Student Accident and Sickness Plan because you have alternative insurance coverage. Information about the student health insurance benefits is mailed to new students during the summer.

Prescriptions:

• Update prescriptions.
• If your student takes prescription medication on an ongoing basis, have him/her bring am ample supply, have your student’s doctor call the prescription in to a local pharmacy, or have your student’s doctor send medical records to the Decker Student Health Services Center so we may write prescriptions for your student following a visit with us.
• If your student wears glasses or contact lenses, send a copy of the current prescription with him/her, to make getting replacements easier.

Health Insurance (all students should have health insurance):

• The Decker Student Health Services Center provides most services at no or low cost. Payment for healthcare outside the center is your student’s responsibility, which is the reason your student should have health insurance.
• All domestic undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in the University’s Student Accident and Sickness Plan. If you don’t wish to remain in this plan because you have alternate coverage, complete the Health Insurance Waiver (172k pdf) and return it to the Student Accounts Office by the 6th week of classes. If your student waives the University insurance plan, we’ll assume he/she doesn’t need coverage in subsequent semesters unless we’re informed otherwise.
• Inform your health insurance company that your student will be away at college, and inquire about the level of coverage in the Binghamton area. Please be sure your student’s current health insurance coverage can be used for outpatient services and specialist referrals in this community and that he/she understands any limitations to this coverage. Local providers in the Binghamton area include Lourdes Hospital and the UHS healthcare network.
• Provide an insurance card (with policy numbers, billing address and pharmacy information) or a photocopy (front and back) and encourage your student to carry it with him/her.
• Discuss with your student when and how to use health insurance and what limitations (if any) his/her insurance has.

Other Tips

• Create a healthcare kit using these suggestions on what to include (264k pdf).
• Download our Student Health brochure (636k pdf)
• Download a brochure that explains services provided on and off campus (227k pdf).
• View our fact sheet that provides detailed information about the Decker Student Health Services Center (285k pdf).
• View a fact sheet explaining programs and services provided by the University Counseling Center (246k pdf).

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

About Parental Notification

The Decker Student Health Services Center acknowledges the concern you have when your student is ill and away from home, but we also recognize the need to maintain a strict policy of confidentiality regarding patient records. Therefore, your student must sign an Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (51k pdf) before any information may be given to you. This authorization isn’t a “blanket” information release; it must specify the illness or injury we may release information about and to whom this information may be given. In unusual circumstances, the student’s oral consent is adequate. Once the release is signed, a center nurse or other staff member will be able to answer your questions. In the event of a health emergency, Decker Student Health Services Center officials will make every effort to ensure parents have been contacted. In many cases, a student will already have called home or have asked others to do so.

About Missed Classes Due to Illness

Class absence due to illness is an issue your student should discuss with his/her professors. If a faculty member has questions or concerns after speaking with your student, he or she may call the center to confirm the nature and extent of the illness or injury, providing your student has signed an Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (51k pdf) authorizing us to discuss the case.

If your child returns home as a result of an illness or injury, it’s important to notify the academic advising office (for students at Harpur College) or the academic adviser of his or her professional school. The Decker Student Health Services Center also appreciates being notified, especially if your student may need follow-up care upon returning to the University.