Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Library
General FAQ
What if I have a scheduled appointment on a day when inclement weather is declared and campus closes?
If the university issues an alert that campus is closed due to inclement weather, Watkins Health Services typically remains open for business, but with reduced staffing and services. Students with scheduled appointments should call our appointment line at 785-864-9507 to inquire, cancel or reschedule. Alternatively, certain types of appointments can be rescheduled through your patient portal.
What immunizations must I have to attend KU? What medical documentation is expected of me?
Please refer to our Policy Compliance page for these details. If any questions remain, please call our Immunization Compliance Office at 785-864-9533.
- 72 hours after you have enrolled in classes at KU, log into Watkins Health Services patient portal using your online KU ID and password.
- Click on the “Health History” tab to enter all known allergies, medications, personal and family medical history, hospitalizations and/or surgeries. After providing your health history information, click the “Done” button toward the bottom of the screen.
Two other forms may be completed within your portal:
Notice of Privacy Practices - Under the "Medical Clearances" tab, select "Privacy Practices." After reading this page, check the “Acknowledge and Consent” box and then click the "Submit Final" button. This privacy notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.
Treatment Agreement - Under the "Medical Clearances" tab, select "Treatment Agreement." After reading this page, check the “Acknowledge & Consent” box and then click the "Submit Final" button. This form allows the patient to consent to treatment and acknowledge financial responsibility.
Why do I pay a “Health Fee” and what does it cover? What is not covered?
Every student at KU pays a health fee each semester as part of the mandatory campus fees. It is not optional. The health fee entitles the student to be seen by our providers at no charge for the office visit including no co-pay. However, if the provider orders lab tests, X-rays, medications, Athletic Training services or performs procedures (e.g. a mole removal) or performs extensive physical exams (e.g. for the Peace Corp), there are charges for those services. Students receive a reduced rate for those charges which are very often well below the local market. If you have questions about charges for specific services, please call our Business Office at 785-864-9520. The health fee itself does NOT constitute any type of healthcare insurance. Insurance coverage is a separate matter. Please refer to our Business and Insurance Office page for those details.Additional information about how the Health Fee is assessed can be found on the Business and Insurance Office page.
Who is eligible for care at Watkins Health Services?
Please refer to our Eligibility for Services information for details. If any questions remain, please call our Business and Insurance Office at 785-864-9520.
Are appointments required to be seen?
Appointments are always preferred but are not required. Please refer to our Appointments page for more information. If any questions remain, please call our Registration & Records Office at 785-864-9507. If you would like to speak with a nurse regarding your symptoms, recommendations for care and whether or not an appointment is preferred, please call our 24-Hour Nurse Helpline at 785-864-9583.
Does the university provide health insurance?
The Kansas Board of Regents in cooperation with the universities in Kansas, sponsors a voluntary health insurance plan designed specifically for students. UnitedHealthcare StudentResources is the carrier for this plan, which is fully compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The plan offers comprehensive benefits for a premium which may be considerably less than students may find in other commercial plans.
Is my insurance accepted by the health center?
A list of insurance plans where Watkins Health Services (WHS) is a contracted, in-network provider can be found on our Business and Insurance Office page. However, any plans should be reviewed for any ‘prior authorization’ or ‘referral’ requirements from the carrier. If WHS is in-network or out-of-network with insurance carriers, benefit coverage may vary depending on the plan. Provided with the appropriate information on an initial visit, WHS can file claims with insurance carriers, with the exception of Medicare, Medicaid, or HealthWave as WHS is not a participating provider with these plans. Charges not covered by insurance plans are the student’s responsibility for payment.
How can I get a “Hold” lifted when it blocks my enrollment for next semester?
What if I have a complaint about the care I received? What if it is a complaint about your staff or the facility?
Please contact our Administration at 785-864-9525, or by email at whs-services@ku.edu
We want to hear your opinion and will work to resolve your concerns to the best of our ability. Feedback is essential for us to improve our services and provide the best possible healthcare.
What kind of medical kit should I bring to campus?
First Aid Supplies
- Bandages for small wounds and blisters
- Gauze and tape for larger wounds
- ACE wrap for minor sprains
- Ice pack
- Heating pad
- Digital thermometer
- Antibacterial cream or ointment like Neosporin
- Anti-inflammatory cream like Cortaid (for some rashes and bug bites)
- Antibacterial cleanser to clean wounds
Over-the Counter Medications (which can also be obtained from Watkins Pharmacy)
- Antihistamine such as Benadryl©, Zyrtec©, Claritin©, Allegra©
- Antacid such as Tums© or Mylanta©
- Acid reducer such as Zantac© or Pepcid©
- Anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium AD©
- Fever reducer / pain reducer containing acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
- Nasal decongestant such as Mucinex©, saline spray, or nasal rinse
Cough suppressant like Robitussin© or Delsym©
Are radiology studies reviewed by trained physicians?
Yes. All studies are reviewed by board-certified radiologists.
Can I get a copy of my radiology studies?
Yes. You may obtain a CD of your studies. There is a fee for this service. Please contact our Radiology department.
What do I do if I receive a parking ticket while receiving services at Watkins Health Center?
Take the ticket to the department where you received services within Watkins Health Center. A staff member will verify that you have a valid parking permission (noted on the ticket) and had business within Watkins Health Center no more than two hours before the time of issue as listed on the ticket. If these conditions are met, the staff person will take the ticket and complete the process to have it voided. If these conditions are not met, the ticket remains your responsibility to pay at KU Parking & Transit per the instructions on the ticket. If you only receive an electronic version of the parking ticket, forward the email to whs-notifications@ku.edu. A WHS staff member will verify the same information as outlined above and then forward the email to KU Parking & Transit.
ADHD FAQ
See our ADHD FAQs for more information.
Meningitis FAQ
See our Meningitis FAQs for more information.
Tuberculosis FAQ
See our Tuberculosis FAQs for more information.
Faculty & Staff Immediate Care Clinic FAQ
Will your clinic serve as my primary care provider?
What kind of medical conditions will you see in this clinic?
What health insurance will you accept for payment?
What if I do not want my insurance to be billed?
How do I make an appointment?
How can I pay my co-pay and is it due at the time of service?
Who will staff the Clinic?
Will my Primary Care Physician (PCP) be informed of my visit?
Where will I obtain lab testing?
Where can I have a prescription filled?
What other services am I eligible for at WHS?
Pharmacy FAQ
What do I bring with me when I come for an office visit or to get Pharmacy prescriptions?
How do I transfer my prescriptions from my hometown pharmacy to Watkins pharmacy? Will your pharmacy accept prescriptions from my hometown physician?
Will the Watkins Pharmacy accept my pharmaceutical coverage?
Do I have to pay for my medications at the time I pick them up from the Pharmacy?
Does Watkins Pharmacy have a delivery service?
Can my parents or a friend pick-up my medication for me?
Lab Procedures FAQ
If your lab testing was ordered by someone outside of Watkins Health Services, the lab will send your test results to that provider. Please contact your provider's office for the results.
- lipid panels
- fasting blood sugar
- triglycerides
Fasting means nothing but water for ten to 12 hours. The lab will be happy to answer this question in regard to any particular test your provider has ordered.
Privacy FAQ
Can I ask to be tested for a sexually transmitted illness (STI) without being seen by a provider?
Can I pay for certain services without them being sent to my insurance?
Yes, you have the right to request that certain healthcare services are not billed to insurance or sent to you on a billing statement where others may see the contents of that statement. The best way to ensure that no one is aware of the services you receive is to stop by the Business and Insurance Office and pay directly for those services. In that way, nothing will be sent to insurance or sent to you on a billing statement.
However, if you are unable to pay for services the same day, but still wish to have “private billing,” it is your responsibility to inform the Business and Insurance Office of your preferences. You must verify the billing address you would like to use for private billing.
If you receive a service when the Business and Insurance Office is closed and want that to be privately billed, it is your responsibility to call 785-864-9520 or come by the Business and Insurance Office on the following business day to make private billing arrangements. If you have any questions about private billing, please call the number above and speak to our Business and Insurance Office.