For many students, college is both an exciting time and a season of new challenges. Students are entering a new chapter of their lives which may include leaving home for the first time or experiencing distance from their traditional support systems.
At UT, we aim to reduce barriers to accessing health care as much as possible. The Division of Student Life has many resources available for student wellness, but knowing where to start can be the hardest part. From understanding insurance to hearing new terms for the first time, navigating health care can be tricky. Get started with the information you may need to set up the right kind of appointment with the right provider.
Insurance
Students who have paid their Student Programs and Services Fee can access care for many health needs at the Student Health Center at minimal or no additional cost. Services like routine immunizations, physical therapy, lab work, and sick visits have very minimal costs and sometimes are completely free. Call the Student Health Center at 865-974-5080 to make an appointment.
For other health care needs, like seeing a specialist or a health care provider off campus, it is your responsibility to call your insurance company at the phone number on the back of your insurance card to confirm copay and coinsurance amounts and confirm that your insurance is accepted by the provider you choose to see. Sometimes insurance companies will have options to find providers online or can send you a list of nearby providers who are considered in network for your plan. If you choose a practice from this list, your insurance company can confirm whether they cover the provider. You need to verify each provider by their name, not the name of the group or practice.
Students enrolled in UT student health insurance who see in network providers for counseling or psychiatric medication management not on campus can expect some out-of-pocket costs.
Making the Phone Call
There are some basic things that you can expect during your first phone call with a new office or health care provider. It is a good idea to start with stating your name, the kind of appointment you are looking for, and what insurance coverage you have.
- “Hi, my name is Hazel, and I’m looking for a new patient psychiatry appointment. I have ____ insurance.”
- “Hi, my name is Albert, and I’m looking for a new patient appointment to talk about some concerns I have. I don’t have insurance, so I will be self-pay.”
- “Hi, my name is Zander, and I’m trying to schedule an appointment. I have ____ insurance.”
During the phone call, you can ask about sliding scales, payment plans, or assistance with out-of-pocket costs. You can also ask office staff to run your insurance information before the appointment so you will know how much to expect to pay. Office staff will likely ask additional questions to schedule your appointment and may share information about parking, check-in, or arrival times.