SFA clinic to accept health insurance this summer

A physician using an iPad instead of a clipboard is just one of the changes students will see this summer at SFA’s health clinic. The biggest change is that the clinic will now accept insurance, much like a regular doctor’s office. The only difference is students will not have to pay a co-pay like they would normally.

“I don’t want people to believe they have to have health insurance to go to the clinic,” Dr. Adam Peck, dean of student affairs, said. “If someone is sick, (physicians) will treat them at the health clinic regardless of whether they have insurance or not.”

It is anticipated the clinic will accept 80 percent of insurance providers. But rest assured, if a student’s particular insurance company is not accepted or “if the insurance company denies the charge, students will never pay,” Peck said.

Currently, there are a few services provided by the health clinic that cost money, like lab tests and some vaccines. Because health insurance is billed, students who have insurance may not have to pay for certain services.

After researching other universities, Peck made the decision to launch the request for proposals to companies that provide billing support to universities last fall. The Board of Regents voted Jan. 29 to select Vivature to provide billing services for the health clinic.

 “Some of the money that funds the health clinic comes from designated tuition,” Peck said. “We are able to take less money from that, and eventually (billing insurance) may reduce our reliance on the student service fee,” allowing more money for things students enjoy. 

The new system is scheduled to launch this summer to be running full-speed for fall and flu season. To make an appointment at the health clinic call (936) 468-4008.