Health CareFor Rensselaer Students The health services at Rensselaer are extensively discussed in the Rensselaer Student Health Center Booklet. Information is given on the Health Center's services, records, fees, summer coverage, health fee waivers, health insurance plan. For information you can also visit the Health Center's website. The FAQ section of the website provides answers to some frequently asked questions. The Counceling Center at Rensselaer is located in the Health Center bulding. It provides numerous services to help students maximize their sense of well being as well as their academic, personal and social growth. These services include individual/group counseling, relaxation training for anxiety, study skills/time management, reducing test anxiety, computerized stress training, group workshops scheduled upon request etc. The Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm during the academic year and on a part time basis during the summer. For more information you can stop by the Health Center or call 276-6479. Insurance WaiversIf you have health insurance through your sponsor and would like to waive the Rensselaer Insurance it MUST be done within the first two weeks of classes at the start of each school year. Proof of your insurance needs to be presented to the Health Center. Health Insurance for DependentsSince medical services are very expensive in the US and since students have found themselves in financial difficulties because of medical expenses, international students are required to take health insurance for their dependents. If you want to purchase Rensselaer's Insurance for your dependents you need to go to Rensselaer Health Services. There you can obtain the form you need to fill out and send directly to the company with payment. Hospitals and other Medical ServicesHospital services in the US are very expensive. If you are a student at Rensselaer covered by the Rensselaer Health Plan, you can use hospital facilities only if the Rensselaer Infirmary approves it; otherwise, you will have to pay the bill.There are two hospitals that are located close to Campus: Samaritan Hospital At the corner of Burdett and Peoples Avenues, 271-3300 Other hospitals in the area may be found by looking in the Telephone Directory under the section of Hospitals in the Yellow pages. The emergency rooms of the hospitals should be used only for true emergencies, because just the usage of the room may cost around $100.00. Charges for the doctor will be added to this, and other services. Do not wait until a medical emergency arises. If possible, find a family doctor in the area soon after your family comes to Troy. Medical Services for Dependents Even with medical insurance for your dependents, keeping them healthy can still be expensive. However, this does not mean that your dependents will have to do without medical care. The health of your family comes first, and you should not hesitate to get medical help if it is needed. Below are offered some suggestions to minimize the health costs in the event that your dependents do require professional help: Do not wait until a medical emergency arises; going to the emergency room of any hospital will be very expensive. There are ways of avoiding a medical emergency, and a trip to the emergency room. If possible get a family doctor in the area. At the first appointment he/she will probably need to give your dependents physical examinations and obtain medical histories. This is often expensive, but a doctor is more likely to see you on short notice if you are his/her private patient. For a list of doctors who are currently taking in new patients, call the Clinic at Samaritan Hospital; explain to them that you have just moved to the area and that you would like to get a family doctor. Once you have a family doctor, go to him/her when your dependent first starts feeling ill; don't wait until it becomes an emergency. If a member of your family is seriously ill, do not wait to get an appointment with a private doctor or at the clinics; GO TO THE SAMARITAN HOSPITAL'S EMERGENCY ROOM. Except in the case of a severe emergency, be prepared to wait for several hours in order to receive treatment. Dangers for Children Some precautions about protecting children from danger are included here because there may be problems different from those encountered in your home country. Some things to watch for are: Leaving Children Alone Do not leave your children alone in your apartment. There are many hazards which young children may not understand. Leaving your children alone is a violation of New York State Child Protections Laws. Maternity and Family Planning There are several places where you may go to obtain advice on family planning. Rensselaer students can use the services of the infirmary, if they are enrolled in the Health Plan at Rensselaer. Spouses may go to Planned Parenthood in Troy, listed in the Telephone Directory. If you find that you are going to have a baby and you are not covered by insurance, you will be required to pay ALL BILLS with your own money. |