As a student at the University of Georgia, the on-campus UGA Health Center is your go-to spot for medical care. From flu shots to X-rays, the knowledgeable providers at the Health Center offer a wide range of services. Of course, using these services comes with fees and charges that you’ll need to pay. Read on for a comprehensive guide to paying your UGA Health Center bill.
Overview of the UGA Health Center
The University Health Center aims to meet the health needs of UGA students by providing high-quality medical, mental health, health education, and wellness services Some key things to know
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Conveniently located on UGA’s campus on East Campus Road
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Services include primary care, women’s health, psychiatry, lab tests, X-rays, immunizations, allergy shots, travel health, and more
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Providers include MDs, NPs, PAs, RNs, pharmacists, health educators, counselors, and medical assistants
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Operates during the fall and spring semesters, with limited summer hours
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Most services are available by appointment
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Some services may require referrals
Now let’s walk through what to expect when it’s time to pay your UGA Health Center bill.
Receiving Your Bill
After each visit to the Health Center, you’ll receive a paper statement in your campus mailbox with your current account balance. Statements are generated weekly. You can also view your balance anytime on Athena.
Here are some key details that will be included on your statement:
- Date of visit
- Services rendered/procedures performed
- Itemized charges for each service
- Health insurance credits or adjustments
- Current balance due
Be sure to review statements carefully for accuracy.
Payment Expectations
Payment is expected at the time services are rendered at the Health Center. They accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards, and UGA financial aid.
If you are unable to pay on the date of service, you will need to pay your balance in full by the due date on the statement to avoid late fees or collection actions.
It’s important to maintain up-to-date billing information in your patient profile. Make sure your current address is on file so you receive statements promptly.
Payment Methods and Instructions
The UGA Health Center offers several payment options:
Pay Online
The easiest way to pay is through the student account portal, Athena. Simply log in to Athena, click “Student Account” then “Make Payment.” Follow prompts to pay your Health Center balance using an electronic check or credit/debit card.
Pay by Mail
Mail a check or money order payable to “UGA Health Center” to:
UGA Health Center
Business Office
55 Carlton Street
Athens, GA 30602
Include your name and student ID number. Allow 5-7 days for mail delivery.
Pay In-Person
Visit the Health Center Business Office located on the 2nd Floor of the Health Center. You can pay by cash, check, or credit/debit card.
Pay by Phone
Call the Business Office at 706-542-8690 to make a payment by credit/debit card over the phone.
Payment Plan Options
If you need help paying your balance, the UGA Health Center offers payment plans at the discretion of the Business Office. To set up a monthly payment plan, submit a request to the Business Office by email, phone, or in person.
Payment plans may cover services already rendered or prepay for upcoming appointments. The Business Office will work with you on an individual basis to create an affordable plan.
Billing Questions or Disputes
For any billing questions or issues, contact the Health Center Business Office:
- Phone: 706-542-8690
- Email: [email protected]
- In Person: 2nd Floor of the Health Center
Some examples of billing issues they can help with:
- Questions about charges or insurance
- Errors on your statement
- Denied insurance claims
- Requests for itemized statements
- Eligibility for financial assistance
Be sure to contact them right away if you think there is a problem with your bill so it can be addressed promptly.
Financial Assistance Options
The Health Center offers financial assistance programs to help students who are unable to pay their medical bills, including:
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Sliding Fee Scale: Discounts based on family size and income. Must show tax returns.
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Payment Plans: Interest-free monthly payment plans tailored to what you can afford.
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Hardship Requests: Billing adjustments for students undergoing financial hardships.
To explore these options, meet with a Financial Counselor in the Business Office. Proof of financial status is required.
Tips for Managing Medical Bills
- Save all statements and billing notices
- Open and read statements promptly
- Highlight errors immediately and notify the Business Office
- Make payments on time to avoid late fees
- Sign up for paperless billing through Athena
- Know your health insurance coverage and benefits
- Provide updated billing information to the Health Center
Staying organized and being proactive will make the billing process much smoother. The Business Office is available to support you every step of the way.
Additional Billing Resources
For more billing information, visit the UGA Health Center website and reference:
- Payment and Billing FAQs
- Sliding Fee Scale Details
- Itemized Statement Policy
- Administrative and Financial Policies
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Business Office with any questions. They are happy to help students navigate UGA Health Center billing and payments.
Medical Clinics[]
The Medical Clinics, Red, Green, Blue, Gold, are for the traditional “sick” problems such as illness or injury. The Medical Clinics also offer flu shots priced at $15 for students and $25 for non-students. Each student is assigned to a clinic and a Primary Care Provider where the always make appointments with on OpenCommunicator. This service is included in the Health Fee and only other fees would include additional testing and prescriptions. All appointments are made through OpenCommunicator (“Medical Services”).
Psychiatric Counseling[]
Counseling services include couples, group and individual counseling. All counseling is completely confidential and no records will be shared. All appointments are made online and open to all UGA students. There are no fees for the initial appointment, but following appointments are available at a discounted rate for students who pay the health fee. This clinic is located on the second floor (“Counseling and Psychatric Services (CAPS)”).
OpenCommunicator is the online system to make appointments at the Health Center. Almost all divisions of Health Center use OpenCommunicator and there are usually a wide range of appointment times available at time. When a making a first appointment, a student must complete the health history form in order to get into the system. OpenCommunicator also tracks charges to student at the Health Center and this where the student can pay for all of his or her medical expenses (“Medical Services”).
University Health Center, University of Georgia
FAQ
Is the UGA health Center free for students?
How do I cancel my UGA health center appointment?
Does the UGA health Center do bloodwork?
What is the fax number for UGA health center?
Where can I get a prescription at UGA?
Located on the 1st floor of the University Health Center, open MON-FRI, 8AM – 6PM. The goal of the Pharmacy is to provide efficient, professional, confidential, and economical prescription service to the students of the University of Georgia. Pharmacy services are now available to UGA faculty / staff, retired faculty / staff, and dependents.
Who is eligible for health care services at UGA?
All enrolled students at UGA are eligible for care at the University Health Center. They may continue to receive health care services for one semester after their last enrolled semester, including one semester after graduation.
Does UGA offer health care services after graduation?
After graduation, students may continue to receive health care services from UGA for one semester. Full-time students have paid a mandatory UGA health fee, which provides them with a multitude of wellness and medical services at discounted rates.
How can I pay for extended care at UGA?
The former student is responsible for all charges accrued during extended care and can pay at the UHC Business Services Office. To pay for extended care at UGA, the student can visit the UHC Business Services Office.
Who is eligible for health services at University Health Center?
Spouses or domestic partners of enrolled students are eligible for services at the University Health Center. They may either pay the health fee and receive the same benefits as a full-time student, or choose to use the health center on a fee-for-service basis.
Does UGA offer Pharmacy Services?
Pharmacy services are now available to UGA faculty / staff, retired faculty / staff, and dependents. The UHC Pharmacy is open for walk-in service for prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.