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WHAT'S NEW

Health Advisory: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
If you are sick with flu-like symptoms and don't know the best thing to do, please read for guidance. Additional resources about H1N1 flu and what you can do to stay healthy are included.
New Post-travel Clinic Announced
Beginning July 2009, Hall Health will offer a specialty clinic designed for persons with recent travel who are ill and concerned about having a non-urgent travel-related illness.
State Department Launches Students Abroad Website
The U.S. State Department has launched Students Abroad, a Web site designed to offer college-age Americans a one-stop reference for international travel.
Especially for Students
Learn about the many valuable health services you are eligible for as a student at UW.

SAF

IPE/FIUTS - Study Abroad Students: FAQs

Can I see one of the providers at Hall Health for my screening exam?

Yes, if your destination country or program requires a screening physical you can schedule an appointment with one of the Hall Health providers.

What is the phone number for scheduling?

If you wish to schedule an appointment with a Hall halth primary care provider, call (206) 616-2495.

What is included in the screening exam?

The focus of this exam is to gather information about your past and current medical history, including both emotional and physical problems. With this information the provider can determine any special needs you may have while traveling. Vital signs, height and weight will be checked.

This is only a 20 minute visit. If you have multiple medical problems or other issues to discuss you may need to schedule a separate visit. If you require a complete physical exam with lab work you will need to schedule a preventive exam visit which is usually a 40 minute visit.

The provider may also recommend that you schedule a travel consultation visit which is a separate visit.

Will my insurance pay for the screening visit and the travel consultation visit?

The screening exam visit is a 20 minute counseling visit that is covered by your student activity fee. The travel consultation visit is a specialty visit. Coverage for that visit varies by insurance company. The travel consultation visit is a critical piece of pre-travel planning as you may need immunizations and disease education for your travels. We suggest that you check with you insurance company regarding coverage.

Can I use the screening exam for a Peace Corp, University Entrance, Job Corp, or VISA Application?

No, the screening exam is only for students traveling under the IPE (International Programs, and Exchanges Program). Most other travel related applications require a complete physical exam, often with required labs and x-rays. Those visits are not covered by your student activity fee.

What are the most common causes of death in the returning traveler?

Motor vehicle accidents and drowning, both increased when mixed with drinking alcohol.

What sort of diseases are most common in the returning traveler?

The diseases can vary depending on where you travel. The most common disease is traveler's diarrhea. The most common disease associated with a fever in the returning traveler is malaria which is a medical emergency. Other less common diseases are Hepatitis A (most people get vaccination before departure), gonorrhea (sexually transmitted diseases are not uncommon), and animal bites with a risk of rabies.

What kind of advise can I expect from the travel consultation?

Travel Clinic is composed of travel health advisors (ARNPs and MDs) who are very familiar with health problems related to travel. Some of the advise you will receive includes needed immunizations, malaria prophylaxis, medications to treat traveler's diarrhea, insect protection, how to find medical help abroad, exotic diseases that you may encounter, and any security precautions about your destination country.

Are there other web sites to check out before I travel?

Yes. We recommend the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/, and the Foreign Emabssy for health requirements/ alerts at http://www.us.gov/.

When should I schedule my screening exam?

You can schedule it within 6 months of your travel. Hall Health has an open access scheduling center which means you usually can be seen within 2-3 days.

When should I schedule my travel consultation visit?

These should be scheduled at least 8 weeks prior to your date of departure to insure that you can reciev all necessary vaccines. These visits are usually 45 to 60 minutes long and bood out 4 weeks in advance.

Is there anything else I should consider prior to traveling?

It is always a good idea to get a dental exam, take an extra pair of glasses, determine what you health coverage is abroad and buy additional insurance if necessary, put together a medical bag, use good common sense when you travel, and have a great time.

What if I have other questions?

You can e-mail the travel clinic at travel@u.washington.edu.