University Health Services

REFERRAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OFF-CAMPUS CARE

When You Need a Referral

The Princeton University Student Health Plan (SHP) requires that students initiate care at University Health Services (UHS) before being referred for off-campus medical care except for emergency illnesses or injuries during the plan year (September 1 through August 31).

The SHP requires that UHS provide a referral every 12 months for off-campus medical/counseling care. If you have been referred to an off-campus community provider by a UHS clinician during the 2007-2008 plan year, you will need to contact UHS to check when and if you need an updated referral if you plan to continue with any ongoing medical and/or counseling services as an enrollee of the SHP in the upcoming plan year starting September 1, 2008. As an example, if you received a referral from a UHS clinician to see an off-campus specialist in November of 2007, you will need to secure an updated referral for services being received in November of 2008. If you do not remember the last time you received a referral for off-campus services, please contact Aetna Student Health directly at: 1-877-437-6511. If you find that your referral has expired or is expiring in the near future, please be sure to call UHS or the UHS Counseling and Psychological Services this summer to make arrangements for securing your referral at: (1-609-258-3141 for medical referrals or 1-609-258-3285 for Counseling and Psychological Services referrals). Care rendered without authorization by UHS, is not covered by the plan.

When You Do Not Need a Referral

• If you have a life threatening emergency illness or injury and require hospitalization or emergency room services
• If you choose to use your $125 preventative dental visit, you would not need a referral
• Dependents under the age of 16 are not required to seek a referral for off campus care
• Enrollees and dependents are not required to seek a referral for off campus care during published Princeton University break periods, (e.g., fall recess, spring recess, and summer)
• Students who maintain in absentia status do not require a referral if they are not within a reasonable proximity to the University (i.e., outside Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset Counties in NJ and Bucks County in PA) or if UHS is closed

We do ask that you contact UHS prior to receiving any elective surgery procedures during recess periods or the summer so your medical chart may be properly updated. Enrollees needing a referral for medical care should contact UHS at (609) 258-3141.

Enrollees are responsible for becoming familiar with all SHP benefits, limitations, and exclusions. Students should contact Aetna Student Healh at: 1-877-437-6511 or www.aetnastudenthealth.com for more information regarding the plan or for claim assistance.