Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Student Health Services will provide updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as they become available. See below for answers to frequently asked questions.

Texas A&M University updates can be found here: https://www.tamu.edu/coronavirus/.

Frequently Asked Questions

At this time, SHS is operating under normal business hours: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. Hours and availability of certain services may be limited or change depending on staff availability during the COVID-19 response.

The below services are available to students:

MEDICAL CLINICS

  • Medical Clinic: The Medical Clinic is now separated into a respiratory clinic and a general clinic.
    • To make an appointment at SHS, visit us online at https://shs.tamu.edu/appointments. If you are experiencing any high-risk symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, loss of taste/smell, diarrhea, chest pain), you may web book a telemedicine appointment with a clinician or call SHS at (979) 458-8310 to schedule a telenurse screening appointment.
    • Telemedicine appointments are available for students who are physically located in the state of Texas. Telemedicine appointments are available for a variety of patient complaints, and can be scheduled online by visiting the SHS Appointment page. Telemedicine appointments do not require a nursing pre-screening appointment.
    • SHS now offers COVID-19 testing without needing to see a clinician. The following tests are available:
      • PCR (molecular) testing: to detect an active COVID-19 infection
      • Antibody testing (serology): to determine likely prior COVID-19 infection

Student can self-schedule on the patient portal if they do NOT exhibit any high-risk symptoms (symptoms referenced above). Insurance will reimburse for this testing, so students should bring their insurance card. For more information, contact Patient Services at 458-8310.

  • Women’s Clinic: Services remain the same, including IUD and Nexplanon placement; however, there are limited clinicians available for procedures so scheduling may be delayed. If students need prescription extension to accommodate this delay and are physically located in the state of Texas, schedule a telemedicine visit. Students may also send a secure message to their treating clinician.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

  • Laboratory: Services remain the same. Students interested in receiving a self-referral lab test must utilize the main clinic entrance. 
    • COVID-19 PCR (current infection) and antibody testing (past infection) are available by self-referral. Results will typically be available within 48-72 hours after testing. Most insurance companies are covering the cost of testing. For uninsured students, CARES Act Funding is available. If you have had a close exposure to someone with COVID-19 or you have symptoms, please make a telenurse appointment. For those having high risk symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), the nurse will be able to give instructions for seeing a provider and receiving testing. For those with mild or low risk symptoms or who have had exposure, you may be sent to the self-collection testing area. Contact the Lab at (979) 458-8333 for any questions. To expedite the testing process, please fill out the following form in advance: COVID Antibody Testing Form. Testing is only available on Monday-Friday, 8:15am-4pm. Please present at the main entrance to gain access to the Lab for this testing.
  • Nutrition Services: All appointments are via phone until further notice. Currently, appointments are restricted to initial consultations and follow-up appointments. To schedule a Nutrition Services appointment, please email mwindham@shs.tamu.edu. Students do not need to go through the pre-screening process for these appointments.
  • Pharmacy: The Pharmacy is available to fill/refill prescriptions. To access the Pharmacy, students must utilize the main clinic entrance. If a student is only visiting the pharmacy for medication pick-up, they will be screened at the main clinic entrance. If a student wishes to have their medication brought outside to them as they wait in the parking lot, please call the Pharmacy at (979) 458-8292. Prescription mailing is available for a minimal charge (average cost is less than $5).

Prescriptions will only be mailed as long as the following conditions are met:

    • Recipient is located in the state of Texas
    • Prescription total is less than $100

Prescriptions typically arrive within two business days and tracking information will be provided to the recipient. Refrigerated items are not able to be mailed. To inquire regarding prescription mailing, please contact the Pharmacy at (979) 458-8292 or pharmacy@shs.tamu.edu.

  • Physical Therapy: Services remain the same.
  • Preventive Medicine: Services remain the same. For students who have their allergy serum at SHS, please contact Preventive Medicine at (979) 458-8345 to coordinate pick-up.
  • Radiology: Services remain the same.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

  • For general clinic questions, please contact Patient Services at (979) 458-8310 or patientservices@shs.tamu.edu.
  • For general medical advice, please contact SHS Dial-A-Nurse at (979) 458-8379.

Texas A&M University continues to work with governmental agencies, professional health and security organizations, and our academic partners to monitor world-wide coronavirus developments. Please see the latest announcements here: https://www.tamu.edu/coronavirus/.

  • Call your healthcare provider in advance. Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or other healthcare facility without calling first. Your provider may need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic.
  • Depending on your primary complaint, telemedicine may be available for you. Telemedicine enables you to consult a provider from home. Check with your health insurance provider, or visit the SHS Appointment page to schedule an appointment.
    • If you are a student enrolled in the TAMU Student Health Insurance plan, MD Live is available for you (a medical visit copay applies).
  • If you have symptoms such as a cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your primary care doctor first. Do not go to an emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

It is highly recommended that students continue to practice preventive actions to avoid illness. See below for recommended preventive actions:

  • Practice physical distancing. Physical distancing means remaining out of congregate settings (crowded public places where close contact with others may occur), avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Wear a cloth face covering when in public. Learn how to properly wear a face covering and how to make one here: gov/coronavirus. Cloth face coverings can help protect you and those around you.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid sharing food, beverages, and utensils.
  • Avoid close contact with those who may be ill.
  • Stay home when you are sick or have flu symptoms.
  • Cover cough/sneeze with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
  • Get your annual flu shot.
  • Academic HealthPlans is offering a Student Assistance Program (SAP) to all Texas A&M University System students, regardless if they are enrolled in the TAMU student health insurance plan. The SAP provides a 24/7 Care Center staffed by qualified and experienced professionals, life and wellbeing resources, and a variety of health/wellness resources and tools. Access the SAP here: https://myahpcare.personaladvantage.com/portal/welcome/sso. Company code is AHP1.
  • The Division of Student Affairs departments have a multitude of resources available. Find more information here: https://studentaffairs.tamu.edu.

Information updated July 08, 2020, 12:30 p.m.

Please view the following link for a PDF of the above Frequently Asked Questions: Coronavirus FAQ

The above FAQ will be updated as new information becomes available.

To view the SHS Respiratory Clinic announcement, please visit the following link: SHS Respiratory Clinic Announcement

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