Top Questions Parents and Families Ask
We couldn't stop at just 10.
1. Does Sindecuse Health Center participate with my insurance company?
Sindecuse Health Center is a participating provider for many major insurance companies. Please review information regarding insurance billing and participation at our insurance plan participation page, or call our insurance department at (269) 387-4219.
2. What if my insurance company doesn’t participate at Sindecuse?
All students are welcome to use health center services but will be responsible for any charges not covered by insurance. Many students meet the income limitation to qualify for Medicaid if they are not claimed as a dependent on a parent's tax return and it is easy to apply. Note: Medicaid does not provide coverage across state lines, but we have an emergency fund to assist these students.
3. If my student is already being treated for a medical concern, will Sindecuse staff manage continuing treatment?
Yes, our clinic will coordinate with your primary care clinician to continue treatments. We are ready to manage health concerns like ADHD, allergies, diabetes, depression, or anxiety and to continue physical therapy services, to name a few.
4. How do I transfer medical records to Sindecuse Health Center?
We only ask for medical records of students who will be receiving continuing care for chronic conditions. Before your student arrives, make arrangements to send the relevant medical records to us. Our medical records fax number is (888) 979-8229. Do not send childhood immunization records unless requested.
5. Will you administer allergy injections?
Allergy injections other than initial ones are given by our nursing staff by appointment. Please read the allergy injections web page to learn how to continue treatment.
6. Where can my student go to get the meningitis vaccine or a flu shot?
Meningitis and seasonal influenza vaccines, as well as other immunizations, are given by our nurses by appointment during regular health center hours. Flu vaccinations are available late summer through spring.
7. Where can my student go for emergency medical help when the health center is closed?
There are several immediate care facilities and two major hospitals in the area. For after-hours emergency care call:
- Medical: 911
- Counseling: 211
- Borgess Medical Center emergency room (269) 226-4815
- Bronson Methodist Hospital emergency room (269) 341-6386
8. Do you fill outside prescriptions or sell over-the-counter medications?
Our pharmacy offers prescription drugs that may be ordered by our medical staff or your family clinician. Prescriptions may also be transferred to Sindecuse from your hometown pharmacy. We carry a wide variety of over-the-counter medications including aspirin, cough medicine, vitamins and much more.
9. Is health insurance required to attend WMU?
International students are required to carry insurance that meets J1 visa minimums or other minimum coverage per the ACA plus repatriation and evacuation coverage. There is no requirement for domestic students.
10. Will I be informed about my student’s health center visits?
Visits to the health center are confidential. Our confidentiality policies are explained in detail here.
Students 18 and older must fill out and return a Release of Information form to allow health center staff to answer your questions. We do not notify parents or guardians when their adult child visits the health center. Inquiries about medical treatment, insurance and billing concerns are all protected health information only shared with someone other than the patient if we have a written authorization on file. Students may choose to release only billing information and reserve access to medical information. Students may also revoke permission by signing a form at the health center.
11. What if my student is under 18?
If your student is under 18, a parent or guardian's permission is required for many visit types before we can provide treatment to a student under age 18. Find the necessary form on the Forms page.
12. Are immunizations required to attend Western Michigan University?
No, but Sindecuse Health Center strongly suggests having several immunizations before attending college. All recommended immunizations are available at the health center by appointment.
13. Do I need a TB test?
Students coming from countries identified as high-risk for tuberculosis exposure will be required to have testing done at WMU’s health center. Read more about TB testing and screening at WMU.
14. What does a student need to bring to a visit to the health center?
Bring a Bronco ID card and a copy of your insurance card or cards.
15. How much does Counseling cost?
Counseling is offered at no charge to students. Visit the health center during regular hours to see a counselor. No appointment is needed for your first counseling visit.
16. Is there a psychiatrist on staff?
Yes. Psychiatry appointments are available by referral from a primary care clinician or a counselor.
17. Can I use a flexible spending account card at the health center?
Yes, you may! Call our main line at (269) 387-3287 and follow the prompts for 'appointments' to make a payment using your flexible spending or HSA card. Bronco Express cannot accept HSA cards, only medical facilities like the health center may do so.