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Allergy Shots

• Allergy shots (desensitization immunotherapy) are administered at Student Health Services under the direction of the student's allergist.
• The student must be on a stable regimen and must have received regular injections at the allergist's office for a period of time before injections can be done at Student Health Services.
• The student must bring the antigen solutions to Student Health Services for administration.
• The student must bring clear written instructions and authorization from their allergist's office.
• The student must make appointments and keep to the schedule of injections as per the allergist's office.
• Student Health Services allergy clinic policy will be reviewed and signed with the student at the initial visit.
• If there are complications or non-compliance with allergy injections at Student Health Services, the student will be referred to a local allergist for treatment.

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Medication

If a student is utilizing Counseling Services, they may speak to their provider about receiving a psychiatrist referral.

If you have a diagnosis from a previous provider and have medical records substantiating the diagnosis, Student Health Services may be able to refill your medications pending a review of medical records.

• If a student requests prescriptions for medication for treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), all records regarding previous testing, diagnosis, and treatment must be provided and reviewed before the prescription can be written.
• If the student has not been evaluated for this condition but suspects they may have this condition, testing will be required. Student Health Services does not perform neuropsychological testing for evaluation of attention deficit disorder. The student may seek testing with providers in the local community and bring the results to Student Health Services.
• The student must return to Student Health Services every month as only one month of medication will be prescribed at each visit.
• The medication is only to be used by the student and not to be given to other students.

Crutch Loan Policy

Crutches are available to loan to students if indicated. They are available in different sizes to meet student needs.

The Convalescent Aid Society in Pasadena also provides free rental of medical equipment including crutches and wheelchairs.

Doctor's Note / Extension Policy

We do not provide this service.

Student Wellness Services does not routinely provide medical excuse notes or visit verification for students who miss class or assignments due to minor illnesses or injury. Students experiencing illness or other health conditions are encouraged to seek treatment at Student Wellness Services, where the illness or injury can be assessed and treated. If a student is moderately to severely ill, contagious, or is otherwise advised to avoid class, a clinician may, with student permission, communicate this to the deans' office. The deans may assist students by supporting academic accommodations or extensions; see the deans' office website for relevant policies around academic extensions for medical reasons.

Students experiencing minor illnesses, allergies, and injuries are encouraged to directly contact their instructors or teaching assistants and request any extensions or flexibility with coursework.

In the event a student experiences an ongoing health concern that impacts their academic ineligibility, Student Wellness Services clinicians may, with student permission, consult with the deans' office for the purposes of medical incomplete grades or a voluntary medical leave. Students who have not been under the care of a Student Wellness Services clinician or who present with only a historical account of illness or health concern will not receive a recommendation from Student Wellness Services.

Student Wellness Services does not perform clinical assessment, diagnosis, or documentation for disabilities. Students who wish to pursue academic accommodations for a disability are encouraged to contact Caltech Accessibility Services for Students (CASS) to learn about registration and requirements. Student Wellness Services can provide referrals to appropriate clinicians in the community, if desired.

Gender Affirming Care (Hormone Therapy)

Laboratory Testing

Basic Information:

Student Health Services can collect and prepare specimens for most common laboratory tests. The specimens are sent to LabCorp, a large reference laboratory to process the specimens and obtain results. Students may be referred to a local LabCorp drawing station for laboratory test(s) requiring special collection and handling. The LabCorp drawing station is located inside the Walgreens at 310 S. Lake Ave.

Laboratory orders generated by non-Caltech medical staff are not processed at Student Health Services. The student is to proceed to the designated drawing station as directed by the staff of the ordering physician.

Costs:

For students with the Caltech Anthem Student Advantage (ASA) insurance plan, please refer to the student medical plan summary on the Benefits website for covered services and coinsurance responsibilities. Students with other insurance plans should ensure that LabCorp is an in-network laboratory for their plan. Students with Kaiser insurance will be referred to the nearest Kaiser facility for lab tests. Students may choose to have discounted lab fees billed to their Bursar's account and pay directly (Note: Student Health Services does not bill insurance plans).

Hours:

Laboratory services are available from 8:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am to 3:00pm on Wednesdays (closed 12:00-1:00 pm). Most test results are available within 48-72 hours but this can vary depending on the specific test.

Results: Students will be notified via secure message about normal results, or asked to come in for an appointment to review any results requiring further follow-up. Students may request a copy of their lab results from the ordering provider or the front desk.

Please contact a provider through secure messaging or call and leave a message at (626) 395-6393 if you have any questions regarding laboratory services.

Fasting for a Blood Test:

During a blood test visit, blood is drawn from your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Before Your Blood Test

• Do not eat or drink anything (except water) for 8 hours before your test.
• It's important to drink plenty of water because it is easier to draw blood when you are well hydrated. Do not drink any other liquids, this includes coffee, decaffeinated coffee, milk, tea, or juice.
• Take your medication as directed, unless your healthcare provider has given you other instructions.
• We may ask you to reschedule your blood draw if you've fasted for too long or have not hydrated properly.

What time should I come for blood draw?

• It is best to have your fasting blood test drawn between 8:30am - 10:00 am. For your convenience, you can schedule an appointment through the Student Health Portal.Please login using your access.caltech.edu credentials.

Test results are usually available in a few days. You will be notified by your provider when to return for review or results will be sent by secure message.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptom Testing

If you are coming to Student Health Services for a suspected urinary tract infection (UTI), you will be asked to leave a urine sample at the time of your visit.

Pharmacy Prescriptions and Medications

The is no pharmacy at Student Health Services, however, we carry a limited supply of over-the-counter medication that can be dispensed to the student for free.

The Health Center can refill on-going medications (ex. birth control pills, thyroid medications, ADHD medications, PrEP therapy).

Prescription medications are forwarded electronically to a local pharmacy. Payment is through your insurance.

The nearest pharmacies in the area are:

Preventative Care

• Preventative care and health screening services is available to all eligible enrolled students.
• The conditions most applicable to young adults and college students are:
  • measuring blood pressure
  • screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
  • screening for cervical cancer
  • obtaining recommended vaccines
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • obtaining cholesterol screening
  • eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly
  • using sun protection, discussing alcohol and other drug use
  • stopping tobacco and nicotine use
  • screening for depression and other mental health conditions
  • screening for relationship violence

  Primary Care

  • Primary care is basic or routine healthcare available at Caltech Student Health Services which includes health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in a medical office setting.
  • It is provided as a service to all eligible enrolled Caltech students for FREE regardless of insurance coverage.
  • There is no cost for the appointment but there may be cost for medications, laboratory tests, and x-rays which are obtained at outside facilities.
  • Most common medical concerns can be diagnosed and treated. The most common reasons patients seek care are illness, injury, preventative care, and medical questions, but any health-related concerns can be addressed.
  • If necessary, advice and instructions about receiving further diagnostic testing and specialist care can be given.

  Referrals to Specialist

  • For medical conditions that cannot be diagnosed or treated at Student Health Services, you may be referred to a specialist in the community.
  • If a student is interested in seeing a specialist, please visit Student Health Services to obtain a list of local specialists and select the best one for you.
  • The health insurance you have determines what/how much is paid for and which providers are covered in the "insurance network" and which providers are outside the "insurance network." Note: It is the student's responsibility to make sure the provider is in your insurance network. You can call the office directly and inquire if they accept your insurance or check your insurance's website.
  • The specialist is independent of Caltech and has their own process for evaluation and treatment. If there are questions about the specialty care, the student may ask the specialist directly, seek out another specialist for consultation, or return to Student Health Services to discuss the concerns.
  • If the student has the Caltech Anthem Student Advantage (ASA) health insurance plan, the student may schedule an appointment with a specialist without a referral. A list may be found on their website: https://studentca.anthem.com/student/schools/caltech

  Tips on preparing for your specialist visit:

  • Write down your questions for your specialist visit.
  • Bring your photo ID and insurance card to your visit and be prepared for any co-payment. Cost varies from insurance to insurance.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment time.
  • If you would like Student Health Services to receive information from your community providers, please make sure you sign a record release form.

  Referrals for X-ray and Other Imaging

  • There are no x-ray or other imaging facilities at the Student Health Services.
  • If an x-ray or imaging test is needed, the student is referred to an imaging center in the local area. An order for the imaging test is written for the student.
  • You can expect part of the cost to be covered by your insurance, but some of the costs may need to be covered by you.
  • The student must contact the imaging center to discuss details regarding setting up an appointment for the imaging test. Please inquire if any special preparation is needed for the imaging procedure (ex. fasting prior to the procedure).
  • The student will be given instructions by the Student Health Services provider regarding how to follow up after the imaging test has been completed.

  Sexual and Reproductive Health

  Travel Consultation

  • Consultations regarding vaccines, travel medications, and travel advice can be made at Student Health Services.
  • Prescriptions for travel vaccines are forwarded electronically to a local pharmacy.
  • The student should know their areas of travel, dates, purpose of travel, types of accommodations, and special activities.
  • For latest travel vaccine requirements and recommendations, please see the CDC Travel site.
  • Alternatively, the patient can make an appointment with the Healthy Traveler Clinic for a travel consultation for a fee. The Healthy Traveler Clinic does not accept insurance. Payment can be completed through cash or credit card. Their office administers most travel vaccines.
  • The Pasadena Public Health Department is another resource for some vaccines. Visit their website for current prices and hours of operation. The Pasadena Public Health Department does not accept insurance. Payment can be completed through cash or credit card.

  Vaccines (Including flu shots and referrals to vaccines)

  • Seasonal flu vaccines are available at the Student Health Center from October to May. Students will receive an announcement via email for on-campus flu vaccine clinic dates.
  • We can help you decide what you need regarding other vaccines and direct you to a nearby pharmacy.
  • Please view the Vaccines page for additional information.