Nrsing student: Need Physical (no insurance)

kellyo, LPN · Dec 17, 2005

Well the title pretty much says it all. I start nursing school in 3 weeks and I need to have a physical done. I also need the TB test and a varicella titer. What's the cheapest way to go about getting this done since I don't have insurance? Help?!?!

What about your county health department??

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 17, 2005

Well the title pretty much says it all. I start nursing school in 3 weeks and I need to have a physical done. I also need the TB test and a varicella titer. What's the cheapest way to go about getting this done since I don't have insurance? Help?!?!

I was in the same boat a few weeks ago. I contacted the health department and got a list of healthcare providers with very low cost. They go on a sliding scale. Regular price for mine was 175.............I payed 25. Good luck to you. :)

rn/writer, RN · Dec 17, 2005

The school you're going to attend may also have a health department. If they do, the people there should know exactly what you need and provide it at a reasonable cost.

Good luck to you.

land64shark · Dec 18, 2005

Hmm...I just went to the health dept the other day for immunizations and titers.

I had a tetorifice shot, hep B (first one), TB skin test, varicella titer, rubella titer, and rubeola titer. It cost me $142! Yikes! And I'm not done! I have to go back for another TB skin test (I forget how much that is) and if the titers aren't in my favor, the varicella is a 2 part series at $81 EACH and the MMR is is like $39. Then there's the other two hep B to complete the series..... :uhoh3:

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2005

Most schools have a student health service. I know, like every other student at my school, I pay a fee for this service each semester that I register for classes. Call them. If they can't set up and do your physical exam and labwork, they should have a list of referral doctors in the community who will give you a reduced or discounted rate.

RedSox33RN · Dec 18, 2005

I was going to suggest Student Health Services, or if you work, maybe your Occupational Health.

It also may be that you've had titers done in the past, and if you can get those records that show you're immune, they will suffice.

land64shark · Dec 18, 2005

My school doesn't have a "student health services". Maybe it's because it's a community college and not a university???

MIA-RN1, RN · Dec 18, 2005

I am in a community college and we have a health services---find out who keeps track of the students' health records and physicals and ask them where to go. Maybe even the nursing department itself. The secretary of our department knows everything about everything. Maybe call your dept before the holiday week?

Nurse Ratched, RN · Dec 18, 2005

Can't add anything to the siggestions already made except to wonder if there is a reduced-fee clinic in your area. Wanted to also throw out that a very basic policy is better than none at all - chances are good there is an affordable insurance plan offered through your school. It would be worth it to take a little more out in student loans if you have to to be insured. I see it in my work all the time and it's so distressing to see otherwise healthy students suddenly in tremendous debt because of an accident or other unexpected medical problem. Warm thoughts your way.

Missbehaves · Dec 19, 2005

The vaccinations can be expensive, even from the county. You should be able to find a doctor that does school physicals for sports, etc. for very cheap. I was able to get mine for $30. I also don't have insurance and even for regular office visits I am able to negotiate prices with the doctor's office. I just tell them that I don't have insurance and they give me a discount. Also, when they use insurance they sometimes have to wait months until they finally get their money. When you pay cash, they get their money right then (plus they save money from having to file all the forms, etc) and they will 99% of the time give you a discount. I was even able to get one from a urologist. Try calling around to see what they will do for you. Good luck! Remember, if you are generally healthy and young, a few hundred dollars one time is a lot cheaper than the insurance premiums (sometimes 200+ a month!).

Peachy720 · Jan 24, 2006

Went today to my University Student Health Center--I don't know what hurt worse, the shots or the bill!!

$375!!!!!:rotfl: :stone :rolleyes: :uhoh21: :crying2:

Got the Twinex (only needed the Hepatitis B for the school I'm applying to, but they were out, and sold me on going for Hepatitis A as well) first round, the tetorifice, the tb skin test--they're also going to do blood work looking for rubella.

AND that's not including my chicken pox, measles and mumps are unaccounted for, so i might have to go back for those (i'll probably do titers for those)--I'm from New Orleans originally, and have no idea how to track down my old immunization records because the clinic went under a few years back...

boy, the shots didn't hurt going in, but the arms are killing me now!!

oh well, at least the physical was free!