Health tips for college-bound teens, part two: Being prepared when away from home

For many teens, the transition from high school to college is the first time they’ll be responsible for their own health. They’ll need to know what to do and where to go if they get sick or injured, how to access prescription refills, when to use over-the-counter medications and more.

“The last thing you want to do when you’re not feeling well is scramble to find the right information or health care services,” says Mary Fairchok, MD, an infectious disease specialist at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s. “A little preparation now can help support your teen’s health throughout their first year of college and beyond.”

In the first of this two-part series, we discussed vaccines your teen should have before heading to campus. Here, we offer guidance about how to help your teen manage their health.

Have relevant health information and documents handy

Dr. Fairchok recommends teens bring the following items with them to campus and keep them together in a safe place:

• Copy of immunization records
• List of their medications
• Brief summary of allergies or serious health conditions
• List of emergency contacts
• Name and phone number of their primary care provider
• Name and ID number for their health insurance policy
  • Pro tip: Have your teen keep a photo of the front and back of their insurance card on their phone so it’s always accessible

Your teen may also want to let a trusted roommate or friend know where this information can be found in case of an emergency.

If your teen has a serious health condition, such as diabetes or a life-threatening allergy, talk to their doctor or other health care provider about getting them a medical identification bracelet.

“These bracelets can inform first responders or other medical professionals about important health information in emergency situations where your teen can’t communicate,” Dr. Fairchok says.

Be aware of HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that governs how a person’s health information can be used and shared with others.

When teens turn 18, it means their parents are no longer automatically privy to information about their medical care. For example, if your teen ends up in the hospital, providers will not share information with you without your teen’s written consent.

If you’re concerned about being able to receive information in case of a medical emergency, here are a few options to consider.

Talk to your teen about signing these forms:

• HIPAA privacy authorization form. On this form, your teen can specify what kind of health information to release and to whom. They can also specify a period of time this form is valid.
• Health care durable power of attorney. Designed specifically to meet the requirements of Washington state law, this form designates a person who can make health care decisions for your teen if they are incapacitated.

Note that medical or health care durable power of attorney forms are state-specific. If your teen is attending an out-of-state school, you may want to seek a form designated for that particular state. If you are considering this option, it may best to consult with an attorney.

Find the right health insurance coverage

Accessing health care can sometimes be tricky, depending on where a college is located and what insurance plans cover. Most colleges offer student health insurance plans.

If your teen remains on your insurance plan — which they can until the age of 26 — it’s a good idea to verify coverage in the area where your student will be attending college.

“If your teen is going to an out-of-state school, you may consider switching their insurance coverage to that area and helping them get established with a local primary care provider,” Dr. Fairchok says. “Or it may be preferable to maintain the same coverage and provider and have your teen attend any necessary medical appointments at home while they are on school breaks. Regardless, it’s important to consider all your options and choose one that is best for your teen and their situation.”

Make a plan for what to do in case of illness or injury

Ensure your teen knows when and where to access care if they’re sick or injured.

“If it’s just a case of the sniffles, they likely don’t need to see a doctor,” Dr. Fairchok says. “But if they are running a high fever, their symptoms are not resolving after a few days, or if they have an underlying health condition, it’s a good idea to get checked out.”

If your teen plays sports at college, remind them they should seek immediate medical attention for head injuries, particularly if they experience headache, dizziness or other symptoms afterward.

“Concussions are common,” Dr. Fairchok says. “If they aren’t evaluated and treated, or student athletes try to return to playing sports too soon after a concussion, it can prolong recovery.”

Many campus health centers offer basic services such as urgent care and primary care, but it’s best to find out ahead of time what’s offered — and what’s covered. It’s common for colleges and universities to charge a health fee as part of tuition that covers the delivery of basic care, but some services may be billed to a student’s insurance plan.

If your teen is unable to access the campus health center, coach them on what their options are. For non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, it’s best to find a local urgent care center rather than visiting an emergency department, if possible. Learn more about what symptoms are life-threatening and where to go for care.

Pack a first aid kit

When your teen does inevitably catch a cold, have a stomachache or suffer a minor injury, they’ll be thankful to have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand.

Here are some basics to include:

Talk to your teen about appropriate use of these medications and supplies and include written instructions. Also be mindful of medication expiration dates — medications not used during the school year may need to be thrown out and replaced the following year.

For more ideas about what to include in a first-aid kit, visit Beaumont Health.

Create a plan for accessing prescription medication

If your teen regularly takes prescription medication, you will need to come up with a plan for obtaining refills. One option is to send teens with a three-month or more supply of their medications so they don’t have to worry about refills while they’re away, but that’s not always possible.

“Parents can refill their teen’s prescription at home and then mail it to them as needed,” Dr. Fairchok says. “Your health insurance plan may also have an option where prescriptions can be filled through a mail-order pharmacy, in which case they could be sent directly to your teen at school.”

Another option is for your teen to establish care with a local primary care provider and pharmacy to obtain prescription refills. If you send your teen with a supply of medication, ensure they store it in a safe place.