A titer is a blood test that determines if you have immunity to a particular disease. UHS offers titers for chickenpox, hepatitis, mumps, measles, and rubella.

What if I have a negative Hepatitis B titer or do not convert to positive after my series of 3 shots?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that if a person fails to convert after the 3 shot series, the series should be repeated once. If the repeat titer remains negative, no further shots are recommended.

How long is my immunity after the Hepatitis B series of shots?

Immunity may be for a life time but it varies with each individual. CDC recommends a follow-up titer every 4 years to determine if your immunity has changed.

Why am I required to have the varicella antibody titer if I know I had chickenpox as a child?

You must have proof of immunity which can be shown by a lab test (varicella antibody titer). You may get this test at UHS. If you have a negative titer, you must get the shots to prevent you from getting the disease. This is a series of 2 shots and can be given at UHS.

Do I have to get a meningitis shot?

Meningitis shots are required for students in the Clinical Laboratory Program, College of Health Professions. They are recommended for residential students but not required. These shots can be given at UHS.

TB Skin Testing or Blood Tests

Why do I need a TB Skin test every year?

TB skin tests are required for all students every year. If you are a health care worker or around health care workers in your job, you need to be screened for exposure to tuberculosis every year. TB is an airborne disease that is a risk for all health care professionals. TB skin tests are administered at UHS on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (not on Thursdays since we can't read them over the weekend).

What is a T-Spot Blood test?

The T-Spot TB test is a blood test for screening for exposure for TB if you have a history of a previous positive response to the PPD. It can also validate a past positive TB skin test and determine more accurately if you have been exposed to TB. This test is offered at UHS.

What if I have a positive TB skin test?

If you have a history of a positive TB skin test, you must be cleared from a US County Health Dept. and show UHS a card demonstrating this clearance. If you do not have that card, UHS will either offer you the T-SPOT TB TEST or refer you to the Memphis Shelby County Health Dept. for clearance.

Counseling and Behavioral Health Services

How does UHS approach medication management?

Medication management is professionally and ethically managed at UHS by licensed medical providers experienced with prescribing medications from an extensive formulary.

If concerns develop after regular business hours, employees should contact the UHS answering service at 901.541.5654 to be connected to the provider on call who will then consult with the employees to determine the best UHS provider to address the employees’ needs.

Who is available for medication management?

UHS employs 1 primary care physician, 2 family nurse practitioners, and 2 part-time physician assistants.

How many hours are staff available for medication management?

Monday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Wednesday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed daily 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

If an employee is not satisfied with UHS regarding medical management or the amount of time in receiving a response, who may they contact to resolve issues?

Please contact Dr. Louise LaFlora by calling 901.448.5630 or by emailing llaflora@uthsc.edu.

How can an employee make an appointment for UHS?

All appointments at UHS are managed by our very capable and experienced front desk staff by calling 901.448.5630.

What should a faculty member do if emergency behavioral health services are needed?

If the faculty member feels threatened, campus police should be called at 901.448.4444. If individuals express thoughts of hurting themselves or others, the faculty member can call to set up an urgent appointment with the psychologist, physician, or family nurse practitioner.

UHS has a provider on-call after hours and on weekends and can be reached by calling UHS at 901.541.5654. The UHS staff member on-call will contact a mental health provider if needed.

Employees may also call the Employee Assistance Program at 855.437.3486 for 24/7 care.

Hospitalization for psychiatric care is covered under major medical insurance plans. Hospitals with psychiatric services are Lakeside Beahvioral Health Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.

Refer to the emergency link at the bottom of every UTHSC webpage.

What other mental health services are available for UTHSC employees at UHS?

University Health Services has psychiatric services for medication management, psychotherapy and emergency issues for employees. Call 901.448.5630 to set up an appointment.

What are the options for services in the community if the employee needs ongoing mental health services?

For community resources, verify providers and benefits with your insurance company.

Urgent Care

What do I do if I need to be seen quickly?

Call UHS at 901.448.5630 and tell the person on the phone that it is urgent for you to be seen. If UHS is closed, go to the nearest urgent care or emergency department.

Are walk-in appointments available?

Walk-in appointments are available on a first come first serve basis. Walk-ins may experience a longer wait time than scheduled appointments.

How do I request medication refills?

Once you are on a stable dose of medication, you are required to schedule follow-up appointments every three months. You can call 901.448.5630 for refills or to schedule your appointment.

Emergency Contraception

What is emergency contraception?

Emergency contraception is a backup method for preventing pregnancy and is not for routine use. Plan B® can reduce your chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. For example, if you were using a condom and it broke, if you forgot to take 2 or more of your birth control pills this month, or if you were sexually assaulted, Plan B® may be a good option for you. It is important to know that Plan B® is not RU-486 (the abortion pill). Because Plan B® is used to prevent pregnancy, it will not work if you are already pregnant, and it will not affect an existing pregnancy.

Remember that you have only a few days to prevent a pregnancy after unprotected sex. If it is taken within 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex, it can decrease the chance that you will get pregnant by 75-89%. The longer the delay after unprotected intercourse, the less effective Plan B becomes. Plan B is available over the counter at most drug stores.

On the Job Inquiry

What should I do if I get hurt on my job?

If you are a UTHSC employee or resident: Notify your supervisor immediately and have them complete the State of Tennessee, Accident Report Form prior to being seen at UHS. This must be submitted to the Worker's Compensation office in 910 Madison Ave, Suite 722. This form is essential for documentation of occurrence and determination of benefits through Worker's Compensation. You may come to UHS for your care or go to the nearest emergency department.

You can find additional information on the HR Workers Compensation website.

Needlestick Exposure or Injury

What do I do if I have an exposure to blood or body fluids?

See our Needlestick Exposure or Injury.

Contact

Who do I contact for comments, concerns?

Dr. Louise LaFlora at llaflora@uthsc.edu or call her at 901.448.5630.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

Employee Insurance Plans

How do I get information about the UTHSC employee insurance plans?

Required Blood Shots and Tests

What is a titer?