Thousands of students who have UA health insurance depend on Campus Health Service when they are ill, but the center's limited hours make it difficult for them to obtain the medical care they need.

On weekends and university holidays, students are forced to find alternate sources of medical care, such as going to an urgent care facility or University Medical Center.

Even with UA health insurance, a visit to an urgent care center usually comes with an out-of-pocket co-pay cost of about $50. Emergency health services at a hospital usually cost about $100.

Several students have said the cost of insurance is too high, considering they have to use outside facilities for care on the weekends.

Student insurance for the spring 2004 semester costs $657.

Dana Poverman, a veterinary science junior, said he feels "ripped off" and inconvenienced by UA student insurance.

"Having to find a place to go to see a doctor on the weekends is a hassle. Campus Health should extend their hours," he said.

When Poverman was sick with the flu a couple of weeks ago, he waited until Monday to see a doctor at Campus Health rather than go to an urgent-care center over the weekend.

"I didn't really know what else to do except wait until Monday to go to the doctor," he said.

Unlike Poverman, some students are aware that other treatment options exist, but are forced to seek treatment off campus when they can't wait for an appointment at Campus Health.

Francesca Colloca, a political science junior, said she had to go to UMC to obtain treatment for an eye infection because she could not get an appointment at Campus Health.

Lori Piper, program coordinator of health services at Campus Health, said students carrying UA student health insurance need to be sure to follow procedure when seeking after-hours care.

Students must first call the after-hours phone number shown on their insurance card, which will direct them to an answering service.

"When a student calls that number, they will get an answering service, and one of our on-call doctors will call them back within 15 minutes," she said.

The on-call doctor will assess what treatment is needed and will refer the student to one of the medical centers participating in the UA's student insurance plan. This step is crucial in order for insurance to pay for the medical services.

"You need prior authorization from the insurance company for any medical care, except in the event of an emergency," Piper said.

In an emergency, students are encouraged to go to the hospital and must contact the insurance company within 48 hours.

Students suffering from less serious illnesses are usually referred to the nearest medical care facility that accepts UA insurance.

"It depends on where the student is. Several hospitals around town participate in the program," Piper said.

The closest participating provider to the UA is UMC. Most students living on or around campus are referred there for treatment. Other providers include Tucson Medical Center, Saint Joseph's Hospital and Saint Mary's Hospital. A complete list of Tucson medical facilities is available at Campus Health.

Students carrying UA insurance usually need to pay a co-pay when seeking after-hours care.

Campus Health encourages students to make appointments with them as soon as they begin to experience symptoms.