New Students

Are you a new or recently accepted student to Ferris State?

The staff of the Birkam Health Center congratulates you on your acceptance to Ferris State University. Dr. Susan Davis and David Adams PA-C, the nursing and office staffs look forward to confidentially serving you for your health needs.

There are several documents in this section which are mailed to every new student and their family. If you have not completed the following forms and requirements, please feel free to print them, then post-mail or fax them to the Birkam Health Center at the addresses at the end of this document. We do not accept e-mailed documents.

The University requires that every new student or recently accepted student complete and return the Medical History Questionnaire and provide proof of measles and rubella immunization to the Birkam Health Center. It is also important that students who are under 18 years of age obtain a parent/guardian signature before treatment. Links to these forms can be found in the side menu of this page.

We would also like to inform you about many services which are offered to you at the Birkam Health Center. Please refer to our brochure which is mailed to every newly accepted student or browse through our web pages.

Insurances

We now participate with Blue Shield, MESSA, Priority Health, Priority Health Medicaid, straight Medicaid, Tencon Health Plan, Aetna/Cofinity and we will process the billing for these insurances. X-rays, laboratory tests, EKG's are performed by Mecosta County Medical Center and these services are billed to your insurance company by the hospital. An insurance card, or a copy of the card, will need to be presented at the time of your visit.

Please visit our insurance section for more information you can use.

A Note to Parents

Entering college is a landmark time for both children and parents. It is an opportunity for your students to learn how to make many of their own decisions, while you begin to 'let go' of some of the involvement you have had in their daily lives.

While we at the Birkam Health Center must communicate within the limits of medical confidentiality and privacy, we can explain in detail our general practices and policies to you if you call or write us a note.

We wish to be your student's medical resource while they are away from home. Please be encouraged to contact us at any time.

Renee Vander Myde, Interim Director, Birkam Health Center
Ferris State University
1019 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, Michigan 49307-2280
(231) 591-2697 FAX (231) 591-5970
Renee_Douglas@ferris.edu

Summary Checklist:

  • Medical History Questionnaire
    The Medical History Questionnaire must be completed and returned to the Birkam Health Center before registration of your first semester.
  • Immunizations
    Proof of the MMR vaccination must be submitted under the same rules of the Medical History Questionnaire. See Other Immunizations on our website for information about other communicable diseases and immunizations.
  • Medical Records and Prescriptions
    It is helpful if you have a record of your prescriptions including doses and reason for medication. In addition, for students with chronic or serious medical problems, a summary should be included on your Medical History Questionnaire or sent to the Birkam Health Center.
  • Health Insurance
    We have noted elsewhere the insurances which we accept for direct payment, although you are encouraged to submit your Birkam Health Center receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement if we do not bill your company directly.
    Please bring a copy of your insurance card when you come in for service.
  • First Aid Supplies
    While your hall director has a small first aid kit, you may want to bring the following items for your own needs: band aids, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cold medications, digital thermometer, and chemical cold pack.