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Traveling is exciting and enriching, but it also comes with risks, especially if you’re going to a foreign country. From infectious diseases to food and waterborne illnesses, you may encounter health hazards that can ruin your trip or even threaten your life. That’s why it’s essential to prepare yourself before you leave and seek professional advice from a travel clinic.
UPMC Travel Clinic is a comprehensive medical facility that specializes in travel health, offering a range of services and resources to help you stay safe and healthy on your journey. Let’s explore what UPMC Travel Clinic can do for you and why you should choose it for your travel health needs.
What is UPMC Travel Clinic?
UPMC Travel Clinic is part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), a leading academic medical center that provides advanced care to patients from around the world. The travel clinic is staffed by a team of experienced healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and travel specialists, who have extensive knowledge and training in travel medicine.
The clinic offers a variety of services, such as pre-travel consultations, vaccinations, medications, and post-travel assessments. It also provides education and resources on travel-related illnesses, safety, and emergency preparedness. Whether you’re planning a short vacation or a long-term stay abroad, UPMC Travel Clinic can help you stay healthy and protected.
Why Choose UPMC Travel Clinic?
There are many reasons why UPMC Travel Clinic is a top choice for travelers. Here are some of the main advantages:
Expertise and Experience
UPMC Travel Clinic is led by Dr. Kristin Boehm, a board-certified infectious disease specialist who has over 15 years of experience in travel medicine. Dr. Boehm and her team have extensive knowledge of the latest travel health guidelines and recommendations, as well as the risks and challenges associated with different destinations and activities.
Convenience and Accessibility
UPMC Travel Clinic has multiple locations throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, making it easy for you to find a clinic near your home, work, or school. The clinics are open on weekdays and weekends, with flexible hours that can accommodate your schedule. You can also book appointments online or over the phone, and the clinic staff will work with you to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Personalized and Comprehensive Care
At UPMC Travel Clinic, you’ll receive personalized and comprehensive care that meets your individual needs and preferences. The clinic staff will assess your health status, travel plans, and vaccination history to provide tailored recommendations and advice. They’ll also give you detailed information on how to prevent and manage common travel-related illnesses, such as malaria, dengue fever, and traveler’s diarrhea.
Affordability and Insurance Coverage
UPMC Travel Clinic offers competitive prices for its services, and it accepts most major insurance plans. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, the clinic staff can work with you to find affordable options and discounts. They’ll also help you navigate the insurance process and answer any questions you may have.
What Services Does UPMC Travel Clinic Offer?
UPMC Travel Clinic provides a wide range of services and resources to help you prepare for your trip and stay healthy abroad. Here are some of the main services:
Pre-Travel Consultations
Before you leave, you should schedule a pre-travel consultation with UPMC Travel Clinic to discuss your travel plans and health status. The clinic staff will review your itinerary, accommodations, activities, and medical history to assess your risk factors and provide personalized advice. They’ll also give you a list of recommended vaccinations and medications based on your destination and itinerary.
Vaccinations
UPMC Travel Clinic offers a full range of vaccines that protect against common and exotic diseases, such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, yellow fever, and rabies. The clinic staff will administer the vaccines according to the latest guidelines and ensure that you receive the proper dosage and booster shots. They’ll also give you a vaccination certificate or card that you’ll need to enter some countries.
Medications
UPMC Travel Clinic can provide you with travel medications, such as antimalarials, antibiotics, and diarrhea relief, that can prevent or treat common illnesses you may encounter during your trip. The clinic staff will prescribe the medications based on your individual needs and preferences and give you instructions on how to take them safely and effectively.
Post-Travel Assessments
After you return from your trip, you should schedule a post-travel assessment with UPMC Travel Clinic to evaluate your health and address any symptoms or concerns you may have. The clinic staff will check you for infectious diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, and perform lab tests if necessary. They’ll also give you advice on how to manage jet lag, fatigue, and other travel-related issues.
Education and Resources
UPMC Travel Clinic offers a variety of educational materials and resources that can help you stay healthy and safe while traveling. These include brochures, pamphlets, videos, and online tools that cover topics such as travel health, safety, and emergency preparedness. The clinic staff will also answer your questions and provide you with up-to-date information on the latest travel-related health alerts and advisories.
How to Book an Appointment at UPMC Travel Clinic?
Booking an appointment at UPMC Travel Clinic is easy and convenient. Here’s how:
Step 1: Choose a Location
Visit the UPMC Travel Clinic website to find a clinic near your location. You can search by zip code, city, or state to find the nearest clinic to you.
Step 2: Select a Service
Choose the service you need, such as a pre-travel consultation, vaccination, or medication refill. You can also opt for a package that includes multiple services at a discounted price.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment
Fill out the online appointment form or call the clinic to schedule an appointment that fits your schedule. You can also book a same-day or next-day appointment if slots are available.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Visit
Before your visit, make sure to bring your passport, vaccination records, and insurance card, if applicable. You should also write down any questions or concerns you have for the clinic staff.
Conclusion
UPMC Travel Clinic is a trusted and reliable source of travel health information and services that can help you stay healthy and safe on your journey. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, a short trip or a long-term stay abroad, UPMC Travel Clinic can provide you with the expertise, convenience, and personalized care you need to make the most of your travels. Book an appointment today and embark on your next adventure with confidence!
| Services | Cost | Insurance Coverage |
| Pre-travel consultation | $80-$120, depending on the complexity of your itinerary | Most major insurance plans accepted. |
| Vaccinations | Varies by vaccine, starting from $75 | Most major insurance plans accepted. Some vaccines may not be covered by insurance. |
| Travel medications | Varies by medication, starting from $15 | Most major insurance plans accepted. Some medications may not be covered by insurance. |
| Post-travel assessment | $60-$80, depending on the complexity of your symptoms | Most major insurance plans accepted. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is travel medicine?
Travel medicine is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on the health risks and preventive measures associated with international travel. Travel medicine providers, such as UPMC Travel Clinic, offer a range of services and resources to help travelers stay healthy and safe while abroad.
Who needs travel vaccines?
Anyone who is traveling to a country where certain diseases are endemic or epidemic may need travel vaccines. The types of vaccines required depend on the destination, the length of stay, the traveler’s age, health status, and vaccination history, and the activities planned.
The most common travel-related illnesses are diarrhea, respiratory infections, skin infections, and insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. These illnesses are usually preventable by taking proper precautions and seeking timely medical care.
Are travel vaccines safe?
Yes, travel vaccines are generally safe and well-tolerated. They are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy before being approved for use by regulatory agencies such as the FDA. However, like any medication or vaccine, they may cause side effects in some people, such as pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, fever, headache, or nausea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.
How far in advance should I schedule a pre-travel consultation?
You should schedule a pre-travel consultation at least 4-6 weeks before your departure date, especially if you need vaccinations or medications that require multiple doses or take time to become effective. However, if you have a last-minute trip, you can still benefit from a consultation, even if it’s a few days before you leave.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended, especially for overseas travel. Travel insurance can cover a range of expenses, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage or documents, and other unforeseen events that may disrupt your travel plans or cause financial hardship. Make sure to read the policy terms and conditions carefully and choose a plan that suits your needs and budget.