(303) 739-1310
The hotline is available 24 hours/day
If you are calling outside the Metro Denver area, call the hotline collect, your charges will be accepted.
Most students complete their professional careers at the HSC without an exposure incident. However, if you do experience an exposure, it's important to know what to do. The information presented here is a guide to assist you in navigating this complex process. If you wish to speak to someone directly about the treatment process or billing problems, please call the Student Health Insurance Coordinator in the Student Insurance Office. Student Insurance Office.
What is a Needlestick or an Exposure?
Bodily Fluid Exposure -
An exposure is any event where a health care worker or student is exposed to a patient's bodily fluids in such a way that the health care worker or student may be at risk of contracting an infectious disease. The patient's infectious disease status may or may not be known. Even if the patient is "known" to be free of infectious diseases, it is important to treat all exposures as if they have the potential to transmit an infectious disease.
Needlestick -
A needlestick is a type of exposure. It is a general term that describes an event wherein a health care worker or student has the surface of their skin punctured by a sharp instrument that has been contaminated with a patient's bodily fluids.
Splash/Eye Splash -
A splash is also a type of exposure. It is a general term that describes an event wherein a health care worker or student is splashed with a patient's bodily fluids. Splashes to the face are most concerning because of the ease with which a pathogen can enter the body. The mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes are especially susceptible. However, a splash to any part of the body can pose a risk if there is a break in the skin. Such a break in the skin may or may not be visible.
If you believe you may have experienced an exposure of some kind, you should seek treatment.
What do I do if I get a Needlestick or an Exposure?
Step 1 - Call the Needlestick Hotline immediately!
- If you have experienced a needlestick or exposure, it is University policy that you call the Needlestick Hotline within 2 hours of the exposure event. The Needlestick Hotline - (303) 739-1310 - is available 24 hours/day and can be reached by calling collect if you are outside the Denver Metro calling area.
- If the 2 hours have passed, you still need to call the Hotline.
- The Hotline is the point of entry into the treatment and follow-up system we have made available to you as a HSC student.
- Using the Hotline will help to ensure that you receive the best treatment possible as quickly as possible.
- Send bills to:
University Risk Management
4001 Discovery Drive, Ste. 230
Boulder, CO 80303
OR fax to 303-492-1902.
Step 2 - Report the details of your exposure event.
Hotline personnel will ask for some details of the event you experienced and they will refer you to the nearest facility for initial treatment. Your report will also initiate a system of follow-up so that we can help you ensure that you are getting the best treatment possible.
Step 3 - Schedule a follow up appointment
The follow-up process from a needlestick or exposure requires several follow-up appointments over the course of 12 months. While some individuals may be discharged before 12 months, it is extremely important to continue with the treatment process until it is completed. Follow-up appointments are scheduled with are scheduled with Healthone Occupational Medicine or Rocky Mountain Medical Group. Find a clinic close to you.click here
UCD Risk Management is responsible for payment of services related to an on-the-job-injury/exposure. Report work-related injuries to University Risk Management, and follow Risk Management protocol. Workers' compensation coverage pays for reasonable and necessary medical expenses from authorized providers.
* Not all needlesticks or exposures are considered workers compensation and may have to be billed to your primary insurance, for instance any that may occur at the Sands Dental Clinic. For more detailed information on what is not considered under workers comp please visit http://urm.colorado.edu/insurance/UCD-workers.html.
Paperwork and Claim Payment The patient must complete and file the UCD Employee's First Report of Accident or Occupational Disease within four working days of injury/exposure. For a copy of this form, contact UCD Risk Management at 303-315-2730, or click here to print it from your computer. After receiving treatment, take the Activity Status Report to your Program Director.