Frequently Asked Questions
Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Is there a fee to use Health Services?
There is no fee to use health services for an illness visit. Your health fee is in lieu of the co-pay. There is a co-pay for the following preventative services that we offer: immunizations, athletic physicals and annual gyn physicals. The co-pay is $15. Once Health Services secures contracts with the various insurance companies, the co-pay may change depending upon your insurance.
Each time you visit Health Services for care, we are able to bill your insurance (whether it's your student health insurance plan through the university, your own plan, or a family health insurance plan). This may require that you change your Primary Care Physician to Health Services for the school year or that you obtain a referral. We will tell you this when you call for an appointment. Please bring a copy of your insurance card to each visit. If you do not have a card, then you need to have your insurance information with you. We will need a copy of both sides of your insurance card. This can be faxed to us at the time of your visit. There will be no out-of-pocket charges to you or your family.
What should I do if I am feeling ill?
Health Services is open on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8:30 to
5:00. On Wednesday and Thursday, it is open 8:30-6:00. Please call first for an
appointment. Our phone # is 508-999-8982.
Where can I find more information about the H1N1 flu?
What should I do if I need help and the Health Services is
closed?
If you have an emergency and
Health Services is closed, contact Public Safety at 9191 for immediate
assistance. If it's not an emergency, your RA or RD may be able to assist you,
or you may visit the Self Care
Guide.
What should I do if I have a question about my health, my
lifestyle, my risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI's) or pregnancy, my
weight or diet, or if I'm just stressed out?
Call Health Services for an appointment at x8982. Our professional
staff can answer your questions, test you on site for STI's or pregnancy,
counsel you on diet and weight management, or help you identify stress in
your life. If needed, a referral to Counseling Services can be made for
you, or you can contact the Counseling Center directly by calling x8650.
Two resources available on the web are the Self Care Guide and www.mystudentbody.com [school code is UMASSD]
Is my health care confidential?
Your medical care is strictly confidential and no information will be
released to parents, faculty, administrators, insurance companies or anyone
else without your written permission.
The only exceptions are:
- If you are a threat to yourself or to others.
- If you are in a life threatening condition, medical information will be released to the professionals who are providing care or to others on a need to know basis. Exception: HIV status will not be released.
- If we are requested by law for some communicable diseases or by a subpoena. Immunization status must be available to University officials and state inspectors to comply with Massachusetts law.
Insurance billing does not contain specific information when the insurance statement (EOB) is mailed to the subscriber. An office visit will only say medical. This is also true for any lab testing. It will not list any specific tests other than lab.
How long are my medical records kept by the
university?
Medical records are kept for 7 years after you leave or graduate from the
university. You may want to request a copy of your immunization records or your
complete file prior to this time frame.
OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS
Can I keep prescription medications in my room?
Yes.
Can I get my allergy shots in the Health Service?
We do administer allergy injections by appointment only, and when a
physician is present. You must first bring in your allergy orders for
pre-approval. For more information, visit the Allergy page.
Does the Health Service sell condoms?
They are free.
Where are you located?
We're located in the back of Roberts Hall and across from Pinedale. Click
here for a campus map
(PDF) with our location: building W (HLTH) on the map.
Does the Health Services provide women's health care?
Yes, a $15 co-pay is required (once we secure contracts with insurance carriers
your co-pay may change). You must have the money on your UMass Pass card
(use the "UMDollars" account). You may then come to the Health Office
to make your payment and fill out the required paperwork. Once that
is done, we can make you an appointment for your exam. A
comprehensive exam includes a Pap Smear, tests for infections, breast
exam, and birth control counseling. These exams are covered by your health
insurance. Pregnancy tests are free. Prescriptions are written for birth
control. If you do not show up for your appointment, you will be charged
another $15 co-pay before you can make another appointment. If you call at
least 1 day prior to your appointment to reschedule, you will not be charged
another co-pay.
Does the Health Service treat sexually transmitted
infections?
Most STI's can be diagnosed and treated on campus (for men and women).
Can I have blood work done on campus if
needed?
Yes, if you have blood work ordered by your physician we will draw blood. It is
then sent to our reference lab, which currently is UMASS Memorial
Laboratories.
Does the Health Services offer physicals?
We do offer sports physicals for a $15 co-pay. You must have the money on
your UMass Pass
card (use the "UMDollars" account). You must pay at the time of making an
appointment. If you miss your appointment, there is no refund. If you call
ahead at least 24 hours prior to the appointment, you can reschedule without
losing the $15. Once we secure contracts with the various insurance carriers,
this co-pay could change depending upon your insurance.
Can I be seen at the Health Office if I don't have school
insurance?
Yes.
Are CPR classes available on campus?
Yes, pre-registration and pre-payment must be done at the Health
Office prior to the class. The cost for the class is $55 and the
money must be put on your UMass Pass card (use
the "UMDollars" account). No cash or checks are accepted.
Last Updated On: 8.26.09
