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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use the Health Center?
All currently enrolled undergraduate students and any graduate student who has paid the separate Health Service Fee may be seen at the Health Center and/or Psychological Counseling Center.                 

What if I think my problem is an emergency and I can’t wait for the Health Center to open?
In cases of an on-campus emergency, call Campus Police at (781) 736-3333. They will send an officer and Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps (BEMCo) to assist you. BEMCo is Brandeis University emergency medical first response service.

In cases of an off-campus emergency, call 911.

What do I do if the Health Center is closed?
If you have a routine problem, you can call the Health Center during business hours. If you are ill, one of the Health Center nurses is available on call and a physician is available for back-up consultation. Depending on your insurance policy, there are nearby health clinics and emergency rooms. You will need your insurance card.

How do I get an appointment at the Health Center?
If you have a non-emergent problem, call our office (781) 736-3677 during business hours to schedule an appointment.  

Who will see me?
We have registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs) and physicians (MDs). If you use our walk-in service, you will be seen by a RN. You can usually get an appointment with the nurse practitioner or physician within 24 hours.

Do I have to bring money or my insurance card when I visit the Health Center?
Your visit is covered by the Health Service Fee. If you need lab tests or  prescriptions, you will need your insurance card.  

Can I get prescriptions at the Health Center?
The Health Center does not have a pharmacy. Eaton Apothecary has a delivery service, Monday through Friday. Your physician may call in your prescription or the Health Center may send it via fax. The prescriptions can be paid for with cash (correct amount), check or credit card at the time of pick up. They can fill prescriptions from non-Health Center providers as well.

What if I think I need to see a specialist or go to an Urgent Care Center (UCC)?
If you have paid the Health Center Fee (all undergraduates have paid), you can be seen at the Health Center for an initial evaluation. If you are a graduate student and have not paid the Health Service Fee, you can be seen at an Urgent Care Center. You do not need an appointment there. Please make sure your insurer considers the UCC an in-network provider. If you need a specialist, the Health Center can give you a list of providers

If I have a very private problem, will my parents/spouse/partner or professors be told?     
No. Information is not shared with anyone—staff, faculty, family or friends—if you are over 18 years of age. Massachusetts law protects medical information regarding sexual health for students under 18, as well. Information about your care will only be given to someone with your specific written approval, except as required by law and in cases of danger to yourself or others.

What would I go to the Health Center for?
Any non-emergent illness or injury, asthma, allergies, diabetes, urinary tract infections, musculoskeletal  injury, contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, exams  and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing, gynecologic exams and illnesses, travel advice and immunizations, travel abroad and employment physicals. A nutritionist and a drug and alcohol counselor see patients by appointment.

I am applying to study abroad/peace corps. What do I do with the health forms?
Bring the forms to the Health Center to review them with a nurse and then make an appointment with one of the physicians.
 
Can I get routine gynecological care at the health center?  
Gynecological visits at the Health Center may be for routine care or for problems. Students are seen for annual visits, problems with menstrual cycles, yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, and other concerns. Visits can be with the nurse practitioner or a physician. If lab tests are done at these visits, the laboratory will bill your health insurance. 

Can I get birth control at the health center?  
Before prescribing birth control at the Health Center, we require you to have a gynecologic visit with a pelvic examination. Depending on your age and personal history, a pap smear may also be required. If you have previously had a pelvic exam with a provider not affiliated with the Health Center, we require you to have copies of your records forwarded here.
    
Contraceptive choices include birth control pills, injections, vaginal ring, as well as non-hormonal methods like condoms and diaphragms. Other methods, including IUDs and implants, are not available at the Health Center, but we can assist you in finding a provider in the area who may be able to help you. We also have emergency contraception available.

At my friend’s school, they give her pills to her. Why doesn’t that happen here?  
The Health Center is not licensed as a pharmacy. We do not accept samples from drug companies. We do provide students with prescriptions that they can fill at a local pharmacy. We often prescribe cost-saving generic pills, but will prescribe name brand medications as well.