Suffolk University - Health Services FAQ

Suffolk University Health Services does not provide emergency care. We will refer you to one of the local hospitals in the event of an emergency.

If you believe you have an emergency,
on campus: dial 617-573-8111
off campus: dial 911

If Health Services is closed and you feel you need to be seen, go to one of the local hospitals or call campus police (if you are on campus) at 617-573-8111 or if off campus call 911.

Hospitals Located Near Campus:

Massachusetts General Hospital
617-726-2000
55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02114
http://www.massgeneral.org/

New England Medical Center
617-636-5000 (General)
617-636-5566 (Emergency Medicine)
750 Washington St. Boston MA 02111
http://www.nemc.org/

What are your hours?

We keep two types of office hours for non-emergencies during the academic year (September through May), Appointments and Urgent Care Walk-In. Please call to make an appointment for immunizations.

	Office Hours	Urgent Care Walk-In
Mon:	8 a.m.- 6 p.m.	10 a.m.-noon & 2-4 p.m.
Tue:	8 a.m.- 6 p.m.	10 a.m.-noon & 2-4 p.m.
Wed:	8 a.m. - 6 p.m.	10 a.m.-noon & 2-4 p.m.
Thu:	8 a.m. - 6 p.m.	10 a.m.-noon & 2-4 p.m.
Fri:	9 a.m. - 5 p.m.	10 a.m.-noon & 2-4 p.m.

Summer Hours and School Vacations:
Appointments: Monday – Friday, 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Urgent Care Walk-In: Monday-Friday, 10am-12pm & 2-4pm
Immunuzations: Call to make an appointment
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Where are you located?

We are located at 73 Tremont Street on the 5th floor. When you get off the elevator, go to the left.

How do I make an appointment?

Call Health Services at: 617-573-8260

Note: You will be asked your name and the type of problem you are having (necessary to make sure that you scheduled for the right amount of time with the right type of provider). If you have more than one medical issue you need to be seen for, please make sure to tell the staff person you speak with.

If you wish to have a general gynecology exam (pelvic exam and pap smear), then ask for either an "annual gyn exam" (you have been seen by us before) or an "initial gyn exam" (you have never had a gyn exam with us before).

Can I just walk in?

Yes. You can walk-in during the designated urgent care walk-in hours:

Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – Noon and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

** remember: urgent care walk-in hours are for urgent matters. For more information about urgent care walk-in hours click here.

What should I do before my appointment/ urgent care walk-in?

Click here for the answer.

How long before my appointment/ urgent care walk-in should I arrive?

Click here for the answer.

How long will I have to wait?

You will usually be seen near your scheduled appointment time. Arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment (30 minutes for a first appointment) will ensure that everyone is seen in a timely manner. Having your completed paperwork ready will also aid in the process.

Who will I see?

Click here to learn about the Health Services staff.

What if I am late for my appointment?

Please make every effort to be on time for your appointment. If you more than 10 minutes late, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment for a future date. It is important that you are on time since any one person’s lateness can cascade through the entire day’s schedule.

Will I have to pay for anything?

All students (who are currently registered for classes and who are not a full time Suffolk University employee) can be seen at Health Services free of charge, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in the student health insurance plan. There may be a minimal charge for some of the services. We also charge for (cash or check only):

Immunizations
Emergency Contraception/ Morning After Pill
Gardisil (the HPV vaccine)

*For specific prices, please call Health Services
**Please be aware, all checks processed by Suffolk University are subject to electronic check conversion

Can someone - like my parents- find out I’ve been to Health Services?

All visits to Health Services and conversations with staff are kept strictly confidential. Your written permission must be obtained before we will release information to anyone not directly related to your care. There are limited exceptions to this rule, as we are required by law to report certain communicable diseases to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Where can I get my prescriptions filled?

You can get your prescription filled at any local or outside pharmacy, such as CVS, Walgreen’s, etc.

Do you test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs) and HIV?

Yes.
Whether or not you will have to pay out of pocket for the testing depends on whay type of health insurance you have. Please review your health insurance policy for coverage details. There are also many free and low-cost STI testing sites in Boston. You can also call Health Services for more information regarding STI testing.

Can I get the birth control pill, condoms, and emergency contraception at Health Services?

Yes.
For birth control pills and other forms of contraception, make an appointment to see a clinician. Your clinician will help you to make a decision on which type of birth control is best for you. For more information on different types of contraception, click here.

There are always a variety of free condoms, dental dams, and lubricant available at Health Services and at Health Education events on campus. Come to the office and look for the basket in the waiting room.

Emergency contraception or EC, is now available without a prescription in Massachusetts. You can purchase it over the counter at any pharmacy ($40 or more). Suffolk University Health Services offers EC at a discounted rate ($15). You can either make an appointment or come to Urgent Care Walk-In hours to get EC. For more information about EC, click here.

I need help with my insurance.

For more information about health insurance, click here.

Have I met all of the immunization requirements?

Visit or call Health Services to find out if all of your records are up to date. For more information about immunizations, click here.

There is a hold placed on my registration from Health Services, what should I do?

A hold was placed on your registration because Health Services records show that you have not met all of the listed immunization requirements. Either Health Services does not have documentation of your immunization records, the documentation is incomplete, or you are missing or have an expired immunization. Health Services will send you notification prior to the registration period. If you have any questions about what information Health Services is missing, please call 617-573-8260.

What is a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant?

A Nurse Practitioner is an R.N. with advanced formal education who is certified by a national nursing organization.

A Physician Assistant is a Health Care professional licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision who is certified by national Physician Assistant organization.

Both Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants:

Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries
Perform physical examinations
Order and interpret diagnostic tests
Write prescriptions
Provide counseling and education
Refer and collaborate with other health care professionals