Who will be examining and treating me when I am sick?
The health care providers are board certified nurse practitioners, physician assistants or physician.
What can each health care provider do for me?
* Prescribe medication
* Perform a physical examination, make a
diagnosis and implement a treatment plan
* Order blood testing, X-rays, MRI, CT scans etc.
* Interpret diagnostic testing results
* Counsel on health maintenance and illness prevention
* Refer for specialty care
I am sick but only take one class, commute and don’t have the school health insurance. Can I still be seen?
Yes. We will see any student as long as they are registered for classes.
What is the charge for being seen in Health Services?
There is no charge either directly to the patient or their health insurance for services rendered by any health care provider in Health Services. Students will be charged for laboratory work (excluding pap and std testing for undergraduate students), prescriptions, x-rays, and specialist.
I need monthly blood tests. Can I have that done here?
Yes. We draw blood here at Health Services and send it out daily to Baystate Reference Laboratory and usually receive results in 24-48 hours. At your request we can then fax or mail them to your health care provider.
Can you prescribe medicine that I take at home?
Yes. Bring in the prescription container or documentation from the provider originally writing the prescription and we will write your prescription (if we determine it to be appropriate). All providers in Health Services have full prescriptive authority.
If I become ill at night can I go to Health Services?
No. Health Services is open weekdays until 4:00 or 6:00 pm following the undergraduate academic calendar. If you need immediate attention call Public Safety at extension 1207 or contact your resident advisor. They will respond, evaluate the need to for treatment and obtain transportation to a local emergency department if necessary.
Can I get stitches if I cut myself?
Yes. We are all trained in suturing and keep the necessary equipment in Health Services to suture most lacerations. We also perform a variety of small surgical procedures.
Does Health Services provide any methods of birth control like pills or condoms?
Yes. 3 brands of birth control pills are now available. We have Loestrin Fe24 for $10/pack. And Apri and Velivet for $15/pack or $40/pack 3. Condoms are available in our reception area free of charge. We also prescribe Depo Provera. And we have the Nuva Ring and will provide a sample prior.
Does Health Services provide the "Morning After Pill"?
Yes. Plan B is availabe for $20 after speaking with a provider. We suggest that you visit with us and we can discuss different forms of birth control available, answer any questions you might have to assist you with a method.
I pay $25 for my pills. Can I change to the brand in Health Services?
Yes. Birth control pills are, for most women, interchangeable.
Can I start birth control before I get a Pap test?
Yes. Most often we will counsel a woman on the variety of birth control options, the side effects, benefits and risks for each method and then allow her to determine which, if any, method she is interested in.
Can I get my yearly pelvic examination and “Pap” test in Health Services?
Yes. Pelvic examination, a Pap test (to detect cancer or pre-cancer of the cervix) and sexually transmitted disease testing (if indicated) are all provided but you must make an appointment for this service.
I know female students can get free STD testing. What about the male students?
STD testing (with the exception of HIV testing) will be provided free of charge for both male and female undergraduate students if determined prudent by the health care provider after taking a history and performing a physical examination.
Student Health Insurance
Student Athletic Insurance
I am on the Western New England College Men’s Lacrosse Team. Should I buy an athletic insurance policy?
No. Western New England College purchases athletic insurance for all the intercollegiate student athletes.
If I am injured will the athletic insurance pay for my medical care?
You are covered for medical care if you are injured during practice or play. The athlete must be at an in-season, coach supervised, intercollegiate athletic event. The policy does not cover intramural athletes.
How do I get the insurance to pay for my athletic injury?
First you must submit all your claims to your private insurance company. Most balances will be paid by the athletic insurance after you complete the claim form (available from Health Services or Athletics) and attach the documentation of denial of benefits. The athletic insurance is the secondary payer and will not pay any claims unless denied by the primary insurer. The claim form must be signed by a coach, trainer, athletic administrator or health care provider (Health Services) verifying that the injury took place during a college sanctioned athletic event.
