Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of the Health and Wellness Center?
During the academic year the Health and Wellness Center is open Monday-Thursday 8:15 a.m. to 4:45p.m., Friday 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The summer hours are Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For holiday and other break periods please call the Health and Wellness Center for specific hours. Please note that Saturday clinic is for urgent care only. Students who wish to be seen should check in by 1:00PM.
Are the Health and Wellness Center services free?
Yes. With few exceptions, there is no charge to students for services.
Should I call for an appointment ?
Yes. We know that your time is important, so we ask that you call ahead to schedule an appointment. We can typically fit in same day appointments for most illnesses or injuries, if students schedule in the morning.
Do I have to make an appointment to see a health care provider (physician or nurse practitioner)?
An appointment will be made for you if necessary. Call the Health Center at 8-3870 for any of the following:
- to have a prescription written
- re-check appointment if you were seen recently seen at the Health Center for the same condition
Please note that there are no Saturday appointments. Saturdays are for urgent care only.
Are GYN services available?
Yes. Gynecological services are available by appointment during the academic year.
Prior to your scheduled appointment we would appreciate if you could fill out the GYN form. This gives us the history and information we require.
Are excuses issued for missed classes or exams?
No. Medical excuses covering absence from class or any other academic requirement are not issued by the Health Center. Students are encouraged to contact their professors directly regarding missed class/assignments. Students can also discuss missed class with the Associate Dean of Students, University Center room 210, phone 8-4159.
Is there a doctor available?
Yes. Both physicians and certified nurse practitioners are present weekdays during the hours the Health and Wellness Center is open.
How long do I have to wait to be seen?
Call ahead to decrease waiting time at 610-758-3870.
Are lab and x-ray services available?
The Health and Wellness Center can provide urine analysis, urine pregnancy test, and rapid strep tests. For your convenience, a technician from St. Luke's Hospital is available at the Health and Wellness Center from 12:00 - 1:00pm, Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters.
Blood work performed at the Health and Wellness Center on Wednesdays is subject to fees, just as if you had it drawn at the hospital. You will be asked to provide insurance information to the laboratory technician by filling out a form provided at the Health and Wellness Center. It is your responsibility to check with your parents to make sure you do not need permission from your family doctor (called a referral) in order to have tests done here without incurring extra expenses.
Students who have purchased health insurance through University Health Plans, generally must see a Health and Wellness clinician in order to have laboratory work covered by this insurance plan. Some insurance companies require you to use a Quest lab. The closest one to campus is at 406 Delaware Ave. in Fountain Hill, 610-866-6171. X-ray services are not available on campus. Orders for x-rays can be written by the Health Center providers and then performed at St. Luke's Hospital. Again, it is the responsibility of the student to check with their insurance company prior to having the x-ray.
Can I get a prescription filled at the Health Center?
No. Prescriptions written by outside physicians cannot be filled at the Health Center. Our health care providers can write prescriptions for many medications, but not for ADD medication, accutane, and some psychiatric medicine. Appointments for prescriptions and refills should be made at least 24 hours in advance, Monday - Friday 8:30am -4:30pm.
Where can I get prescriptions filled?
The following drugstores are very close to campus.
- CVS 305 W. 4th Street, Bethlehem PA 18015 (610) 691-4085
- Rite-Aid 104 E. 3rd Street, Bethlehem PA 18015 (610) 867-3981
- Ritter's Pharmacy 115 W. 4th Street, Bethlehem PA 18015 (610) 867-3701
- Family Prescription Center Broadway and Wyandotte, Bethlehem PA 18015 (610) 866-0709
Are my records confidential? Will my parents know about the nature of my visit?
Medical records are strictly confidential. Records are released only with the student's written consent. Please see our Privacy Notice.
Do I need to purchase the student insurance?
It is not necessary to purchase the student insurance, especially if you are already covered under another plan. The university does, however, sponsor a low cost health insurance plan designed for college students. Information about this plan is available through the Bursar's Office in the Alumni Memorial Building, 8-3160 or by visiting University Health Plans Inc.
What forms should I fill out before arriving on campus?
Following are the necessary medical history forms for new students.
- Undergrad Student Health Form
- Meningitis Vaccination Form
- Graduate Student Health Form
- Bethlehem TB Screening Form (for students who are not U.S. citizens or citizens who have lived outside the U.S.)
You may need to download and install Adobe Acrobat before you can print these PDF forms.
Does the Health Center do drug testing?
No. The Health Center does not perform drug testing. If drug testing is necessary, a prescription can be written by the Health Center staff, which a student must then take to St. Luke's Hospital to have the test. For those students who require more formalized drug testing, as is often the case with new employment, testing can be performed at
St. Luke's Occupational Health Center
153 Broadhead Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Please call (610) 954-3005 to schedule an appointment.
What if I have or know someone who has a drug or alcohol problem?
The Health and Wellness Center works closely with the Counseling Center to help students address these issues.