Top Questions
Are immunizations and TB tests available at the clinic and, if so, is there a charge?
Many immunizations are given at SHS. We work to offer these immunizations at an affordable cost to students.
Do you give out any medications for free?
For your health and convenience, SHS keeps limited supplies of medications for times when student cannot get to a local pharmacy to fill a prescription.
Is there a pharmacy at Student Health?
There is not a pharmacy on-location at Student Health. However, prescriptions can easily be filled at the CVS across the street at 900 Commonwealth Avenue (617-232-2100) or at the Shaw's supermarket pharmacy located nearby at 1065 Commonwealth Avenue (617-782-4585).
What are the major differences I should be aware of between the Aetna Student Health insurance (through BU) and other forms of insurance students may have?
With the Aetna Student Health plan, BU Student Health Services is the primary care provider. However, other forms of insurance do not consider SHS as filling this role. It is advisable to check with your individual insurer regarding coverage for medical services, particularly medical care you receive other than that which is provided by SHS (which is available to all students).
Will a physician come to the dorm if I am too sick to come into Student Health?
No. You may call us if you are very ill and we will assist in arranging transportation either to Student Health Services or the hospital, depending on your condition. After-hours emergency calls should be directed to the Boston University Police Department at 617-353-2121 (3-2121 from a campus phone) or to 911 emergency. Urgent, but non-emergency, questions can be directed to the on-call provider by calling Student Health Services at 617-353-3575 (3-3575 from a campus phone).
If I am out of the Boston area, will I be covered by my Aetna Student Health insurance?
Yes. You will be covered for emergency care. If there is a follow-up involved, however, you will need a referral.
Can I use SHS if I don’t have Aetna Student Health insurance?
Yes! Any student who is 75% time or greater is welcome to use SHS.
Will I see a “real doctor” at SHS?
Yes! Our doctors and nurse practitioners are experts in taking care of college students. All of our health care providers are here to help you stay healthy while studying at Boston University. We are all well trained, coming from programs at the University of Massachusetts, the University of Pittsburgh, Brown University and others. Our providers are teachers at places like the Boston University School of Medicine, the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, Northeastern University and Harvard University School of Medicine.
Will SHS “misdiagnose” me?
Often, an illness doesn’t fully show itself until a few days after you start feeling sick. The clinician will request that you return to SHS to review test results, if appropriate, or if symptoms persist or become progressively worse in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes an illness can develop into something different (e.g., a upper respiratory infection may be viral in etiology but could turn into a bacterial sinusitis or pneumonia). We use clinical judgment and evidence based medicine to determine the best course of treatment for each student.
