About UHS Providers
One of your first contacts with UHS may be when you choose a primary care provider, or PCP; this is the person who’s responsible for the majority of your care.
When you choose and see a PCP, that person gets to know you and your health history. Meet our PCPs.
UHS also offers important services such as nutrition and physical therapy, right here on campus. Meet our specialty providers.
Remember that you have the right to choose your UHS healthcare provider and to change your provider if other qualified providers are available. Read more about
patient rights and responsibilities.
Choosing a PCP
Choosing a UHS PCP should be one of the first things you do at UMass Amherst.
If you’re covered under the Student Health Insurance Plan, this will allow you to receive the most benefits for the least cost. Remember that you’ll need a referral from a UHS PCP if you see a specialist, need inpatient care or use X-ray or lab services.
If you're insured by a health maintenance organization or point-of-service plan which requires PCP referrals, you must obtain one for care at UHS. Switching your PCP designation to a UHS provider will help you avoid the need for referrals.
Before coming to school, review your health insurance plan. If there are limitations, you may want to consider enrolling in the Student Health Insurance Plan.
Read about the PCPs at UHS on this website. Choose the person who best meets your needs and then call (413) 577-5101 for an appointment.
The UHS Advice Triage Nurse can also help you choose a PCP; call (413) 577-5229.
Types of PCPs
Your PCP may be a medical doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
UHS medical doctors provide comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages. In addition, our physicians specialize in one or more areas:
- pediatricians focus on the care of young people, from newborns to teenagers;
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internal medicine practitioners diagnose and treat diseases that don’t require surgery; and
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family practitioners care for patients of all ages, and often have areas of special interest, such as women’s health, sports medicine or substance abuse.
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses whose additional education and clinical expertise enables them to examine, diagnose and treat health problems. Most have master's degrees; many have doctorates. The NP's approach to both care and cure includes health maintenance, prevention, education and counseling.
Physician assistants are medical professionals who examine, diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a doctor.
Your PCP also works with other providers to give you access to the care you need. When necessary, your PCP will refer you to specialists at UHS or in the community. If you’re brought to a hospital emergency room, your PCP provides follow-up care.
