Using UHS
Who can use UHS?
UHS serves UMass Amherst students, faculty and staff, along with their spouses, domestic partners and dependents.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department's Region 5 employees are eligible to use UHS, through a cooperative agreement.
Visitors who become ill or injured can be seen at UHS on a fee-for-service basis.
Appointments
Same-day appointments are available at UHS; call (413) 577-5101.
Always make an appointment for routine care, including checkups, women’s health care, contraceptive services, well-baby visits and follow-ups.
Triage Advice Nurse
If you don't know whether to make an appointment, or if you have questions about your medical condition, call UHS’ Triage Advice Nurse, (413) 577-5229, during health center hours. For after-hours medical and mental health advice, call (413) 577-5000.
Walk-in care
Minor injuries and illnesses can be treated in UHS' walk-in care department. After hours, telephone triage and consultation services are available.
Waiting times vary, but are usually shortest before noon.
Getting to UHS
UHS is located in the Central Residential Area, within walking distance from PVTA bus stops. If you need extra help getting here, you can also use the UHS Shuttle.
Referrals
Patients insured by a health maintenance organization or point-of-service plan which requires primary care provider (PCP) referrals must obtain one for care at UHS.
When scheduling an appointment, you'll be reminded of this requirement and asked to provide your PCP's name and address.
To avoid the need to obtain a referral, consider switching your PCP designation to a UHS provider. Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask about transferring to UHS; you can switch back during the summer, if you prefer. Some plans also make special arrangements to transfer care when students are away from their service area.
Review your insurance plan; if there are limitations, you may want to consider enrolling in the school-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan.
Insurance
UHS will bill your insurance company for services provided to you.
Before your first visit, download and complete UHS' insurance information form. Return the completed form, along with photocopies of both sides of your insurance card, to UHS' Patient Services department. If you are insured under an HMO or POS plan, you must also provide the name, address and telephone number of your primary care provider.
