Tips and Timesavers

Choose a Primary Care Provider

Your UHS primary care provider, or PCP, will be responsible for the majority of your health care while you’re at UMass Amherst. This person will also coordinate care with specialists, or your home practitioner if you so choose. Explore our provider directory, then call 413-577-5101 for an appointment.

Checking In for Appointments

When you arrive at UHS, follow signs and instructions for checking in. Please wear your mask, and practice social distancing both outside and inside the building.

At Your Appointment

Ask questions! Being an active, informed consumer helps ensure you and your loved ones receive high-quality care. There are 10 basic questions everyone should ask at medical appointments. Get the list and build your own with the handy tool from Questions are the Answer.

Paperwork

Save time by printing and completing any necessary forms on the Patient Portal before your first visit to UHS. You can also print forms for the release of medical records information.

Insurance Cards

Bring your insurance card and/or pharmacy card with you every time you come to UHS. The pharmacy will collect your insurance plan’s co-payment when you pick up your prescription; you can pay with cash, check, UCard, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.

Referrals

If your insurance requires primary care provider (PCP) referrals, you 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.

Prescriptions

To refill a prescription from the UHS Pharmacy, order online or call 413-577-5030. Be ready to provide the patient’s name and date of birth, along with the prescription number or the medication name. Refills will be ready for pickup on the next business day.

The pharmacy holds prescriptions for up to 14 days after they’ve been ordered, although the exact length of time depends on the medication. It’s always best to pick up prescriptions as soon as possible.

Pharmacy products are dispensed through a window on the ground floor of UHS, so patients do not need to enter the building.

Contraception

Purchase condoms and dental dams at the UHS Pharmacy; samples are available from your Resident Assistant and at many health programs and events. Emergency contraception is available from your UHS provider and at the pharmacy.

Immunization Records

Massachusetts requires college students to have certain immunizations. Submit documentation as soon as possible after being accepted at UMass Amherst, before you start your first semester here. Information must be submitted before the end of the add/drop period, or a hold will be placed on your record. Questions? Call the New Student Immunization Program, 413-577-5275.

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