At Harvard University Health Services, we offer regular, preventive care to promote good health, as well as being available in times of emergencies or when something seems wrong.  Following is a quick guide to understanding and navigating healthcare at Harvard.

• A routine exam (also called a “physical”) covers all aspects of general health. Women’s exams may also include gynecological screenings, such as pelvic exams and pap smears. 
• At HUHS, each student is assigned to a Primary Care Team. This clinical team is made up of a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, team nurse, and health assistant who work together to assist you with all of your health care needs throughout your time at Harvard.
• If you have a non-urgent concern or wish to schedule a routine exam, you must first contact the HUHS primary care clinic to make an appointment with your primary care team. You may call the clinic, or make an appointment in person. It is best to contact the clinic as soon as you have a concern, as appointment wait times vary. You may also speak with a nurse prior to making an appointment to determine appropriate care and treatment. 
• When you schedule an appointment, you will be asked your identifying information (such as your name and Harvard ID) and reason for the appointment – this is customary and not meant to be intrusive. This information will be used to help prepare for your visit. All information is kept confidential. 
• When you arrive for your visit, you will “check in” at the front desk and wait in a public waiting room. If you prefer more privacy, you may request a private location for both check-in and waiting. When your provider is ready to see you, a health assistant or a nurse will bring you into an exam room. He or she will check your vital signs (such as blood pressure) and then leave the room so you may change into a dressing gown if needed. 
• You will next see your physician (PCP) or nurse practitioner (NP). He or she will knock before entering the room to ensure you are dressed and ready for your exam. After greeting you, the PCP or NP will ask how you are doing; take this opportunity to review the reason(s) you are there and talk about any other physical or emotional concerns you may have. He or she will then review your vital signs with you and discuss options for treatment or follow-up for any of your concerns. At the end of the exam, the PCP or NP will leave the exam room so you can dress. 
• The PCP or NP will then return to discuss next steps with you, as necessary. He or she will knock before entering the room to ensure you are dressed. This will conclude your routine visit!

Other points to remember

• If you have a life threatening emergency, dial 911 (9-911 from a campus phone).
• If you have an urgent concern, you may walk into the clinic or call for a same-day visit. 
• Urgent care is also available after regular clinic hours at HUHS at Holyoke Center (495-5711). 
• If you would like to see a specialist, you will need a referral from your primary care physician, so be sure to ask about this during your visit.
  
  How Our Primary Care Teams Work