female physician checking male patients blood pressure in health clinic

Primary Care

Your primary care team works closely with you to provide high-quality outpatient care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

  • Providers are available for telemedicine visits during operating hours
  • Please call prior to walking in

Overview

Routine care includes:

  • Physical exams
  • Diagnosis and treatment of illness
  • Management of chronic conditions
  • Routine health screenings
  • Preventive care

Additional Information

Eligibility

Students

With limited exceptions, all students pay the Student Health Fee, which allows them to receive care here at Harvard University Health Services, regardless of their insurance coverage. Students are assigned to a health care team upon matriculation.

Faculty, Staff, and Dependents

Harvard faculty, staff, and their dependents who are covered by Harvard University Group Health Plan insurance can receive care at Harvard University Health Services.

Appointments

Call 

Harvard Square Clinic: (617) 495-8414 (3 North), (617) 495-2001 (3 East)
Law School Clinic: (617) 495-4414
Medical Area Clinic: (617) 432-1370

Schedule Online

The following types of appointments can be scheduled through the Patient Portal:

  • Adult Primary Care appointments (follow-up care and sick visits only)
  • Counseling and Mental Health Services telephone consultations (new patients only)
  • Immunizations
  • Travel consultations
  • Urgent Care

Cancellations

Please notify us as soon as possible so that we can make the appointment available to another patient. You can cancel your appointment by calling your provider or logging into the Patient Portal.

Interpreter Services

Harvard University Health Services can arrange for an interpreter during your appointment. Please make your request when you schedule your appointment.

Urgent Care

Urgent Care is available at the Smith Campus Center. We provide advice and treatment for urgent health problems, both physical and emotional, that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening emergencies. If a problem seems life-threatening, please call 911 immediately.

Whenever possible, we encourage you to call first to schedule an appointment or to obtain advice if you are unsure whether your medical or mental health needs are urgent. Appointments can also be scheduled online through the Patient Portal.

Immunizations

We administer routine immunizations. There is a fee for most immunizations, and complete information is available by contacting your health care team by phone or through the Patient Portal. You can find the specific immunization forms required by your School on the Immunizations webpage.

Have a Respiratory Illness?
Sexual and Reproductive Health

HUHS offers resources around sexual and reproductive health, including STI testing, contraceptives & pregnancy prevention, and emergency contraception.

Read more about sexual and reproductive health at HUHS

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

HUHS offers comprehensive screening based on your concerns, risks, and exposure. You can meet with your clinician and together decide which tests are appropriate for you. Most STIs are diagnosed through a clinical exam, a culture, or a blood test.

  • STI testing at Harvard University Health Services: All STI testing at HUHS is done by appointment. Please contact your HUHS Primary Care Team to arrange an appointment. 

Read more about sexual and reproductive health at HUHS

Care Coordination

When you and your family are experiencing acute illnesses and recovery, we help assess your medical and psychosocial needs and facilitate access to appropriate levels of care and services. We ensure that you receive the best and most appropriate services and care within your defined insurance benefits.

View our Care Coordination webpage

Health Care Proxy and Advance Directives

We encourage you to plan for your health care future by establishing Advance Directives.

What are Advance Directives?

The Federal Self Determination Act and the Massachusetts Health Care Proxy Law (MGL, Chapter 201D) both support the right of all competent adults, age 18 and older, to make their own health care decisions as to what medical care or treatments to accept, reject, or discontinue. The law protects an individual’s right to self-determination about future health care through its recognition of Advance Directives.

There are two types:

  1. Health Care Proxy identifies another person, also known as a health care agent (usually a family member or trusted friend,) to make medical decisions on your behalf with your physician should you become unable to speak for yourself. Once you designate a proxy, you should share your thoughts and beliefs about medical treatment with that person so that he or she will be able to carry out your wishes. 
  2. Living Will (not legally binding in MA) provides specific written instructions for what your wishes are for future medical care. 

How do I establish an Advance Directive?

You may download and print these Massachusetts Health Care Proxy Form and Living Will forms. Your Advance Directive is only valid after you fill out and sign the form with two qualified adult witnesses (i.e. other than your Health Care Proxy or Alternate.) 

To whom should I give copies of the completed form?

  • A copy should remain with your personal records; try to bring it with you should you have to go to the hospital.
  • You should give copies to your Health Care Proxy and Alternate.
  • You should also give a copy of the completed Advance Directive to your physician and any specialist outside of HUHS. Request that your Proxy information be put in your medical record. 

Can I change my mind about my Advance Directive?

Yes. An Advance Directive goes into effect only after your doctor has said you can no longer make or express your own medical decisions. Therefore, you can change your Advance Directives at any time beforehand, by completing a new form, stating your wishes, and signing and dating that form with two qualified adult witnesses, other than your Proxy or Alternate Proxy. Be sure that you replace the old Advance Directive with the updated copy.

Who can I talk to at HUHS?

For a general overview and assistance with your questions, you may contact Care Coordination by calling 617-495-3271. Consultation can be in person or over the phone. Your family members or the individual you are considering as your Health Care Proxy may accompany you to the appointment. Care Coordination can also assist you with completing the forms.

For a more in-depth discussion about your specific condition or treatment decisions, you should speak with your physician. Please be sure to schedule an appointment time for this discussion and prepare questions in advance.

Primary Care Team Members
  • Primary care physicians are board-certified or board-eligible in internal medicine or family practice, with specific interests in student health issues and preventive health care.
  • Nurse practitioners hold advanced degrees and are board-certified in family or adult medicine. NPs are trained to evaluate and treat many acute and common conditions, as well as provide patient education and preventive care.
  • Registered nurses provide an initial assessment for medical problems, help facilitate appointments, provide routine immunizations, and offer advice on common health concerns and questions.
  • Health assistants support the primary care physician or nurse practitioner during exams and assist with referrals and scheduling appointments.
Travel Consultations

We provide immunizations and expert advice prior to your international travel. These consultations are available to all Harvard students and all Harvard University Group Health Plan members with an HUHS primary care physician. We recommend scheduling appointments six to eight weeks prior to travel by calling (617) 495-2068 or through the Patient Portal.

The University offers 24/7 medical, mental health, and security support and evacuation services through International SOS. Visit the Harvard Global Support Services website for more information. Please note that International SOS is not a health insurance policy.

Harvard University Group Health Plan and Harvard University Student Health Program members should contact Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core to coordinate their care and HUGHP/HUSHP Member Services at (617) 495-2008 for additional information. All other members of the Harvard community should contact their insurance provider directly for coverage details.

Smoking Cessation Programs

Quitting smoking has enormous health benefits that begin within hours after quitting. Even if you have already tried to quit, we have confidence that you can succeed. Stopping is not easy — but you can do it.

Our primary care and mental health clinicians are available to discuss smoking concerns and provide treatments and referrals. 

HUHS Locations

harvard square clinic

Harvard Square Clinic

location_on

Smith Campus Center
3rd Floor
75 Mount Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

call

Emergency: Dial 911
Office: (617) 495-5711
3 North: (617) 495-8414
3 East: (617) 495-2001

schedule

Open on-site Monday-Friday: 8:00am – 5:30pm

Law School Clinic

location_on

Pound Hall
1563 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138

call

Emergency: Dial 911
Office: (617) 495-4414

schedule

Open on-site Monday-Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm

Medical Area Clinic

location_on

Vanderbilt Hall
275 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115

call

Emergency: Dial 911
Office: (617) 432-1370

schedule

Open on-site Monday-Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm