1. Q: Where is the Health Center?
A: The Main Health Center is located on the southern edge of campus, between Reid Athletic Center and the local community hospital. The Satellite Clinic is located in the basement of Curtis Hall on upper campus.
2. Q: Who works at the Health Center?
A: There is a physician-director, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses available to see you and take care of you.
3. Q: When is the Health Center open?
A: The Main Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM until 5PM and from 12Noon until 4PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The Satellite Clinic is open weekdays from 10:30AM until 3:30PM.
4. Q: How do I get to the Health Center?
A: Most students walk to either of our offices and we are also a stop on the Shuttle Bus system. For those students who are too ill or injured to walk or take the bus, Campus Safety can be contacted to provide transportation.
5. Q: Do I need an appointment to be seen?
A: Yes. We know that your time is important so we ask that you call for an appointment to be seen at the Main Health Center. We can typically fit in a same-day appointment for most illnesses and injuries. The Satellite Clinic, for minor care, is a walk-in facility, without appointments.
6. Q: How much does it cost to be seen at the Health Center?
A: There is no charge to be seen at the Main Health Center or at the Satellite Clinic. There is no charge for most in-office lab tests (Quick-Strep, urine tests) or for many medications. There is a charge for some medications and services.
7. Q: What are the most common health issues at Colgate?
A: We see students frequently for:
-Sore throats, coughs, earaches, congestion, colds
-Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
-Injuries and/or orthopedic problems
-Allergies (including allergy shots)
-Urine infections
-Headaches
-Abdominal Pain
-Fatigue
-Infectious Mono
-Men's and Women's routine health care (including birth control)
-Immunizations (including those needed for overseas travel)
-And everything else...
8. Q: How can I learn more about health self-care and
treating mild conditions myself?
A: There are a variety of ways. These include obtaining a
copy of "HealthyLife Students' Self-Care Guide" (a
publication given to all incoming students, RA's, HR's
and community leaders), and visiting our health center
website and linking to home care/self-help.
9. Q: What services are available for chronic
problems like: asthma, bowel disease, cancer, diabetes,
arthritis, etc., vision or hearing problems, special
dietary needs or restrictions, special housing because
of locomotion problems (crutches, etc.), learning
disabilities, psychological problems?
A: The Health Center is one of many offices on campus that will help you. Just call us (or the Residential Life Office or the Counseling Center or the Office of Disability Services or your Administrative Advisor/Dean) and we will be glad to discuss your specific situation, and review any needed accommodations or treatment(s).
10. Q: What can be done at the Satellite Clinic?
A: A registered nurse is available to take care of minor
illnesses and injuries with advice, first aid and over
the counter medications.
DO NOT USE the Satellite Clinic if:
-you wish to see a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
-you will need a full physical examination.
-you need X-rays or blood tests or urine tests.
-you need prescription medications (like antibiotics, etc.)
-you need any academic extensions.
11. Q: What if I want to be tested for sexually transmitted infections?
What if I want to get started on Birth Control Pills?
What if I want to purchase condoms?
What if I want to get Emergency Contraception (morning after pill)?
What if I want to get a pregnancy test?
What if I want to talk about sexual issues?
A: The Health Center is the place for you! Just call us and we can see you to talk about any of the above questions. We do testing for males and females (using a confidential tracking system) and you may purchase medications and supplies from us for STD protection and/or for pregnancy protection. And remember that we are open seven days a week to accommodate weekday and weekend issues.
12. Q: How can I get a Strep test?
A: This can be done either at the Main Health Center or at the Satellite Clinic after your symptoms are assessed and a health care provider feels it is needed.
13. Q: If I travel overseas, how will I prepare for health concerns in the other countries?
A: Since health concerns can vary from region to region, call us at the main Health Center - if possible, as soon as your trip is confirmed. We will be happy to provide travel information and current vaccine recommendations in addition to administering many of the vaccines.
14. Q: What do I do if I'm too sick to go to class or take a test?
A: Colgate University policy states that if you will be missing only one or two classes, you should contact your faculty to arrange making up any missed work. If you are seen at the Main Health Center with an illness/injury that will result in missing more than one or two class sessions, we will, at your request, notify your Administrative Advisor / Dean and that person will notify your faculty. You should also speak to your faculty about these prolonged absences.
15. Q: Where's the nearest hospital?
A: Community Memorial Hospital is located on Route 12B (Broad Street) just south of Colgate University. The hospital is available for emergencies when the Health Center is closed. The hospital is also utilized by the Health Center for outpatient lab testing and X-rays or if someone needed to be admitted for in-patient treatment. The closest University Hospitals are in Syracuse and Cooperstown (each about one hour away).
16. Q: What do I do if I get sick or injured in the middle of the night?
A: Referring to a copy of HealthyLife Students'
Self-Care Guide can help assist you. If you have an emergency (high fever, significant abdominal pain, significant injury that might require stitches or a cast, etc.) when the Health Center is closed, you may utilize the Emergency Room at Community Memorial Hospital. Your insurance (and/or your family) will be charged for care given at the hospital. If you have a question when the Health Center is closed and wish to talk to someone before the next day you should call the University Operator/Campus Safety (228-7333) and the dispatcher will connect you with the Health Center physician.
17. Q: Do I need health insurance? If so, how do I get some?
A: Yes, it is required that every student has health insurance to pay for expenses for medical care and medications that are not available at the Health Center. Most students remain on their family health insurance policy. For those students who can no longer remain on their family insurance (which can happen if there is a parental employment change or if the student is over 21) OR if the family insurance will not easily allow care in Hamilton, NY (which is the case for some HMO-type insurances); a student-only limited benefits policy is available. Please call us for further information
and feel free to access student insurance information
off of our main health service page.
18. Q: I have prescriptions for medications. Where do I go to get the prescriptions filled?
A: Hamilton has two local pharmacies where you can
purchase medications with a prescription. Additional
larger pharmacy chains are located in neighboring
communities. Important considerations include whether or
not your insurance plan covers prescription drugs
especially away from home. Students who are on ongoing
medications should anticipate how much they would need
and make arrangements with their home physician to avoid
running out.
19. Q: My doctor at home wants me to have a lab test. Where do I go?
A: Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton will typically be the best place for you to have lab testing. Your home physician will write a note for the necessary tests and you can take that note along with your insurance card/information to the hospital M-F 8:00A.M-6:00P.M. Results will be sent to your home physician. NOTE: Some insurance companies will not allow non-emergency testing to be done away from home. You will need to discuss this with your insurance company prior to testing.
20. Q: If I need to go off-campus for medical appointments with specialists, how do I get to those offices?
A: Occasionally, a student will need to see a specialist in Norwich, Syracuse, Utica or Cooperstown, or may choose to go home to be seen. Most students will ask a friend to drive them but there are taxi services available, as well as buses for further distances. Please see phone books for listings.
21. Q: Do I need any health tests or shots before coming to Colgate?
A: Your overall health and health history will dictate some of what may be required before arriving at Colgate. Every student and their doctor must fill out a Colgate Health History Form prior to starting school. Required and recommended vaccines are as listed on that form and adhere to state and federal regulations. Meningococcal protection is strongly recommended. Colgate can provide necessary immunizations for a fee.
22. Q: Should I bring any health equipment with me when I come to Colgate?
A: You will certainly want to bring ongoing prescription medications. If you wear contact lenses, you should bring an additional set of lenses (and also a pair of glasses with your prescription). It will be helpful to bring:
-a thermometer
-band-aids
-tweezers
-fever/pain medication
-cough/cold medication/anti-histamine
-antiseptic cream/ointment
-hot water bottle/cold
pack
23. Q: My friend/family is visiting me and becomes sick. Can they be seen at the Colgate Health Center?
A: Unfortunately, the Health Center is only able to see currently registered students. Your friend/family may want to first contact their home physician. If advised or if there is an urgent or emergency medical problem, the local Emergency Room is located at Community Memorial Hospital here in Hamilton.
24. Q: Are you available to talk at my residence hall, fraternity or sorority?
A: Certainly. A significant amount of your education will come from out of class activities and Student Health Services helps to foster this in a number of ways. Examples of talks that we can provide are in areas such as wellness, men & women's health issues, CPR training, nutrition and body image. Simply call us to discuss topics and to set up a presentation.
25. Q: How confidential are my medical records? How long are they kept? What if I need them sent elsewhere?
A: The Health Center takes confidentiality very seriously and follows medical/legal standards. Your entire Medical Record is kept for 7 years and your Immunization Record is kept for 10 years.
No medical information is given out without your permission
- not to faculty/deans, parents, RA's or other students.
Contact us if you need records sent elsewhere.
