Frequently Asked Questions
- What services are provided at the CHW?
- What is an Advanced Practice Clinician?
- When is the CHW open?
- How can I contact the CHW?
- What do I do if I am experiencing a medical emergency?
- Is health insurance mandatory?
- What are the insurance criteria and how can I tell if my plan complies?
- Are there specific requirements for International Students in addition to the above insurance criteria?
- Where can I find more information on the Insurance Program?
- Can I waive the Insurance?
- What is the health service fee?
- Do I need to provide health documents?
- Can I waive the immunization requirements?
- When is the health information due?
- My question hasn't been answered in the list, who do I ask?
Q1: What services are provided at the CHW?
A: The CHW provides the following services:
A: The CHW provides the following services:
- Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant appointments. for minor illnesses and injuries (Conditions you would contact your primary care clinician’s office to evaluate/treat)
- Nutritionist – Consultation for special medical dietary requirements, evaluations for weight management, eating disorders
- Triage & urgent care. NO EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Telephone advice/consultations for self care management
- Consultation & referral to Supervising physician when required for evaluation & management of chronic health conditions
- GYN services including annual PAP test, and contraception counseling
- STD counseling and testing*
- Laboratory testing and X-rays can be ordered (not covered under the health service fee)
- Health education counseling and programs
- Resource materials for health & medical issues
- Consultation & Referral to specialists or outside testing facilities
- Immunization clinics scheduled monthly during the academic year
- Wellness Education outreach programs
- Alcohol & Drug Education Programs
- Tobacco & Smoking Cessation counseling
*STD testing when clinically indicated. Screening STD and HIV testing sites & resource listing available.
Q2: What is an Advanced Practice Clinician (APC)?
A: An Advanced Practice Clinician may be either a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
A Nurse Practitioner (APRN-BC) is a nationally certified registered nurse with advanced education who has the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests write prescriptions and provide counseling and education.
A Physician Assistant (PA-C) is a graduate of an approved physician assistant training program who has passed the national PA certification exam and practices under the supervision of a physician. A PA has the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests write prescriptions and provide counseling and education.
A: An Advanced Practice Clinician may be either a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
A Nurse Practitioner (APRN-BC) is a nationally certified registered nurse with advanced education who has the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests write prescriptions and provide counseling and education.
A Physician Assistant (PA-C) is a graduate of an approved physician assistant training program who has passed the national PA certification exam and practices under the supervision of a physician. A PA has the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries perform physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests write prescriptions and provide counseling and education.
Q3: When is the CHW open?
A: The CHW is open for appointments Monday – Friday during the academic year. (Immunization Clinic Hours are posted on e-calendar each semester). The CHW does not provide clinical services during holidays, weekends, winter or spring semester breaks or during the summer.
The daily schedule is: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9-12 & 1-5. Tuesdays 11-12 & 1-5.
A: The CHW is open for appointments Monday – Friday during the academic year. (Immunization Clinic Hours are posted on e-calendar each semester). The CHW does not provide clinical services during holidays, weekends, winter or spring semester breaks or during the summer.
The daily schedule is: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9-12 & 1-5. Tuesdays 11-12 & 1-5.
Q4: How can I contact the CHW?
A: Phone: 617-824-8666 to schedule an appointment/obtain NP advice. During the summer & semester breaks, administrative staff is available to respond to inquiries.
Fax: 617-824-7897;
Email: healthservices@emerson.edu- Do not use email for urgent medical concerns or appointment requests.
Website: www.emerson/edu/health_center- for resources, forms, immunization clinic dates, programs and events.
A: Phone: 617-824-8666 to schedule an appointment/obtain NP advice. During the summer & semester breaks, administrative staff is available to respond to inquiries.
Fax: 617-824-7897;
Email: healthservices@emerson.edu- Do not use email for urgent medical concerns or appointment requests.
Website: www.emerson/edu/health_center- for resources, forms, immunization clinic dates, programs and events.
Q5: What do I do if I am experiencing a medical emergency?
A: If you experience a life threatening medical emergency dial 911 to be connected to the Emergency dispatch system. Review the nature of the emergency and your exact location and stay on the line with the dispatcher until you are instructed to hang up. Five major teaching hospitals/Emergency departments are within a 2-mile radius to Emerson’s Boston campus.
A: If you experience a life threatening medical emergency dial 911 to be connected to the Emergency dispatch system. Review the nature of the emergency and your exact location and stay on the line with the dispatcher until you are instructed to hang up. Five major teaching hospitals/Emergency departments are within a 2-mile radius to Emerson’s Boston campus.
Q6: Is health insurance mandatory?
A: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has mandatory insurance coverage requirements for all students enrolled at least .75 FTE ( 9 credits for undergraduates / 6 credits for graduate students) Colleges must provide a plan that meets the state requirements. Emerson's plan offered by the Chickering Insurance Group meets and in several areas exceeds that required by the statute.
A: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has mandatory insurance coverage requirements for all students enrolled at least .75 FTE ( 9 credits for undergraduates / 6 credits for graduate students) Colleges must provide a plan that meets the state requirements. Emerson's plan offered by the Chickering Insurance Group meets and in several areas exceeds that required by the statute.
Q7: What are the insurance criteria and how can I tell if my plan complies?
A: In order to be comparable your plan must provide coverage while you are a student at Emerson's Boston campus or one of its external programs. If coverage is not provided outside your geographical coverage area or is limited to a provider network that is not available @ Emerson Boston or it's external campuses it does not fulfill the "comparable & accessible " requirement of the statute. Coverage must be in force for the entire academic year. The responsibility is on the student to compare the coverage of their personal plan to the benefits provided in the College sponsored plan. We are not able to review or comment on the provisions of any outside plans/programs. Check with your insurer/HMO for specific requirements/benefits of student coverage.
A: In order to be comparable your plan must provide coverage while you are a student at Emerson's Boston campus or one of its external programs. If coverage is not provided outside your geographical coverage area or is limited to a provider network that is not available @ Emerson Boston or it's external campuses it does not fulfill the "comparable & accessible " requirement of the statute. Coverage must be in force for the entire academic year. The responsibility is on the student to compare the coverage of their personal plan to the benefits provided in the College sponsored plan. We are not able to review or comment on the provisions of any outside plans/programs. Check with your insurer/HMO for specific requirements/benefits of student coverage.
Q8: Are there specific requirements for International students in addition to the above insurance criteria?
A: YES, Massachusetts does not consider coverage by insurance carriers outside of the U.S. or coverage by foreign National Health Service programs as comparable under a qualifying student health insurance program.
A: YES, Massachusetts does not consider coverage by insurance carriers outside of the U.S. or coverage by foreign National Health Service programs as comparable under a qualifying student health insurance program.
Q9: Where can I find more information on the Insurance Program?
A: Specific information about the 2005-2006 Insurance plan will be mailed to students (at their billing address) who meet the eligibility criteria. Plan information is also available from the Chickering website.Generally this information is sent annually with the first semester tuition bill. Please review the 2005-2006 information carefully before purchasing/enrolling/renewing your coverage in an outside plan.
A: Specific information about the 2005-2006 Insurance plan will be mailed to students (at their billing address) who meet the eligibility criteria. Plan information is also available from the Chickering website.Generally this information is sent annually with the first semester tuition bill. Please review the 2005-2006 information carefully before purchasing/enrolling/renewing your coverage in an outside plan.
Q10: Can I waive the Insurance?
A: If your insurance coverage meets the criteria listed above you may elect to waive the college sponsored insurance program. A waiver card is included in the Insurance pamphlet you receive by mail and also available to download from the Chickering website. An online waiver is available through the financial services website at: www.emerson.edu/payment . The waiver must be submitted annually to the Office of Accounts Management by the second week of the semester (specific date will be on the documents you receive). You will be automatically enrolled in the College sponsored program unless the Office of Accounts Management receives a valid waiver by the deadline date.
A: If your insurance coverage meets the criteria listed above you may elect to waive the college sponsored insurance program. A waiver card is included in the Insurance pamphlet you receive by mail and also available to download from the Chickering website. An online waiver is available through the financial services website at: www.emerson.edu/payment . The waiver must be submitted annually to the Office of Accounts Management by the second week of the semester (specific date will be on the documents you receive). You will be automatically enrolled in the College sponsored program unless the Office of Accounts Management receives a valid waiver by the deadline date.
Q11: What is the health service fee?
A: A separate health service fee is assessed to all undergraduate students and cannot be waived. Graduate students who are enrolled in the College sponsored plan will be assessed the fee as well. Graduate students with a qualified outside insurance program may elect to pay the health services fee. Only students who have paid the health service fee are eligible to receive care @ the Center for Health & Wellness. The fee covers all services provided at the Center for Health & Wellness or The Counseling Center as well as health & wellness programs sponsored during the academic year. Graduate students covered under a qualified insurance program who do not plan to utilize the CHW for health care may also waive the health fee.
A: A separate health service fee is assessed to all undergraduate students and cannot be waived. Graduate students who are enrolled in the College sponsored plan will be assessed the fee as well. Graduate students with a qualified outside insurance program may elect to pay the health services fee. Only students who have paid the health service fee are eligible to receive care @ the Center for Health & Wellness. The fee covers all services provided at the Center for Health & Wellness or The Counseling Center as well as health & wellness programs sponsored during the academic year. Graduate students covered under a qualified insurance program who do not plan to utilize the CHW for health care may also waive the health fee.
Q12: Do I need to provide health documents?
A: Emerson College policy & Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ regulations require students to complete the Emerson College Health form (mailed from the Admissions office upon confirmation of enrollment), which includes verification of mandated immunizations. Detailed information is provided on the form. The following immunizations are required:
A: Emerson College policy & Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ regulations require students to complete the Emerson College Health form (mailed from the Admissions office upon confirmation of enrollment), which includes verification of mandated immunizations. Detailed information is provided on the form. The following immunizations are required:
- MMR – ( Measles Mumps and Rubella) Emerson College on the recommendation of the ACHA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health (MDPH) requires students to document dates for 2 immunizations on or after the first birthday. Doses must be at least 30 days apart.
- Hepatitis B – series of 3 immunizations, administered with initial dose, 2nd dose followed in one month with final dose four to six months from first dose. If the series has not been started, begin immediately. If the series has been initiated complete all remaining doses. You do not need to restart the series. Submit the form following the completion of as many doses within the due date period as time allows.
- Meningococcal Immunization- Legislation was amended in November 2006. Emerson College policy requires all newly entering undergraduate students to submit proof of meningococcal immunization within the last 5 years OR complete the MDPH waiver to meet this requirement. Emerson College Graduate students may elect to receive this immunization; however they are exempt from this requirement
- Tetanus booster 1 dose within last 10 years
Q13: Can I waive the immunization requirements?
A: There is provision in the regulations that allows students to waive an immunization requirement if:
A: There is provision in the regulations that allows students to waive an immunization requirement if:
- There is a medical reason why the vaccine should be withheld or
- Receiving the vaccination is against the sincere religious belief of the student or
- In the case of the Meningococcal vaccine only the student reviews the Meningococcal disease Information sheet (enclosed with the health form) and submits the MDPH waiver form. Specific details are included on the forms you will be receiving.
Q14: When is the health information due?
A: Health Form - including immunization verification is due by September 30th for fall semester and February 15th for the spring semester.
A: Health Form - including immunization verification is due by September 30th for fall semester and February 15th for the spring semester.
Q15: My question hasn't been answered in the list, who do I ask?
A: Call us : 617-824-8666 or E-mail us: healthservices@emerson.edu
A: Call us : 617-824-8666 or E-mail us: healthservices@emerson.edu
