Frequently asked questions
- What does Health Service at Vassar provide?
- Are there any charges if students are seen at Health Service?
- What does the Student Health Insurance cover?
- What is the response to an emergency?
- What hospital will the student be sent to?
- If a student suffers from asthma what provisions are there for emergency care?
- What if a student falls ill during the night?
- Who has access to the student's medical record?
- Will parents be notified if a student is ill?
- What happens if a student is sick and cannot study?
- If a student has a chronic illness how is their treatment maintained?
- How will a student get a prescription filled?
- Can I get the meningitis immunization at Vassar?
- What services are available at the Women's Health department?
What does Health Service at Vassar provide?
Vassar College Health Service provides primary medical care to students throughout the academic year and is open 24 hours a day while students are in residence. The staff at Health Service consists of health care professionals with many years combined experience in identifying and treating the full spectrum of medical problems that can occur in students. The center operates simultaneous medical and nursing clinics with regularly scheduled appointments during the daytime together with a separate Women’s Health Clinic. Emergencies can be seen anytime. Call 5800.
Are there any charges if students are seen at Health Service?
The health fee covers the cost of most visits to Health service as well as overnight infirmary care if necessary. There are minor charges for in house tests such as EKG’s and immunizations. For more details, please refer to our billing information.
What does the Student Health Insurance cover?
This coverage is very generous for the price considering current health care costs. Much of the cost of medications and laboratory tests are covered by the Vassar Student Insurance. Additionally, there is coverage towards emergency room visits, outside specialist referral, diagnostic imaging and hospitalization. Please see the student health insurance brochure for complete details. Health Service is available to all students regardless of their insurance.
What is the response to an emergency?
Health Service provides 24/7 Emergency Medical Technician coverage of the campus while school is in session. Additionally, there is a registered nurse on duty 24/7 at the Health Service to evaluate emergencies and there is a medical staff member on call. Arlington ambulance responds quickly to transport students to local hospitals. Call 7333.
There are the following college professionals on call at all times:
- Medical staff
- Psychological Counselor
- College Administrator-on-call
- Security
What hospital will the student be sent to?
Most will be transported to either the following local facilities:
- Vassar Brothers Medical Center
845-454-8500 - St. Francis Hospital Emergency Room
845-483-5000
If a student suffers from asthma what provisions are there for emergency care?
Most asthma medications are available at Health Service for emergencies 24/7. These include inhalers, nebulizer treatment, oral prednisone and oxygen.
What if a student falls ill during the night?
Health Service is open 24/7 staffed by an RN and with a medical staff member on-call. We stock most of the commonly used prescription medications and medical supplies necessary for the health care of young adults. We also have an overnight infirmary to take care of students too ill for their dorm room but not ill enough to require hospitalization.
Who has access to the student’s medical record?
The professional health care staff at Health Service have access to the medical records at Baldwin and they are kept confidential. The student needs to sign a release to allow someone else access to their medical records. You may pick up a copy of our Confidentiality Policy at the front desk of Health Service.
Will parents be notified if a student is ill?
Generally, parents are not called if a student is ill unless the student requests parental notification or if the student has a very serious injury or illness. We feel that it is the student’s responsibility to notify parents for most deviations from health and encourage students to do so.
What happens if a student is sick and cannot study?
We recommend that students be seen at Health Service during their illness/injury so that we may give timely care. We ask that students discuss their absence from class or inability to do work with their professors.
If a student has a chronic illness how is their treatment maintained?
Many students with chronic illness can be monitored at Health Service and/or local specialists while they are at Vassar. We request that students with chronic conditions bring their medical records with them so that this information is in their chart and we can coordinate their care.
How will a student get a prescription filled?
Make an appointment with the Health Service at 5800 to see a medical staff member. Directions to local pharmacies and other resources are also available.
Can I get the meningitis immunization at Vassar?
Yes and you can also get allergy or flu shots, travel immunizations and advice.
What services are available at the Women’s Health department?
Routine gynecologic care and well woman check ups. Call x5818 for an appointment.