Student Resources

University Health Center (UHC): Helpful Information for Students

Visiting The Health Center

  1. The UHC sees patients by appointment. Call 518-442-5229 to schedule the next available appointment. We try to schedule appointments around YOUR classes so you won't miss class.
  2. Remember to allow enough time for your visit.
    • Give yourself enough time to travel to and from the UHC.
    • Plan for 30 minutes with the doctor.
    • Allow 20 minutes in case of lab tests.
    • If you need prescriptions filled at our pharmacy, that may take 20 minutes.
  3. If you are insured please bring your insurance card in case we need to order additional tests.
  4. You do NOT need to be insured to see a medical provider (doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant). It is always free.
  5. Before Your Appointment
    • Arrive 10-15 minutes early and check in at the reception desk.
    • A nurse will meet with you to assess your vitals signs and speak with you briefly in preparation for your visit with the medical provider.
    • Please refrain from using your cell phone in the lobby.
    • If you’re requesting a Medical Excuse for missed classes we strongly recommend you review this policy on our website (www.albany.edu/health_center) so you are familiar with the conditions that will warrant a medical excuse.
  6. Fees and Billing: Appointments with a UHC healthcare provider are free for registered students.
  7. UHC offers limited diagnostic testing for $10 when ordered by your healthcare provider for tests such as:
    • Strep throat
    • Mononucleosis
    • Pregnancy
  8. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing and Pap smear testing require insurance coverage or can be paid out-of-pocket. Fees vary depending on the service.
  9. Any services charged by the UHC are billed to you monthly and should be paid at the Bursar’s Office in the Campus Center.
  10. If payment is not received within 30 days, a hold will be placed on your account. A hold means you will not be able to register for courses until the bill is paid.

Further Testing

  1. The medical provider may order blood work, specimens, x-rays or recommend a referral to a specialist to assist in your medical care. Make sure you bring your insurance card to all visits. If you are uninsured, we will send specimens to the least expensive lab. We send out all blood work to an external lab, and cannot guarantee that your insurance will cover the fee. The external lab will bill you directly. It is your responsibility to know what laboratory participates with your insurance in Albany. If you are unsure, you can ask your parents, or call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card.
  2. Immunization Requirement
    • NYS Public Health Law requires all students to submit proof of certain immunizations in order to attend school in New York State. This information is required within 30 days of your first attendance on the UAlbany campus.
    • It is critical that we have this information from you prior to starting classes at this University.
    • Please refer to the UHC website for complete immunization requirements.
  3. UHC Self-Help Center
    • Students may request "over the counter" (non-prescription) medications at any time during the Pharmacy's hours of operation. The selection of medications includes: Tylenol, ibuprofen, nasal decongestants and cough syrup.
  4. UHC Pharmacy
    • Students may have prescriptions from UHC medical providers or their personal physicians filled at the UHC pharmacy (assuming the medication is stocked in the UHC pharmacy). The pharmacy is located on the second floor of the Health and Counseling Building.
    • The first $100 of medications each semester are covered at the UHC, with some exceptions. For example allergy medicine and hormonal contraceptives have a small co-pay.
  5. Womens Health Clinic (WHC)
    • The WHC provides routine gynecolgical exams and contraceptive counselings.
    • Please complete the personal history form that is located on the UHC Web site and bring it with you to your first WHC visit.

Contact Us

  1. Appointment Line
    • (518) 442-5229
  2. Hours of Operation
    • Fall and Spring Semesters:
    • Monday - Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm
    • Closed on Saturday and Sunday
  3. Intersession and Breaks:
    • Monday - Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm
    • Closed on Saturday and Sunday
  4. If UHC is Closed
    • For an EMERGENCY Call 911 from an on-campus phone or the University Police at (518) 442-3131
    • For non-emergency medical care, access the Web site for a listing of the local Urgent Care Centers.