Health Services

Any student with concerns about COVID19 exposure or symptoms should reach out to health services directly, by phone at 978.542.6413 or by a health portal message.

Spring 2020 Health Services Update

Health services is closely following state and university guidance while continuing to provide students healthcare via newly implemented telemedicine services. Any Salem State student can meet virtually with one of our Nurse Practitioners Monday through Friday during our regularly scheduled “virtual walk-in clinic,” no appointment required.

We encourage you to visit us during our virtual clinic hours for cold symptoms, concerns about COVID19 symptoms or exposures, skin concerns, birth control, STI exposure or testing, pregnancy counseling, UTIs, sexual health concerns or questions, or other illness or injury health needs.

Please visit our virtual health services clinic. Virtual appointments available Monday through Friday, 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

If you’ve previously seen one of our Nurse Practitioners and have an ongoing prescription, non-urgent medical concern, or question, please feel free to utilize a virtual visit or contact a nurse practitioner via your health portal.

Health services will ask any student accessing our virtual clinics to review a consent form for virtual treatment during your first virtual visit. We will also collect and confirm your health insurance information to bill for medical services provided during these virtual visits. Due to the current COVID19 situation, health insurance plans are encouraging the use of tele-health services and many have waived copays and expanded tele-health coverage, including the student health insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. We encourage you ask us any questions that may arise either during your appointment or by calling us at 978.542.6413.

Health services will reserve some limited, in-office appointments, for health services that must be provided in person for our remaining residential students and local students without a primary care provider. Please message a nurse practitioner if you believe you need to schedule an in-person visit (examples include depo injections, STI testing, etc).

Health services has removed immunization registration holds for Spring 2020 as we understand the barriers to getting routine medical care and vaccines during the COVID19 outbreak. We do still expect all students who previously had these immunization registration holds to submit any immunization information that they already have and to become compliant, if able. We will replace immunization registration holds in Fall 2020 for any students who have not submitted their complete immunization information, in compliance with Massachusetts state laws 105 CMR 220.00 and 105 CMR 220.660.

As always, if you need emergency care, please contact University Police if you are on campus at 978.542.6111, or if you are off campus, 911.

If you need medical care or services after business hours, view our list of local health providers.

Staffed by nurse practitioners and a part-time doctor, health services is your on-campus doctor’s office. We offer medical care, consultation on health-related issues, health promotion programs, and referrals and collaborations with area providers and primary care physicians.

Treatment of Minor Illness and Injury

Common Colds: Sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold, followed by coughing and sneezing. Most people recover in about 7-10 days. You can help reduce your risk of getting a cold: wash your hands often, avoid close contact with sick people, and don’t touch your face with unwashed hands. There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms, learn what you can do.

Injury: For a musculoskeletal injury, we recommend initiating the RICE method as soon as possible after injury. Learn more about the RICE method.

With any illness or injury, if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or not improving after a week, it is important to schedule an appointment with health services or your primary care provider for further evaluation.

Routine Lab Testing

We offer many lab tests in the office without any additional charge to you. However, some tests need to be sent to a third party laboratory, Quest Diagnostics. Your health insurance is typically billed for these tests but in the event that you do not want to use your health insurance, you can discuss paying out of pocket with your provider.

Sexual Health, Birth Control, STD Testing

For more detailed information about sexual health services on campus please visit the sexual health resource page.

Birth control and reproductive medications are available on-site at reduced rates for students who choose not to use their insurance. We recommend visiting bedsider.org/methods to review current birth control options before your visit.

Immunizations/Vaccinations

Students with the university's health insurance plan and many other insurance plans can make an appointment at health services to fulfill their immunization requirements if needed.

We also offer out-of-pocket reduced costs for immunity titers for Hepatitis B, Varicella, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

Scheduling an Appointment with Health Services

Appointments are required for health services. Same-day appointments are available to students with an episodic illness or injury. Log in to your health services portal to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.

Please call our office at 978.542.6413 if you are experiencing an urgent situation or unable to schedule an online appointment. Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Please bring your ClipperCard and insurance card to all visits. You can also update your insurance, immunization and health information through our health services portal.

Please visit our billing page for information on charges you may incur during your medical appointment.

Download Salem State's Health and Immunization Form and Authorization for Disclosure Form. Find all other forms in your health services portal.

After Hours and Urgent Care

If you require services after business hours, here is a list of some local urgent care and emergency services.

Learning More About Your Health and Well-Being

Check out our list of valuable and credible sources about sexual health, LGBTQ+, nutrition and eating disorders, alcohol, tobacco, drug use, sun safety, the Affordable Care Act and more.

COVID19 announcement