Health Services FAQs

Q: What is University Health Services (UHS)?

A: University Health Services provides accessible and high-quality health care services to Fordham University Students. Our goal is that students will develop an understanding of dealing with their health, both physical and mental. We provide education to students with the expectation that this knowledge will enable them to live healthy lifestyles, promote wellness, and allow them to achieve academically, spiritually, and socially.

Our medical team recognizes and welcomes the uniqueness of our students, and we respect human diversity in all its forms. We are members of the LGBTQ  and Ally Network of Support, and we are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all. We assist our students in developing moral and ethical values and characteristics that reflect the Jesuit tradition regarding health promotion and illness prevention.

Q: Where is UHS located?

A: The Rose Hill campus health center is located in the basement of O’Hare Hall, opposite the parking garage. The Lincoln Center campus health center is located in the Garden Level of 140 West 62nd Street, room G-16. 

Q: When is UHS open? 

A:  Please visit the UHS website for hours of operation.

Q: Do I need to schedule an appointment at UHS to be seen by a provider?

A: Yes, please call us at 718-817-4160 (Rose Hill) or 212-636-7160 (Lincoln Center) to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.  

Anyone more than ten minutes late to their appointment may have to reschedule. If you cannot make your scheduled appointment or need to reschedule, please call us as soon as possible. No-Show appointments will be billed a small fee to your student account.

Q: Do I need to have Fordham’s Student Health Insurance Plan to be seen at UHS?

A: No, UHS sees all students regardless of their insurance plan. We do not participate in any insurance plan including the Student Health Insurance Plan. We are considered out-of-network. 

Q: How much does it cost to be seen by a provider or nurse? 

A: Office visits for providers and nurses are offered at no charge.  However, if there is an in-office test, immunization, or procedure, your student account may be billed. Please call us to verify the most up-to-date fee schedule.

Charges are posted to your student account (BURSAR). An itemized statement (receipt) is available in your Student Health Portal and can be submitted to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement, depending upon your insurance coverage. 

Q: How can I obtain my receipts from my Student Health Portal?

A: Login to your Fordham account at www.fordham.edu. At the top, click on ‘My Apps.’ Scroll down to find ‘Fordham Student Health Portal.’ Click on ‘View Appt’ and then ‘Previous Appointments.’ Finally, click on gray “Action” for receipt and appointment encounter summary for each appointment.

Q: Who can I speak to regarding any billing inquiries?

A: Please call our UHS Office Manager, Lisa Palen-Carroll, at 718-817-4163 or email [email protected] with your full name, Fordham ID number, and billing inquiries.

Q: If I’m under 18, do I need permission from my parents to be seen at UHS?

A: Yes, we need parent or guardian consent for you to receive health care services. If you’re over 18, you have the right to medical confidentiality, and we won’t release any information without your consent.

Q: How can I obtain a copy of my medical records from UHS? 

A: You can obtain a copy of your medical records by completing our Medical Records Release Form, indicating to whom you want to release the information and which part(s) of your record you would like released.  

Q: How do I provide feedback regarding my experience at UHS?

A: We are always interested in feedback from our students. 

You may contact our Director of University Health Services, Maureen Keown, at [email protected] or our Assistant Vice President and Dean of Student Services, Keith Eldredge, at [email protected]. 

University Health Services sends a Patient Satisfaction Survey twice a year to students who visited UHS during a certain timeframe. We evaluate and use this information to make changes to UHS’ practices so we can improve our relationship and better serve the needs of our students.  

Q: What types of appointments can I schedule at UHS?

A:  We provide the following medical services:

• Primary Care, Routine Medical Visits, Urgent Care, and Prescriptions
• Women’s and Men’s Health Care
• Physical Examinations 
• Nutrition Counseling & Weight Management
• Travel Health
• Allergy Clinic
• Physical Therapy on Rose Hill Campus
• Immunizations: HPV, MMR, Meningitis, Influenza, TB, PPD, etc.
• In-House Laboratory Tests: strep, mono, flu, urinalysis, rapid COVID testing, etc.
• Laboratory testing using Labcorp and Quest Lab Services (students will need their insurance card for off-campus lab testing).

Q: What are the in-office tests and procedures fees?  

A: Please call us at 718-817-4160 (Rose Hill) or 212-636-7160 (Lincoln Center) to verify the in-office procedure and test fee(s).

Charges will be posted to your student account (BURSAR). An itemized statement (receipt) is available in your Student Health Portal and can be submitted to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement, depending upon your insurance coverage. 

Q: Are there vaccines available at UHS?  

A: Vaccines are available at UHS. Please call us to schedule a vaccine or immunization appointment. For a complete list of vaccines and their fees, please visit our website.

Charges will be posted to your student account (BURSAR). An itemized statement (receipt) is available in your Student Health Portal and can be submitted to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement, depending upon your insurance coverage. 

Q: When will the Flu Vaccine be provided at UHS?

A: Influenza (flu) vaccines are available between September and May. Emails will be sent to students throughout the semester with our flu clinic hours (walk-ins available).

The fee for the flu vaccine is $30. This can be charged to your student account (BURSAR).  Students are encouraged to print a receipt and submit it to their medical insurance for reimbursement.

Q: Does Fordham University have Emergency Medical Services?

A: Fordham University Emergency Medical Services (FUEMS) has served the Fordham community since 1977. FUEMS is a student volunteer organization certified through the NYS Ambulance Corps. It comprises many students who have completed the NYS training for EMT or are currently in training for EMT certification. All members received training in American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR. FUEMS responds to emergencies on campus and transports those injured or sick to the local hospitals. 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency on or off-campus (within the greater Belmont community), please contact Public Safety at 718-817-2222 and request FUEMS so that they may be dispatched and will be at your aid.

Q: If I was transported to the hospital by FUEMS, is there a fee?

A: There is no charge for FUEMS transports to the hospital for alcohol-related transports or assault-related transports.  There is a hospital transfer fee of $75.00 for sick calls and other related calls.  An itemized statement (receipt) will be available in your Student Health Portal and can be submitted to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement, depending upon your insurance coverage. 

Q: I’m interested in joining FUEMS. How can I join?

A: Please email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can stop by the EMS office in the basement of Queens Court whenever our lights are on, and the door is open. At the beginning of each semester, New Member Training sessions will be available. No prior experience is necessary!

Q: Does Fordham University provide Counseling and Psychological Services?

A: Yes, please visit Fordham’s Counseling and Psychological Services website for more information and on how to schedule an appointment with them. 

Q: Does Fordham University have an Office of Disability Services?

A: Yes, please visit Fordham’s Office of Disability Services website for more information and how to schedule an appointment with them. 

Q: Does UHS provide Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) exams? 

A: Yes, UHS can provide a full array of testing and treatment for STIs, and women’s and men’s health care.

Q: How much will it cost?

A: The office visit is free. However, any in-office testing or procedures may be billed to your student account (bursar). Please call our office for the fee pricing. If any tests or cultures are sent to Labcorp or Quest Lab, the cost will vary. Please find out with your insurance company which outside lab is covered by your insurance.

Q: Will my parents find out I was tested?

A: It depends. If you have Fordham's student health insurance plan, it is YOUR insurance, not your parents’. Bills and statements should come directly to you unless you have your home address as the default. If you are insured under your parents' plan, they will receive a statement of services, an “explanation of benefits” letter, that may detail the tests done. It is difficult to predict how much information will be shared with each insurance policy. 

If you want complete confidentiality, you can pay for the visit and testing out of pocket, and your insurance will not be used. Please let the front desk staff know while checking in if this is the case.

Q: If I don’t want to use insurance for any labs sent off-campus, how much would STI testing costs entirely out of pocket?

A: There is a charge for LabCorp labs and the cost varies depending on the test.  You can call UHS and speak with one of the nurses to assist you.  

Q: Does UHS provide any contraceptives to students?

A: As per Fordham University Student Handbook on Contraceptives/Birth Control:

As an institution in the Catholic Jesuit tradition, Fordham University follows Church teachings on reproductive issues and acknowledges its community members' personal and private decisions in this area. While personal possession of contraceptives, contraceptive devices, and birth control, in any form, is not prohibited, distribution is prohibited on Fordham University property, using University resources, and at University-sponsored events. University Health Services staff make limited exceptions in writing appropriate prescriptions for the treatment of an existing medical condition accompanied by supporting documentation. Examples of medical indications are acne, irregular periods, heavy periods, cramps, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Q: Will the UHS prescribe contraceptives?

A: UHS providers can prescribe hormonal contraceptives if medically indicated but not directly for contraception. Examples of medical indications are acne, irregular periods, heavy periods, cramps, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Please call us to schedule an appointment or to speak with a provider. 

The morning-after pill is not available at the UHS. 

Q: Can I get allergy injections administered at UHS?

A: Yes, please complete the 'Fordham University Health Services Allergy Injection Form’ and upload it to your student health portal or email it to [email protected]. Please make sure the completed allergy injection form is separately uploaded from other health forms. 

Q: When should I bring my allergy vials to UHS? 

A: The allergy injection form must be completed and sent to UHS for review before you provide allergy vials to us and before our RN administers the allergy injection. 

Q: How much does it cost to administer allergy injections?

A: The allergy Injection fee at UHS is $20.00. An itemized statement (receipt) will be available in your Student Health Portal and can be submitted to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement, depending upon your insurance coverage. 

Q: Do I have to make an appointment to have my allergy injections?

A: Yes, please call us at 718-817-4160 (Rose Hill) or 212-636-7160 (Lincoln Center) to schedule an allergy injection appointment. Please note that the appointment may take about 40 minutes or more (about 10 minutes to administer allergy injection and about 30 minutes wait period in case of reaction).

Q: What if I need a doctor present when administering allergy injections?

A: Please have your provider indicate in the allergy injection form that you need a doctor present.  

At the Rose Hill Campus Health Center,, a doctor from Saint Barnabas Hospital will be available on most Tuesdays throughout the academic year. At the Lincoln Center Campus Health Center, a doctor from Saint Barnabas Hospital will be available on Thursdays throughout the academic year.

Q: What if I have food allergies? What should I do? 

A: Please fill out FARE's Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan and upload to your student health portal or email it to [email protected]. Please make sure the completed food allergy form is separately uploaded from other health forms. 

FARE's Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan, formerly the Food Allergy Action Plan, outlines recommended treatment in case of an allergic reaction, is signed by a physician, and includes emergency contact information.

Keep your plan where others can find it, and make sure you and others understand what to do in case of an emergency. 

Q: What happens after I upload my food allergy forms to UHS?

A: A nurse practitioner will call to review the allergy form and medical information with you. You may also be directed to speak with our registered dietician.

Q: What can I do if I have an emergency when the Rose Hill campus Health Center is closed?

A: If you are experiencing a medical emergency on or off-campus (within the greater Belmont community), please contact Public Safety at 718-817-2222 and request FUEMS so that they may be dispatched and will be at your aid.

Q: What can I do if I am having an emergency when the Lincoln Center campus Health Center is closed?

A: ​​Students with emergencies should call Public Safety at 212-636-6076 or seek aid at the nearest emergency room, Mt Sinai West Hospital located on 59th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue.

Q: Should I go to urgent care instead of UHS?

A: Fordham University Health Services does not endorse or recommend a specific medical service. The list provided here is simply for your convenience and is not intended to be a complete list of all health services in the area.

Q: What are my patient rights and responsibilities, and the confidential services?

A: University Health Services is a safe, confidential place where students can receive comprehensive medical treatment. Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, PT Medical Doctors, a Registered Dietician, and a Physical Therapist staff UHS. We have many resources to help you be successful in college. Please do not hesitate to stop by with any questions or concerns. Your wellness is our priority.

University Health Services (UHS) values and protects the confidentiality of students who utilize our services. UHS student workers only assist with front desk coverage, scheduling, and administrative tasks. And DO NOT have any access to students’ clinical information, background, or history.

Your patient rights and responsibilities can be found here.

Q: What is the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)?

A: SHIP is Fordham University’s insurance plan for students, offered through Aetna, a large national health insurer. See our complete Student Health Insurance Plan FAQs to learn more.

Q: Who is eligible for SHIP?

A: All students who attend Fordham University are eligible for SHIP.

Q: Am I automatically enrolled in SHIP?

A: Full-time and international undergraduate and graduate students are automatically enrolled in SHIP coverage. Part-time students in degree-granting programs will need to enroll.

Q: Where can I find details on SHIP’s policy?

A: Please visit this link to view SHIP’s details, information about coverage, benefits, deductibles and more.

Q: Can I waive SHIP coverage?

A: Depending on your insurance, you may be able to waive SHIP coverage if you have other coverage that meets ACA requirements. See our complete Student Health Insurance Plan FAQs to learn more about the ACA.

If you waive SHIP coverage, you must complete a waiver through aetnastudenthealth.com by September 10 (for the fall semester) and February 23 (for the spring semester) for all Fordham students. See our complete Student Health Insurance Plan FAQs  to learn more.

Q: Should I keep SHIP coverage? 

A: Everyone must be covered by health insurance that meets Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage requirements. See our complete Student Health Insurance Plan FAQs to learn more about the ACA. Even if you have other coverage that meets ACA requirements, you may find that enrolling in SHIP is your best value. There are many advantages to keeping SHIP coverage, but everyone’s personal circumstances are different. 

​​Q: Who can I contact if I have questions about SHIP? 

A: Please read over our Student Health Insurance Insurance Plan FAQs. Our Student Health Insurance Compliance Administrator, Maritza Rivera-Garcia, can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by calling at 718-817-4164.

You can also contact Aetna Student Health Customer Service by calling 866-381-1529 or Aetna Student Health Support here online. Aetna Provider Directory can find providers throughout the United States under the SHIP.

Q: Why are immunizations required?

A: To protect the health and well-being of all students and the campus community, the University requires all incoming students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, to enter and submit immunization information to University Health Services (UHS) through the patient portal. 

Q: What are the immunization requirements?

A: The following vaccines are required by NYS Vaccination Law 2165 and 2167: 

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Factor Screening

Fordham University requires all students who are taking in-person classes, living in University housing, or entering the campus for any reason to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, which currently include a booster dose. 

For more detailed information on the immunization requirements, please visit our Info for New Students page or call our immunization hotline at 718-817-0940.

Q: Do I need to fill out any other health forms?

A: Additional health forms include Incoming Student Physical Form, Food Allergy Forms, Allergy Injection Form, Record Release Form, Advance Directives (Health Care Proxy Form), and Vaccine Exemption Form. All health forms can be accessed here. 

Incoming Student Physical Form is highly recommended for incoming students with existing medical conditions, on medications, or a history of allergic reactions.

Q: When are immunizations due?

A: Immunization and physical forms are due to UHS no later than July 15.

Q: Where do I upload my immunization records and health forms?

A: Please upload any immunization records and health forms to your Student Health Portal. Alternatively, you can email your immunization records, health forms, etc, to [email protected] or have them faxed to 718-817-3218 or mail them to ‘University Health Services, 441 East Fordham Road, O’Hare Hall Basement, Bronx, NY, 10458’. 

Q: How can I request exemption from NYS Vaccination Law 2165 Requirements or from University COVID-19 Vaccination Policy?

A: For students who wish to exempt themselves from receiving the required vaccination must complete the ‘Request For Exemption From NYS Vaccination Law 2165 Requirements or University COVID-19 Vaccination Policy’ form, have it notarized, provide a letter, and email it to the University Health Services ([email protected]). 

Q: What is the Student Health Portal for?

A: You can log onto your Student Health Portal to upload your medical information, immunization records, and insurance cards, complete your medical history forms, securely message your provider, and view your discharge encounter summary, laboratory results, and educational materials regarding your illness. 

Q: How can I upload documents to my Student Health Portal?

A: Login to your Fordham account at www.fordham.edu. At the top, click on ‘My Apps’. Scroll down to find ‘Fordham Student Health Portal’. Click on ‘Document Upload’. Pick a ‘Document Type’. Finally, upload file(s). 

Please note that file formats must be the following only: JPEG, TIFF, PNG, PDF, BMP, and GIF. Files should not exceed 6 Mb. Anything larger than that should be emailed to us at [email protected] or faxed to 718-817-3218 (Rose Hill) or 212-636-7164 (Lincoln Center).

If you received an error message, you can email your immunization records, health forms, etc, to [email protected] or have them faxed to 718-817-3218 (Rose Hill) or 212-636-7164 (Lincoln Center) or mail them to ‘University Health Services, 441 East Fordham Road, O’Hare Hall Basement, Bronx, NY, 10458’. 

Q: How can I obtain my receipts appointment summaries?

A: Login to your Fordham account at www.fordham.edu. At the top, click on ‘My Apps’. Scroll down to find ‘Fordham Student Health Portal’. Click on ‘Appt. Scheduling’, then ‘View Appts’, and ‘Previous Appointments’. Finally, click on gray “Action” for receipt and encounter summary for each appointment.

Q: How can I obtain my lab results?

A: Login to your Fordham account at www.fordham.edu. At the top, click on ‘My Apps’. Scroll down to find ‘Fordham Student Health Portal’. Click on ‘My Profile’, then ‘and then, ‘Lab History’. Finally, click on the lab result you are looking for.

If you have additional questions, contact the appropriate resource below.

When emailing please identify yourself by including your full name and Fordham A#.