Students with Hospitalization/Specialty Care Coverage

What is a Primary Care Provider?

As a student, your care begins with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) at Student Health. Your PCP is your regular medical professional who sees you regularly and knows you best. You will get routine clinical care, preventative services, and any referrals needed to see specialists from your PCP.

If you are someone who needs gynecological care, you will also be assigned a primary gynecological provider in the Obstetrics & Gynecology department whom you can see regularly. This provider offers preventive care including contraception, and the evaluation and treatment of gynecologic health issues. If you have Hospitalization/Specialty Care coverage, this provider also offers care during pregnancy and birth.

Where do I go for Urgent and Emergency Care?

Urgent Care

In the state of Connecticut, the only urgent care center that is covered by your insurance is the Acute Care department in our 55 Lock Street facility. When travelling outside of Connecticut, you may go to any urgent care center. All you need to do is contact Yale Health within 48 hours to inform your clinical staff of your condition and request the Referrals department to pre-authorize any follow-up care you may need.

Emergency Care

If you are ever in need of emergency care, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency medical facility. You may go to any emergency medical facility in the world, just keep in mind you may be required to pay for some services up front. If that happens, keep any receipts or bills you receive so we can reimburse you for charges outside of associated co-pays. All you need to do is contact Yale Health within 48 hours to inform your clinical staff of your condition and request the Referrals department to pre-authorize any follow-up care you may need.

When do I need a referral?

You do not need a referral to visit:

• Student Health
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Mental Health & Counseling
• Acute Care
• Eye Care
• Immunizations

To visit any other specialty department, you must receive a referral from your PCP. You also need a referral to receive any care outside of our 55 Lock Street facility, unless you are accessing urgent or emergency care. If you are ever unsure if you need a referral, please reach out to Member Services for guidance before accessing non-emergent care.