Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of the Student Health and Wellness Center?
During the academic year the Lehigh University Student Health and Wellness Center is open Monday-Thursday 8:15 a.m. to 4:45p.m., Friday 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please note that Saturday clinic is for urgent care only. Students who wish to be seen should check in by 1:00PM.
The summer hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m and Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For holiday and other break periods please call the Health and Wellness Center for specific hours.
Are the Health and Wellness Center services free?
Yes. With few exceptions, there is no charge to students for services.
Should I call for an appointment ?
Yes. We know that your time is important, so we ask that you call ahead to schedule an appointment. We can typically fit in same day appointments for most illnesses or injuries, especially if students schedule in the morning.
Appointment Times:
M-TH 8:15am - 4:30pm
F 9:15am – 4:30pm
Saturday clinic, 10:00am – 2:00pm, is for urgent concerns,
no advance appointments available. Students are to check in by 1:30.
Are GYN services available?
Yes. Gynecological services are available by appointment during the academic year.
Prior to your scheduled appointment we would appreciate if you could fill out the GYN form. This gives us the history and information we require.
Are excuses issued for missed classes or exams?
The Health Center doctors and nurses do not write medical excuses for
missed classes.
A Dean's Note is only required for students who:
- miss more than a full week of classes OR
- miss an exam.
Students who miss class or an exam for illness are advised to be
proactive and contact their professors via e-mail or phone, and
arrange to make up work missed.
Students who have concerns or miss class for more a week or an exam
are to contact:
Associate Dean of Students
210 University Center, University Drive – 29
610-758-4159
inacsup@lehigh.edu
Please do not go to the Dean of Student's office while you
are ill, to avoid spreading infections.
Is there a doctor available?
Yes. Both physicians and certified nurse practitioners are present weekdays during the hours the Health and Wellness Center is open.
How long do I have to wait to be seen?
Call ahead to decrease waiting time at 610-758-3870.
Are lab and x-ray services available?
The Health and Wellness Center can provide urine analyses, urine pregnancy tests, and rapid strep tests. For your convenience, a technician from St. Luke's Hospital is available at the Health and Wellness Center from 12:00 - 1:00pm, Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters.
Blood work performed at the Health and Wellness Center on Wednesdays is subject to fees, just as if you had it drawn at the hospital. You will be asked to provide insurance information to the laboratory technician by filling out a form provided at the Health and Wellness Center. It is your responsibility to check and make sure you are not required by your medical insurance company to use a specific clinical lab. Quest lab, LabCorp lab, and Health Net lab are all a short drive from campus.
Students who have purchased health insurance through University Health Plans may use the St. Luke's lab tech who comes on Wednesday, and generally must see a Health and Wellness clinician in order to have laboratory work covered by this insurance plan.
X-ray services are not available on campus. Orders for x-rays and other imaging studies can be written by the Health Center providers and then performed at St. Luke's Hospital or another local facility.
Can I get a prescription filled at the Health Center?
No. Prescriptions written by outside physicians cannot be filled at the Health Center. They must be taken to a local pharmacy (see list following next question).
Our health care providers write prescriptions for many medications, but not for ADD medication, Accutane, and some psychiatric medicine.
- ADD: Students who take medicine for ADD either have their parents mail this to them from home, or may obtain a local prescribing physician by contacting the Dean of Students Office for Academic Support (link to http://www.lehigh.edu/~inacsup/)
- Accutane: Those who are prescribed Accutane receive this from a dermatologist. Contact us for a list of local names, but please be aware it may take two to three months to schedule an initial appointment.
- Psychiatric medication: This is considered on a case by case basis, depending on the issues and the medication. Incoming students and their families should check with the current prescriber to see if this individual will continue to prescribe once the student comes to Bethlehem.
Appointments for prescriptions should be made at least 24 hours in advance, Monday - Friday 8:30am- 4:30pm.
Where can I get prescriptions filled?
The following drugstores are very close to campus.
- CVS 305 W. 4th Street, Bethlehem PA 18015 610-691-4085
- Rite-Aid 104 E. 3rd Street, Bethlehem PA 18015 610-867-3981
- Ritter's Pharmacy 115 W. 4th Street, Bethlehem PA 18015 610-867-3701 : deliveries available, call store for details.
- Family Prescription Center Broadway and Wyandotte, Bethlehem PA 18015 610-866-0709
- Target Pharmacy 912 Airport Center Drive Allentown PA 610-573-5710
Are my records confidential? Will my parents know about the nature of my visit?
Medical records are strictly confidential. Records are released only with the student's written consent. Please see our Privacy Notice.
Do I need to purchase the student insurance?
It is not necessary to purchase the student insurance, especially if you are already covered under another plan. The university does, however, sponsor a low cost health insurance plan designed for college students. Information about this plan is available through the Bursar's Office in the Alumni Memorial Building, 8-3160 or by visiting University Health Plans Inc.
Does the Health Center do drug testing?
No. The Health Center does not perform drug testing. If drug testing is necessary, a prescription can be written by the Health Center staff, which a student must then take to St. Luke's Hospital to have the test. For those students who require more formalized drug testing, as is often the case with new employment, testing can be performed at
St. Luke's Occupational Health Center
153 Broadhead Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Please call (484) 526-3000 to schedule an appointment.
What if I have or know someone who has a drug or alcohol problem?
The Health and Wellness Center works closely with the Counseling Center to help students address these issues.