Medical Emergencies

Urgent Care, Primary Care Medical Services
The Urgent Care Center of Primary Care Medical Services (PCMS) assists Columbia students with urgent medical concerns. While we encourage all students to make an appointment with their primary care provider for routine medical care and illnesses, there are times when a sudden, serious illness or injury may require the immediate care that the Urgent Care Center provides.

Walk-in to Urgent Care in the 3rd floor of John Jay Hall during schedule clinical hours.

What to Expect When You Come to Urgent Care
Understanding how services are provided in the Urgent Care Center will help you to obtain the most effective and appropriate medical care.

Upon your arrival, sign-in and complete a brief registration form at the front desk. If you are experiencing an acute condition like chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain you should inform the Patient Services Assistant before completing the form.

Students are seen in order of medical priority in the Urgent Care Center. Depending on the nature of your medical concern, this may result in a significant waiting time. It is likely that an extended wait time will incur during the busiest hours of the Urgent Care Center (generally 11am - 2pm, and after 5pm). Your cooperation and patience while waiting are appreciated.

If your condition does not require immediate care, the Urgent Care RN may schedule a same day  appointment for you in one of our practice groups.

Rarely, students have conditions that cannot be fully evaluated or treated in the Urgent Care Center. In these instances arrangements are promptly made for you to be transferred to St. Luke’s Hospital Emergency Room or you may be given a referral to see a specialist located outside of the health service.

After Hours Emergencies and Urgent Health Concerns

• Dial 911 if you are off campus.

• St. Luke’s Hospital Emergency Room at 113th Street and Amsterdam is the nearest emergency room to the Morningside campus, and is open 24 hours a day.

• If you are having an urgent concern after scheduled clinical hours, contact the Clinician-on-call at (212) 854-9797. Your concern will be assessed by one of our expert telephone triage specialists and recommendations for care will be provided.

Laboratory Services
Many laboratory tests for routine  medical conditions are completed on-site in the PCMS laboratory.  Specialized testing is sent to an off-site laboratory (LabCorp)  and is subject to co-payments and fees determined by your insurance carrier.

Radiology Services
X-rays and other types of diagnostic imaging are usually performed at a nearby location of WestSide Radiology and the cost to the student is dependent upon their individual insurance coverage.

Fees
Visits to the Urgent Care Center and Primary Care Medical Services are covered by the Health Service Fee. For those students who have not enrolled in the Health Service Program , a fee will be charged per visit. For more information about the costs for care, go to Fees.

Insurance Coverage
PCMS serves as the primary care provider for all students who carry the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan (Aetna Student Health Insurance) and also for all students enrolled in the Health Service Program.

All visits to PCMS, including the Urgent Care Center, are covered under the Health Service Program. There is no limit to the frequency or total number of visits. Visits to outside specialists need to be arranged in consultation with a PCMS provider and are covered  under the Columbia Plan. A referral is required in advance of the visit. Students who have their own medical insurance will be covered for medical services as determined by their individual carrier.

To obtain a referral, make an appointment to be evaluated by a PCMS provider. Referrals are written at the discretion of providers at the time of your visit.