Primary Care

Last reviewed: 6/15/2023

Medical Services provides a full range of health care services on campus, including the following:

  • Acne care
  • Cold and virus care
  • Allergy desensitization shots
  • Men’s health
  • Women’s health
  • Transgender and gender expansive health
  • STI testing
  • Travel assessments and medication
  • Tobacco cessation
  • Vaccinations
  • Laboratory tests
  • Nutrition services
  • Wart removal
  • Weight management

Virtual consultations

Students who are on campus or in New York State can also schedule telehealth appointments instead of an in-person appointment through the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-7426.

If you are currently outside of New York State, please call 212-854-7426 so our health services assistants can help schedule an appointment with one of our providers or facilitate a referral to a provider licensed in your state.

Radiology Services

X-rays and other types of diagnostic imaging are usually performed at near by imaging centers. The cost to the student depends on their insurance coverage.

When will students require health insurance for the medical care?

Medical Services serves as the primary care provider for all students on the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan and all students who have paid the full-time Columbia Health and Related Services Fee.  There is no limit to the frequency or total number of on-campus medical visits.

Health insurance is required for visits to outside specialists, lab work, hospital visits and all other services not provided on campus.

For visits to outside specialists

Students should arrange a consultation with their primary care provider, who may offer a referral. Referrals are written at the discretion of providers at the time of the visit, based on medical condition

To get a referral, students should schedule an appointment to be evaluated by their primary care provider at Medical Services.

Students on the Columbia Plan

You need a referral for all visits to outside providers and is required in advance of the visit, so plan accordingly. You can learn more about how to use your insurance plan or email [email protected] for support. 

Note: ColumbiaDoctors practice groups are not part of Columbia Health and are considered an off-campus provider. You need a referral from your on-campus Columbia Health provider to see these specialists.

Students who have their own health insurance

Please refer to your insurance plan for costs and options for in-network providers.