FAQS

A team staffed by advanced practice nurses and administrative staff:

How do I make an appointment with Health Services?

Students need to create an account at https://pratt.medicatconnect.com/ through the Medicat portal. After creating your account, Students can call Health Services at 718.399.4542. You can find a video on registering for the patient portal here.

When are you open?

We are currently open from 9-5 Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters, 9-4 during the summer semester

Is there a cost or copay for my appointment with Health Services?

Students will not have a cost to see any of the clinicians in the Health Office. There will be charges to your insurance if there are any needed labs corresponding to your appointment. I.e, if you need STI testing or blood work sent out.

What are your services?

Sick Visits: fever, cold, flu & COVID symptoms, sore throat, stomach symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, UTIs, rash, First Aid: cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries, Well Visits: annual and sports physicals, GYN: Birth control, annual Gyn visits, gender-affirming care, STI Testing and Treatment, HIV Prevention ( PREP & PEP) General Health/ Wellness Education, Referrals as needed

When should I contact Health Services?

You may benefit from a visit with us to address a specific problem or you may find it helpful to talk about concerns that warrant more attention. If you have a question or feel like you need support, call us.

What is an emergency and what do I do?

It can be hard to decide what is an emergency vs what is urgent. An emergency requires life- or limb-threatening health conditions in people of all ages. It is the best option when you require immediate medical attention. Call 911 AND public safety @ ext 3540. Urgent care is appropriate If you have a minor illness or injury that can’t wait until tomorrow, call Health Services for a same-day appointment. In any case, if you are unsure of what to do call the office and request to speak with a nurse.

Urgent Care is the middle ground between your primary care provider and the Emergency Department. If you have a minor illness or injury that can’t wait until tomorrow, Urgent Care is the way to go

Will my professors or family members find out that I have been to Health Services?

We do not disclose any of your protected health information.

What should I expect from a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who is a trained, licensed, and independent health care clinician who concentrates on blending their clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management. NPs provide a broad range of health care services including performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating diseases and other health conditions, and prescribing medication. Your NP is a health professional who has been trained to help you identify and begin to address some of the issues that are of concern to you.

What medication can I get prescribed or refilled?

Our team of nurse practitioners can prescribe and refill a wide variety of medications. There may be some instances where we are unable to do so. Please give us a call to check in on your specific needs and if we are not able to refill your medication, we can assist you in finding a healthcare professional who can.

I missed a class due to illness. Can Health Services provide me with an “Excused Absence”?

Health Services does not generally provide students with “excused absences.” If the student has been evaluated by a healthcare provider on campus and it has been determined that they are not well enough to attend classes, the student should inform their professors and can request verification of a visit to the Health Center. If the student is expected to miss class for an extended period of time, the student may contact the student advocate to review their situation and formulate a plan

What is the “health hold” on my student account?

Most health holds indicate that you are missing or have submitted an incomplete Health Evaluation packet, which includes immunization records, tuberculosis testing, and a recent physical examination. If you have not submitted a health evaluation, you can find more information here. If you have previously submitted a form but still have a hold, please check your Pratt email for notices regarding missing information or contact us at health@pratt.edu.

How do I waive or enroll in the student health insurance plan?

The waiver/enrollment process for the student health insurance plan is handled by Student Financial Services. It’s important to note that waiving and enrollment are not automatic processes. Please note all important deadlines. You can find a link to the waiver/enrollment form here

I have already waived the student health insurance. Why is the charge still on my bill?

It may take several weeks for your bill to be updated. Please contact Student Financial Services at sfs@pratt.edu or at 718.636.3599 for more information.

What benefits does the student insurance plan provide?

Pratt offers health insurance through Aetna Student Health. You can view full plan details, find in-network providers, and download a copy of your health insurance ID card on the Aetna Student Health website here:

I am under my parents’ insurance, will they know what I come to health services for?

The staff here at Health Services will uphold confidentiality. However, as a dependent on your parents’ policy, they will have access to reports from their insurance. If this is a concern for you, alert the front desk admin and your nurse during your appointment so we can explore alternatives.

I have graduated. Can I still visit the Health Center?

The Health Center cannot treat students after they have graduated. We recommend consulting with your provider during the semester before graduation to make a plan for transitioning to another healthcare provider after graduation.

When does health insurance coverage end after graduating? What are my options for health insurance coverage?

For students graduating in the Spring, health insurance coverage ends on August 17th. For students graduating in the Fall, coverage ends on January 14th. Students staying in New York can visit the New York State Health Plan Marketplace for more information on how to purchase and enroll in a health plan.

Vaccinations

Download and print out the packet and bring it with you to your medical provider’s office. Once you and your medical provider have completed all three parts, scan or photograph each part and upload them to the Pratt website.

MMR – NY state requires that all students born on or after 1/1/57 must prove immunity to measles mumps and rubella

Meningococcal – students must provide proof of vaccination or the signed waiver

I am unable to get an MMR in my home country…what should I do?

You should obtain an MMR dose as soon as you get to the United States. You can get the MMR vaccine at the Fort Greene Health Center near the Pratt Brooklyn campus. There are also other locations where you can receive the MMR vaccine.

If you cannot have all required vaccines by the submission deadline please submit what you have in the meantime and reach out to Health Services for more information.

My insurance won’t cover a physical now, can I submit it later?

Yes, as soon as your coverage will allow. This is a Pratt requirement.

I can’t get an appointment with my personal doctor for a physical, what can I do?

Try a local urgent care center that doesn’t require an appointment.

Vaccinations – Exemptions

Vaccination exemptions are granted on a medical or religious basis. Medical exemptions are processed through Health Services. Religious exemptions are processed via the legal department

The meningococcal vaccine is not required, but highly recommended for college students and will not impact your ability to register for classes. If you choose to not get the vaccine or have not yet received the vaccine, you can sign the waiver portion (bottom left corner) of page 1 titled “Immunization Record” in the Health Packet in the meantime.

Alright. How do I make an appointment?

Call(s) are preferred, but you can email with your availability and student ID in the body of the email