Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for incoming students and parents:

What should I do if I cannot get my completed Health Records into the College before July 1, 2008?
All incoming students must submit documentation of a Medical History, Physical Examination within the last 12 months (must be within 6 months if participating in competitive sports), appropriate screening for Tuberculosis and several state mandated immunizations. These forms are available and can be downloaded from our web site. We ask that these be submitted to us by July 1. This provides time for us to review the forms and to attempt to notify you of areas that remain incomplete or require additional information.

It is not necessary to notify us if you are not able to meet this deadline.
We do ask that you submit as much information as soon as possible. Delayed arrival of your health forms delays our ability to let you know if there are outstanding concerns and may result in placing a Medical Hold on your registration. Preseason athletes will not be allowed to practice with the team until all pre-entrance requirements and Pre-participation evaluation have been received.

How will I know if my health forms have arrived and are complete?
We begin reviewing health forms as they arrive. Students with forms that have incomplete information, immunizations or Tuberculin skin tests that do not meet the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requirements, will be sent a letter indicating specific information that is missing. We do not notify students that the forms have arrived.

We do receive deliveries from all of the express, overnight mail carriers in addition to US Postal Service delivery.

Can I complete my immunizations or get my physical exam after I arrive at Mount Holyoke?
College Health Services will be open on Sunday, August 31 and Monday September 1 from 9 am – 4 pm to see students by appointment, specifically to resolve incomplete health information. All required immunizations and Tuberculin skin tests will be available at College Health Services. There will be a charge based on the cost of the vaccine plus an injection fee, (ranging from $20-$75).These are not covered by the Student Medical Insurance Plan or the Prepaid Health Center Option. Physical exams can be scheduled through the health center starting on September 3. There is a  charge of $100.00 for this service.

How do I arrange for exemption from immunizations due to religious or other health related issues?
If you are requesting an exemption due to religious reasons, please send an explanatory note. Additional information regarding MGL Chapter 76.Sec 15c can be found online at MGL Chapter Link & Search or Mass.Gov Department of Public Health.

If you are requesting an exemption due to medical or other health issues submit documentation from your health care provider.

Persons not fully immunized will be required, by law, to leave the campus should an outbreak of measles, mumps or rubella occur.

Should I subscribe to the Student Medical Insurance Plan offered through the College?
There are many factors to be considered in making this decision. For more detailed information about Student Health Insurance, please see our website.

Please be aware that all MHC students can receive services at the Health Center. Charges for lab, x-ray, medications, physical therapy and nutrition services vary based on selection of insurance options. Please refer to the documents of Frequently Asked Questions and Should I Waive to determine which plan will best meet your needs.

Will I be able to receive allergy shots at the Health Center?
We do offer allergy injections at College Health Services through our nursing service. The injections will be provided free for those students who subscribe to the Student Medical Insurance Plan or the Prepaid Health Center Option. You will need to have your allergist provide us with a detailed vaccine administration protocol and contact numbers for your allergist office. You will need to either bring your vaccine/serum to us upon arrival at MHC or arrange for your allergist to mail it directly to us after September 1, 2008.

Do you have a pharmacy on campus? What is the best way for me to get my medications filled after I get to school?
We do not operate a pharmacy on campus. We do have a registered nurse on campus with support from a nurse practitioner/physician 8am-9pm week and 10am-10pm on the weekends.. We have an excellent working relationship with a local pharmacy which allows us to provide many of the most commonly prescribed medications at the time the student is seen, eg;, antibiotics, asthma meds, pain medications, etc.. The pharmacy then daily delivers to the Health Center the remainder of the prescribed medications. With a copy of the insurance card on file, the pharmacy electronically links to a wide range of health insurance plans. This allows them to determine the co-pay or charge for the medication.

If you have a medication that is ordered regularly by your provider, you can either bring the prescription to the Health Center or have your physician call the pharmacy directly. Louis and Clark Pharmacy, 413-534-5677. The medication can then be delivered to the Health Center. You can also arrange for payment of the medication using a credit card, clearly this must be arranged directly between the student and the pharmacy. Without this arrangement, all medications and co-pays must be paid for using the student’s one card at the time the medication is picked up at the Health Center.

If I have an ongoing medical or health issue, what services are provided by College Health Services? Do you have specialist in the area?
Our physician and nurse practitioners evaluate and manage a full range of primary care health concerns. Our staff refers to specialists as needed throughout the region for diagnosis and management of the full spectrum of specialized medical concerns. Our staff is available to “partner” with specialists and primary care providers who are involved with ongoing medical management of our students. Some examples include, ordering and submitting lab tests or other diagnostic procedures, administration of medications, periodic observation or evaluation etc. We also work closely with the Office of Disability Services regarding possible ADA accommodations with housing or academic concerns.

Suggestions for a Student Self-Care Kit
Over the years we have noted that there are items that many students do not bring with them to college. These would usually be found in their home “medicine cabinet” but do not make the college packing list. While we welcome questions and are available to see students for urgent care, we also believe that it is important to learn and utilize appropriate self-care measures. Here are some suggested items for all students to have on hand to respond to common illnesses. Managing common illness and navigating the health care system is one of the challenges a student may face for the first time once they arrive at college. We will do our best to support and educate but these items will help.

• Digital thermometer
• Small amount of common over the counter medications 
  • Tylenol or Ibuprofen for management of mild pain and fever
  • Antibiotic cream or gel, ie bacitracin or neosporin
  • Anti-diarrheal medication; ie peptobismol
  • Antacid tablets; ie tums
  • Cough syrup with guiafenisin
  • Nasal decongestant/antihistamine ie pseudoephedrine
• Reusable ice pack
• Reusable “hot pack” or heating pad
• Bandaids
• Copy of health insurance card and basic understanding of referral process, co-pay costs and prescription drug benefit required by health insurance carrier. This information is of great importance when the student has waived the Student Medical Insurance Plan.
• Copy of prescription for corrective lenses. Amazing how lenses can be damaged or lost
• Copy of prescription or medication in container with complete prescription information for regularly used medications.

When will the College Health Services open?
The Health Center will be open on August 31 and September 1 from 9am-4pm for urgent care and medical clearances only. The full range of services will resume at 8am on September 2, 2008. See details of Health Services hours.

Who do I contact if I have further questions or concerns?
During the summer, we have a limited administrative staff available. Please call 413-538-2089 and leave a message with your questions, time and number when you can best be reached. One of our staff will return your call as soon as possible. If you have not had a response within 5 business days, please contact us again. You may also email Health Services your questions or concerns. This may be easier particularly if you have several questions or are contacting us from a distance of several time zones.