Services

Choosing a Primary Care Provider

When looking for a primary care provider there are a few qualities to consider: good communication, proximity to home or school, and someone who is qualified to manage your current health concerns and needs. If you have a complicated medical history or need management of on-going medical concerns, it is important to ensure that the provider has experience with your health needs. If you are healthy, establishing a primary care provider now can help you meet any goals you have, coordinate care in the future and be there when and if you need them.

Steps to Finding a PCP

1. Visit your health insurance website and navigate their Find a Provider list.
2. Fill in the necessary information – usually this is the location you are seeking an appointment. It is important to consider if you would like a provider near to campus or close to where you are living. Be mindful that your residence may change during your time at Northeastern.
3. Review the names of doctors listed by your network and identify those who are accepting new patients.
4. Narrow the list to providers who meet your needs (proximity, gender, language, accepting new patients).
5. Check out the providers information on their website. The information typically includes specialty areas of primary care (women’s health, internal medicine, weight management, etc.).

Preparing for Your Initial Visit

Call the office and ask how to set up a new patient appointment. When making calls to the primary care office or hospital, be sure to have your insurance card to reference.

In advance of your first visit with a primary care provider, you will need to obtain a copy of your medical record or ask your previous provider to forward your record. You may need to sign a release of information for your record to be sent to a new provider, so be sure to start the process well in advance of your scheduled appointment. Bring your insurance card to your first visit for confirmation with the provider and the staff of your insurance plan and coverage.

Potential Questions for Your First Visit

• What are your office hours? Do you have evening or weekend hours available? What happens if I have an emergency?
• Are translation services available?
• How long do patients typically wait for appointments? Do you make same and next-day appointments for urgent matters?
• Do you offer basic lab tests in your office, or will I have to go somewhere else?
• Can I call or email you with non-urgent questions?  How long can I expect it to take for you to get back to me?
• Is this a group practice? Will I ever see Physician’s Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) or another doctor?
• Can I bring a friend or family member with me to my appointments?
• How do you provide prescriptions? Do you offer prescription coordination, free delivery or preferred programs?
• What level of communication can I expect? Can I speak to the doctor directly when I call in?
• How do you handle specialist referrals?
• Do you have expertise treating my condition?
• Do you work with a certain hospital?  Will you be involved in my care if I get admitted to a hospital?

You are a steward in your health care journey. If you have questions or are unclear what the provider is discussing or asking, it is important to ask for clarification, more information, or take time to make a decision that will impact your health, treatment or on-going care. Your primary care provider should be a partner in your health, and you are your best advocate.

Initial Appointment at UHCS: 

1. Schedule a medical appointment with a UHCS provider, either in-person or via telehealth. 
2. During this visit, the provider will assess the student’s condition and determine if specialty care is needed. 

Referral to a Specialist:

1. If specialty care is required (e.g., dermatology, orthopedics, endocrinology), UHCS clinicians will provide a referral to a specialist in the local Boston area.  
   • These referrals are typically made to providers who accept the Northeastern University Student Health Plan (NUSHP) or the student’s private insurance. 

1. Review Your Health Insurance 
   • Confirm your plan covers allergy services.
   • A referral from your primary care provider (PCP) is often required. 
   • Understand your plan’s provider network, co-pays, and deductibles. 
2. Coordinate with Your PCP
   • Notify your PCP early—they may require a checkup before issuing a referral. 
   • Massachusetts law requires full-time students to have qualifying health insurance. Consider the Northeastern University Student Health Plan (NUSHP). 
3. Contact Your Current Allergist
   • Submit a release of information form to transfer your records. 
   • Most local allergists require full documentation before scheduling:
     • Allergy test results, serum composition and dosage, injection history, a signed order confirming you can receive injections 
4. If Bringing Your Own Serum
   • Ensure vials are labeled with your name, DOB, extract details, and expiration date. 
   • Vials must be refrigerated and previously used. 
   • Check each clinic’s policy on serum delivery. 

Inquire about any other requirements and review the local allergy practice website for further information 

• Allergy and Inflammation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Dr. Johnson Wong, MD
• Allergy Department, Atrius Health Boston-Kenmore
• Allergy Division, Tufts Medical Center
• Boston Specialists