Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions about making appointments, dealing with medical emergencies, changing insurance plans and more.
General information
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment, call us at 401 454-6625.
Where do I go for my appointment?
We are located at 72 Pine Street, Providence, RI 02903. Our offices are on the second floor.
How much does it cost to be seen by Health Services?
The services we provide are covered by your RISD tuition.
Any services provided outside of our office, however, will incur costs determined by your individual health plan. This includes the cost of lab work and diagnostic imaging done at our partner facilities.
What services do you offer?
Our expert nurse practitioners provide a wide range of care at no cost to full-time students, including:
- routine health screening
- gynecological care
- LGBTQIA+ care
- STI screening and treatment
- birth control counseling
- pregnancy testing
- lab work
For care or testing that we do not provide, we can refer you to a Providence-area specialist.
What is the patient portal?
With our online patient portal you can conveniently:
- submit immunization records.
- view upcoming or past appointment dates.
- submit health records.
- update personal information.
- securely communicate with your RISD care provider.
What is a nurse practitioner?
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice nurse who has expanded their education to allow for diagnosing and treatment of medical conditions. They are allowed to prescribe medications and perform procedures, allowing for comprehensive medical care of our students.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
While not all commercial health plans require referrals to see specialists, RISD’s University Health Plan does require a referral from Student Health Services anytime care is sought outside of our facility, unless it is an emergency. Please contact our office to assist with this process.
Can I do a virtual appointment?
There are some visits that may be performed virtually, as long as you are physically located in Rhode Island. Please contact our office for more information.
What do I do if Student Health Services is closed?
If you believe you are having a medical emergency on campus, please contact public safety and call 911. Otherwise, we recommend you seek care at Lifespan Urgent Care, located on Branch Avenue in Providence.
I went to the emergency room. Now what?
Please contact our office upon discharge so we may follow up on your condition and any follow-up care that may be needed.
Can I get a vaccine at Health Services?
We do offer some vaccines within Health Services. Please call us at 401 454-6625 to make an immunization appointment or to speak with a nurse for questions regarding immunizations.
Is Health Services open overnight or on weekends?
We are open Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm. We are not open overnight or on weekends.
If you are experiencing an emergency outside of our normal business hours, call Public Safety at 401 454-6666 or dial 911. If your health issue is not urgent, please call us during our standard business hours.
Insurance information
Are both domestic and international students automatically signed up for RISD’s health insurance plan?
Yes.
What is the insurance plan’s annual start and end date?
Coverage runs from September 1 to August 31 of the following year.
How do I find out if I have health insurance?
If you have purchased the RISD health insurance plan, you can make an online UnitedHealthcare account to keep track of your plan information.
If you are not sure if you have health insurance, please call us at 401 454-6625 for assistance.
Where can I find my insurance card information?
You can obtain your insurance card information from United Healthcare Student Resources.
Is dental insurance included in RISD’s student health insurance plan?
RISD-provided dental insurance is not included in our student health insurance plan. You can sign up for dental coverage via University Health Plans.
What do I do when requesting an insurance referral for a non-RISD healthcare provider?
The RISD insurance plan requires a referral from Health Services if you want to see a provider outside of RISD. Please call us at 401 454-6625 to process this referral in order to ensure your medical care is appropriately covered by your insurance plan.
If it is an emergency, please do not wait for a referral and follow up with Health Services after.
What if I receive an insurance bill? Who do I contact?
If you receive an insurance bill and would like assistance, please forward a copy of the bill to Health Services or call us at 401 454-6625 for further assistance. Please note that the RISD insurance plan has an annual $50 deductible that is your responsibility as the student.
If I pay an insurance bill in error, how do I get reimbursed?
Call us at 401 454-6625. We will help you inquire with your insurance provider about reimbursement.
What if I lose my current, non-RISD insurance coverage?
If you lose your outside insurance, you must sign up for our health insurance plan within 30 days after losing coverage.
After I graduate from RISD, for how much longer am I covered by RISD health insurance?
While Health Services can no longer provide students medical care after they graduate, your health insurance is still active until August 31st if you were to seek care elsewhere.
Contact Health Services
Hours
Mon–Fri: 8 am–4:30 pm
Contact
72 Pine Street, 2nd floor
Providence, RI 02903