{"id":1959,"date":"2016-06-28T15:19:56","date_gmt":"2016-06-28T19:19:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/health\/?page_id=1959"},"modified":"2025-07-21T11:58:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T15:58:30","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/health-services\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Health Services FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Questions about Accessing Care and Services Provided<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What can I expect from my first visit?<\/h3>
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Please bring your insurance card to your visit if you have not been seen here before or if you have a change in your insurance carrier. You will be seen regardless if you have this information on you or not but will be asked to email it or stop by with the information. You may be asked to complete health history paperwork. CMMC hosts a patient portal called MyHealthLink. Students are urged to sign up for the portal. For more information, visit cmmc.org and click on MyHealthLink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you walk in and would like to be seen, you will be first evaluated by an RN before seeing a provider if appropriate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What type of medical professional will I see when I visit Health Services?<\/h3>
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Health Services is staffed by resident family physicians, faculty family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses. Central Maine Medical Center\u2019s resident physicians are medical school graduates who have been accepted by the hospital\u2019s three-year Family Medicine Residency Program for advanced training in family medicine. They are supervised by residency faculty physicians who have completed their own residency training and now work as medical educators. Residency faculty also see patients at the CMMC Family Medicine Residency at 76 High Street in Lewiston.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What diagnostics does Health Services provide?<\/h3>
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Testing services available at Bates Health Services include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Strep Testing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Pregnancy Testing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) Testing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Anemia (Iron) Testing \u2013 Hemoglobin finger stick<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 HIV Testing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Blood Sugar Testing \u2013 Glucose finger stick<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Mononucleosis Testing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Tuberculosis (TB) Testing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 COVID-19 Testing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Additional Lab testing can be collected at BHS and sent to CMMC lab for results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the Services Provided page<\/a> for more information about diagnostics and other health testing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What are my options when Health Services is closed?<\/h3>
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In case of emergency, students should contact Campus Safety and Bates EMS at 207-786-6111.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have an urgent medical question or concern after hours,  you will have the option to speak to the physician on-call at CMMC<\/strong>. To access the physician on-call, call BHS at 207-786-6199<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Health Services is closed, you will receive the voicemail message indicating that BHS is closed, with instructions on how to connect with the physician on-call. Follow this prompt. You will then speak with an answering service. When you begin speaking with the answering service, ask for the Family Medicine Residency Clinic and note that Dr. Picard is the primary care provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the Accessing Services page<\/a> for more information about local providers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Questions about Cost, Bills, and Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Will I need to pay a co-pay?<\/h3>
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Bates College will pay up to $45.00 for a co-pay or co-insurance for each visit. Any remaining amount owed will be billed directly to the student. You will not need to provide your co-pay or co-insurance payment at the time of your appointment see a provider at Health Services. Please contact your insurance company for more information on your individual co-pay and co-insurance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Do I have to present my insurance card?<\/h3>
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Students will need to present their insurance card when first visiting Health Services. If your insurance plan changes at all while you are at Bates, you will need to provide the new information.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Will my insurance cover the services provided at Bates Health Services?<\/h3>
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If you have insurance through your family policy, you must let the company know you are at Bates College and determine how to handle all insurance claims while at Bates. Health Services like most healthcare clinics will be unable to process your claim, handle your bills, or answer any questions about your individual policy – you must work with your health insurance company directly. If your policy will not work at Bates Health Services (Central Maine Medical Center), it is recommended that students find a plan that supports their medical care at Bates, and students may also consider the Bates Student Health Insurance Plan – this ensures all students have coverage in the event they need healthcare while on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some instances, your insurance policy may require a referral to see a specialist; in this case our staff will contact your Primary Care Provider to expedite the referral. Pre-approval is often needed for x-rays, lab tests, and hospitalizations. If you have purchased the Bates College policy, the Patient Services Representative can help you with certain questions you may have. You are still responsible for understanding your policy and following the needed procedures and claim form requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Can I purchase health insurance through Bates?<\/h3>
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Bates does offer a student health insurance plan. See more information by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Can I still go to Bates Health Services even if don’t have Bates Insurance? <\/h3>
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All insured students can be seen at Bates Health Services, regardless of insurance provider.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If I need to go to Central Maine Medical Center, will I need to pay a co-pay?<\/h3>
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CMMC requires payment of any applicable co-pay fees prior to providing service. The co-pay amount will depend on your insurance company\u2019s fee schedule. CMMC accepts cash, checks, debit cards and major credit cards.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Questions about my Medical Record and Privacy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What is the privacy policy of Health Services?<\/h3>
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Privacy is extremely important when a student receives healthcare at Health Services. Records created and maintained by this department are considered student treatment records and the student\u2019s privacy of such information is governed by federal and state laws.  Unless specifically authorized by law or required by court order, private medical information and student treatment records will not be shared or released without the consent of the student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To authorize the release of health information, a student must sign the Release of Information form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a full review of CMMC’s Privacy Practices, you may read the CMMC Notice of Privacy Practices<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What will happen to my medical records?<\/h3>
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Students and alumnae can access their medical records for seven years from the date of graduation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Can I access my medical records electronically? <\/h3>
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Student can access their Bates Health Services medical records by enrolling in the myHealthlink Patient Portal. Students can use the myHealthlink Patient Portal for accessing labs and medical records, secure messaging with providers, requesting prescription refills, seeing future appointments, and summaries for past appointments. More information about this can be found on the Central Maine Health Care website here: https:\/\/www.cmhc.org\/patients-visitors\/patient-portal\/.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How do I request a copy of my medical records?<\/h3>
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You can access your Bates medical record for seven years from the date of your graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need a copy of your medical records, please email healthservices@bates.edu<\/a>, or call 207-786-6199.\u00a0 Please note what records you are requesting and where they should be sent on this Release of Information form<\/a>. We will need this document in order to complete your request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please allow up to 10 business days for processing of medical records requests.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What do I need to know about health insurance and shared information?<\/h3>
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If you are treated on campus by Bates Health Services or anywhere in the Central Maine Healthcare network, details regarding your illness or injury and its treatment are entered into your medical record. Your health insurance will be billed for services received, and this information will in turn be shared with the policy holder. If the policy holder is someone other than you, such as one or both of your parents, they will be made aware of the encounter, including the services for which the health insurance was billed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Questions about Prescriptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Where can I get my prescription(s) filled?<\/h3>
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Bates Health Services offers onsite prescription delivery service for students, Monday through Friday. A courier service will drop off medications to Post and Print at around 2:30 p.m. each day; you will receive an email when your package is ready. Medication will be sent in a sealed envelope with your name and number on the outside; your Bates ID and signature will be required for pickup. Please complete the forms accessed here<\/a> for prescription delivery service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prescriptions can also be filled by the CMMC Pharmacy, located on the ground floor of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. The CMMC Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The CMMC Pharmacy can be reached at 207-795-7177.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more immediate medication needs, we often utilize the CVS at 446 Sabattus Street or Walgreens at 430 Sabattus Street as both pharmacies are within walking distance of campus.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I am studying abroad and need to fill my prescriptions for the duration of the time I’ll be away. How do I do this?<\/h3>
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Make an appointment with Health Services to get an increased number of refills of your prescription. The provider you see will help work with the pharmacy and your insurance to get what you need.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Questions about Vaccinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What vaccinations are required to attend Bates?<\/h3>
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Bates College requires all students to be vaccinated against Diphtheria and Tetanus (with a booster dose within 10 years prior to enrollment); and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (with two doses after the first birthday).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Are there exemptions to required vaccines?<\/h3>
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In compliance with federal and Maine state law, students may request a medical exemption to these required vaccines. All requests for exemptions are subject to the review and approval of the Medical Director of Bates Health Services. You can receive the relevant forms by emailing healthservices@bates.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the event that a communicable disease, including but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, or pertussis, is identified on campus, students who are not vaccinated against that disease shall be excluded from school for one incubation period following the latest case of the disease. Students who are excluded from school may have to withdraw from the college for the remainder of the semester or longer, depending on the timing and length of incubation period. If a previously non-vaccinated student then receives MMR vaccines following the identification of a disease on campus, this student must wait one incubation period following completed MMR vaccination before returning to school. Please note, incubation periods vary based on disease type and \u201ccompleted MMR vaccination\u201d is defined as 2 doses of MMR separated by 28 days after the first birthday.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I’m traveling internationally. Where can I receive the proper vaccinations?<\/h3>
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Health Services can complete a consultation and physical examination prior to international travel, and will provide referrals for the necessary travel vaccinations through local providers. Please note, there can be significant wait times for travel clinics and it is best to do these as far in advance as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Questions about Classes and Resources on Campus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What should I do if I need to miss a class due to illness?<\/h3>
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If you are feeling ill and cannot attend class, it is your responsibility to inform your professor directly. Faculty should communicate their course attendance policies, and some may require notification from Health Services if you are absent due to illness. At Health Services, we will send notification to faculty for illness through Bates Reach that includes the date you were seen at Health Services, as well as relevant recommendations from the healthcare professional by whom you were seen, or verification that we have received documentation from an outside medical provider demonstrating illness.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I need a ride to a specialist’s office for my medical appointment but I don’t have a car. How can I get there?<\/h3>
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There are several options for transportation to and from an off campus medical appointment. Many students ask a friend with a car to help them when possible. The college offers the Bobcat Express<\/a> for students with appointments off campus. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I’ve sustained an injury which is making it difficult for me to walk to my classes. I have car but don’t know where to park on campus while I’m in class.<\/h3>
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For special circumstances, such as injuries making walking difficult, a temporary special parking permit may be issued. To receive a temporary parking permit for medical reasons, please contact healthservices@bates.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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