Achoo! Flu season hits, the sniffles have set in, or you suddenly need an immunization before heading abroad next semester. Where should you go? 

American University’s Student Health Center (SHC) is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for situations just like these. Located in McCabe Hall, the campus clinic specializes in meeting the distinct health care needs of college students. 

“Our mission is to help our students stay healthy—and when they’re not, get them back to healthy,” said David Reitman, SHC’s medical director and a physician board-certified in adolescent medicine.

Six Ways to Make the Most of Campus Health Care

• Care is available to all students regardless of insurance: You don’t need the Aetna Student Health Insurance plan to be seen. While the SHC does not bill insurers directly,  routine visits cost a flat $25 copay, lab work and diagnostics are priced at cost, and patients can submit receipts to their insurance providers for potential reimbursement.

• Services mirror a primary care doctor’s office: The clinic handles acute illnesses, routine preventative medicine, immunizations, pre-travel physical for study-abroad programs, comprehensive lab diagnostics, reproductive health care, and psychiatric services, and more.

• Scheduling is quick and flexible: Appointments can be booked by calling 202-885-3380 or through the online patient portal, with telehealth visits available for select needs. If you’re unsure whether you need an appointment, call or message the staff through the portal for guidance.
• Same-day visits are reserved for acute sickness: If no slots appear online, call or walk in to talk with the front desk. Students reaching out before late afternoon can almost always be accommodated the same day. 
• Know when to seek immediate evaluation: Visit the clinic right away if you have a fever over have a fever above 100°F, severe or unmanageable pain, or lingering symptoms that fail to improve after several days.
• Urgent care and emergency alternatives: For non-emergency needs outside clinic hours, head to a local urgent care facility. In cases of life-threatening emergencies—such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or seizures—go to the nearest emergency room immediately. 

Learn more about the Student Health Center.