Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about the Swine Flu outbreak?

Please go to our Swine Flu FAQ page to read more details.

Do I have to pay to use the services?

There are no co-pays. Every Cal Poly Pomona student pays a quarterly health fee that covers unlimited visits with Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, or Nurses; X-rays; routine lab work; minor surgery; and Health Education services.

If you are a Continuing Student (have attended classes at least 2 consecutive quarters previously, are not currently enrolled, and intend to resume classes the following quarter), you will be charged $15 for each visit up to a total of $60/quarter. Payment may be made with cash, check, Mastercard or Visa. Occasionally, you may incur charges for services not covered by your health fee. You will be required to pay for these at the time they are rendered.

Where are you located on campus?

We are located in Bldg. 46, at the top of University Drive, across from ENV and next to Parking Lot J. We have patient parking available next to our building. The Wellness Center, our Health Promotion department, is located in the same building but with a separate West Entrance off our parking lot.

How late are you open? Are you open on Saturdays?

Student Health Services (Bldg. 46) is open Monday through Friday & quarter breaks, 8am to 5pm. Closed weekends and university holidays. The Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday; closed quarter breaks. Summer quarter hours for each area may vary, so check our Hours and Location for up to date details.

Should I make an appointment to use your services?

Yes, whenever possible. We strongly encourage you call to make an appointment so that we may better plan your visit to ensure as little waiting as possible. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the urgency of the situation. Call our main number at (909) 869-4000, x1 and speak to a receptionist. We make every attempt to accommodate you, based on the schedule of clinicians and their available hours.

However, if you injure yourself or have an urgent medical situation, you may come in that day and be seen in our Urgent Care department. You will still need to check in at the Registration Desk at which time they will give you an appointment time that day. Depending on the number of patients ahead of you, there may be some delays in seeing a doctor.

How do I get a copy of my medical records?

Medical records are confidential and can only be released with signed consent from the patient (if 18 and older) or their parent or guardian (if 17 or younger). Please see our Medical Records web page for more information.

How can I get affordable health insurance?

Low cost outside health insurance is available through a plan administered by ASI (Associated Students, Inc.). Go to the CSUHealthlink.com website, and look for the type of coverage you are interested in. This plan works closely with our services, in that you would be referred to plan doctors or medical centers if we are unable to treat your appropriate issue.

I have an Immunization Hold on my record—what should I do?
As mandated by the California State Legislature, you will need to show us proof that you have immunity to certain diseases, either through previous immunizations or infections. Please read our “Required Immunizations" page for more details. This requirement must be met BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR YOUR SECOND QUARTER TERM.

If you are unable to provide this documentation either through records or a blood test, you must be immunized. Please call the Immunization Hotline at (909) 869-2759 for pricing information and current updates. Student Health Services administers all immunizations by appointment (call 909-869-4000).

What should I do if I think I broke a bone?

Student Health Services is licensed for "Ambulatory Care," which means you need to be able to walk in on your own. If you think you've broken a bone, are not in extreme pain, and are still able to walk in unassisted, a doctor will examine you and take X-rays, as needed. There is no charge for the exam or X-rays.

Can I get tested for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)?

Routine STI testing is available free of charge but can involve a number of different tests or screens. THERE IS NO ONE TEST OR SCREEN THAT DOES IT ALL! You will need to make an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner so that they can review your situation and order the appropriate tests or screenings.

Do I have to pay for medications or lab work?
We sell prescription medications at the cost of the medication plus a small packaging fee. We also sell at cost about 70 non-prescription (“Over-the-Counter”) items most commonly carried in drug stores. Our prices are usually 50-75% less than what you would have to pay at an outside pharmacy.

Most of our laboratory work is done at our own lab, and you will not be charged for this. Any lab work that is sent to an outside testing facility would require an additional fee. We contract with an outside agency who charges a reduced rate and we pass that savings on to you.

Payment for any items or services are due at the time they are ordered, and may be paid with cash, check, Mastercard or Visa.

Do you offer birth control options?

Condoms are sold at our pharmacy and at the Wellness Center at 10 for $1, and do not require any pre-appointments. Other at-cost birth control supplies are available at our pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner. All patients considering birth control, or who have never had a pelvic exam before, must make an appointment to attend a free Birth Control Options class (including information on Emergency Contraceptives) before their appointment with a clinician. These classes fully explain your options and give you an opportunity to ask important questions about your health. They are available face to face individually or in a group, as well as online through Blackboard.

I think I may have had unprotected sex. What should I do?

If you think you may be at risk for pregnancy and need Emergency Contraception, and you are 17 or over, you can go to the Pharmacy at Student Health Services (or any other pharmacy) and ask for Plan B or Emergency Contraceptive Pills (A state-issued photo ID along with your birthdate is required). You should also make an appointment with a clinician to talk about STD screening.

Can my spouse, significant other, or dependents be treated here?
No. Our services are only available to registered Cal Poly Pomona students who pay a quarterly health fee. Other current CSU students may also use our basic services at no additional charge.

Do you have an eye doctor?
No. We do perform a vision check, free of charge, which would determine whether you might need glasses. This requires you set an appointment. You would then need to see an outside specialist for a complete eye exam, as well as to purchase your glasses.

Do you have a dentist?
No. However, we will assist you in finding an appropriate provider near by. If you carry dental insurance, we will help you locate a dentist within your plan. A low cost dental insurance plan is also available to students. Visit the CSUHealthlink.com website for more details.

Do you have a dermatologist?
No. You can make an appointment to see a doctor or nurse practitioner to discuss any skin related issues. If needed, we will refer you to an outside dermatologist.

Do you have a CAT Scan or an MRI?
These costly, sophisticated machines require specialists who will perform the tests and interpret the results. Should your clinician recommend these tests, you will be referred to an outside agency.

Do you offer TB testing?

Yes, we do tuberculosis testing Monday through Thursday and it is free of charge for currently enrolled CPP students. You need to call 909-869-4000 and make a Nurse visit for TB testing. The test requires two visits. The first to administer the test and a second appointment 48hrs later to read the test.