Frequently Asked Questions

Call  us  at 973-353-5231 or 973-353-5232  on weekdays, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. A staff member will evaluate your needs, by phone and set up an appointment with an appropriate health provider; either by Telemedicine and/or in-person appointments.

The university provides a nurse answering line that offers 24 hour service by calling 866-221-9674.  A representative will obtain your history and provide best advice for care.  If additional support is needed, please schedule an appointment with the Student Health Services team by phone (973-353-5231).

Student Health Services offers a laboratory service where you can have a number of diagnostic tests performed if medically applicable. Please note that your ordering healthcare provider should explain how best to prepare for these services, if necessary.

Some examples of Lab tests that are facilitated through Student Health Services include: 

• Age-appropriate testing for annual physicals 
• PAP Smear
• Diagnostic Tests: 
  • Urine tests
  • Throat and other cultures
• Sickle cell
• Gender Affirming Labs
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening 

All currently enrolled/registered Rutgers University-Newark students are welcome to visit the Student Health Services-Newark.

Health insurance is mandatory at Rutgers University–Newark. This means that if you are enrolled and registered as a full-time student, you have the option to enroll in health care coverage through the university health plan or you are covered by your parents’ or personal insurance plans.

Rutgers University requires all full-time students to have health insurance coverage. To ensure that you have access to comprehensive and affordable health insurance, Rutgers University offers The Student Health Insurance Plan serviced by University Health Plans (UHP) and underwritten by United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR).

Student Health Insurance Enrollment and Waiver

Full-time students are enrolled in the student health insurance plan every semester. Part-time students have the option and are highly recommended to enroll. Students who have similar comprehensive insurance plans and who wish to decline enrollment must waive the student insurance during enrollment period. Please note there are enrollment and waiver deadlines.

• To enroll or waive, visit the University Health Plans website.

• For J1, F2, J2 visa sponsored students visit RU Global Student Services.

• For enrollment or waiver issues, call directly at (800) 437-6448

There are NO COSTS to the visit, NO CO-PAYS and NO LIMITS to the number of visits to Student Health Services.

• Routine laboratory and immunizations are covered by the student insurance plan.

• Review the terms of the student insurance plan and call the student health insurance company at (800) 505-4160 regarding your plan's coverage including preferred vs. out-of network, co-insurance, co-pays, deductibles, limitations and exclusions, etc.

If you have your own insurance...

• Lab testing, immunizations, and medication may incur additional costs. Please contact your insurance carrier for more information. 

• Student Health Services does not participate in any insurance panels. Call your private health insurance company regarding reimbursements of costs incurred at Health Services. Some insurance programs will cover out-of-network costs for various procedures, diagnostic laboratory testing, x-rays, etc. Call your insurance company and learn the details of your coverage. Remember, visits with clinicians are always covered, regardless of insurance coverage, so reach out if you need care!

We take your privacy seriously. Any health & wellness personnel who have access to your protected health information (PHI) will use this information solely to conduct health & wellness business, including providing medical or mental health treatment. The confidentiality of health records are strictly maintained and are not part of your academic record.

The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) was established to protect the confidentiality of protected health information, and provide, generally, that patient information may not be disclosed except as part of the medical and mental health treatment, permitted or required by law (such as state or federal laws, court orders), or unless authorized by the patient.

It is the responsibility of all personnel to preserve and protect confidential patient information whether in oral, written, or electronic form. The unauthorized or inappropriate access or disclosure of PHI by the personnel are grounds for immediate disciplinary action.

Rutgers University-Newark Student Health Services uses an electronic health record system for medical record charting and appointment scheduling.

The protected health information’s storage, retrieval, maintenance, security, and back-up are handled by the Office of Information Technology at RU-N. Student Health Services has adopted an Information Management Plan for safeguarding the confidentiality and privacy of the health and financial information as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). A Security Officer has been designated as person-in-charge of managing clinical records.

Any release of protected medical information must comply with the Student Health Services HIPAA policy. 

If you are under the age of 18, please have your parent or guardian complete this form. Bring the signed form with you when you come to your scheduled appointment.

Consent to Treat Minor Form

Your privacy is our priority. We will only release your medical records with your permission. To request your records, please complete and sign the HIPAA release form, providing all necessary details, including your best contact information. If you need your records sent to another person or facility, please contact Health Services at (973) 353-5231, and complete the following form to consent to the release of medical records to others.

Return the form by:

• Fax: (973) 353-1390
• Mail: Rutgers University-Newark Health Services, 249 University Ave., Blumenthal Hall Rm 104, Newark, NJ 07102
• In-person: 249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall Room 104, Newark, NJ 07102

You can receive your records by:

• Pick up: Preferred method at Blumenthal 104
• Fax or Postal Mail: Please note that these options may not be secure.

1. Provide accurate information about your health history.
2. Ask questions if you don't understand the explanation of your diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, or any instructions.
3. Follow instructions concerning treatment, medications, follow-up visits, patient education, and to notify your clinician if  you cannot follow your treatment plan.
4. Arrive as scheduled for appointments and notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel. After two no-shows, you will be charged a $5 penalty and $10 for any subsequent no-shows.
5. Advise medical staff about advance directives or living wills, which may affect medical decisions.
6. Pay any charges billed to you.
7. Follow rules and regulations posted within the Rutgers University-Newark Health Services.
8. Be considerate and respectful of the rights of other patients and health care personnel.
9. Turn off cell phones upon entering the Rutgers University-Newark Health Services.

1. Receive considerate, respectful and dignified care regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, culture, disabilities, country of origin, language or religious beliefs.
2. Know the names and titles of people involved in your care as designated by ID badges, personal introductions, or professional cards.
3. An explanation of your evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms you can understand. If you are unable to comprehend health information, the information will be made available to a person designated or authorized by you or on your behalf.
4. A complete and thorough examination by the health care provider, including appropriate assessment and effective management.
5. Receive the information necessary to participate in decisions about your care and to give your informed consent before any diagnostic or therapeutic procedures are performed.
6. Refuse treatment, except as prohibited by law, and to be informed of the consequences of making this decision.
7. Provide us with advanced healthcare directives.
8. Obtain credentials of your providers. Request a change of provider. Request a second opinion prior to any treatment.
9. Request that health care information be communicated in your native language via a translator or another resource.
10. Request that a chaperone be present during your exam.
11. Request copies and review your medical records created and maintained by the Rutgers University-Newark Health & Wellness Services.
12. Expect that your personal privacy will be respected and protected and records are kept strictly confidential. Specific provisions concerning the confidentiality of your health information as well as use and disclosure of your health information is set forth in Rutgers University-Newark Health Services Notice of Privacy Practices and related documents.
13. Receive an explanation of any research or experimental procedure proposed for treatment, and the opportunity to give your informed consent before any procedure will begin.
14. Receive an explanation of any charges that may be made by the Rutgers University-Newark Health Services, even though they may be covered by insurance. You have the right to register complaints regarding your care with the clinician and/or administration, and to switch providers if you wish.