Primary Care strives to offer timely urgent care right here on campus. We also work with a number of local health care providers for more comprehensive or specialized services.
Dental Care
Boston has many qualified dentists to keep your smile in shape during your time at BU. You may enroll in the Student Discount Program through the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine or the Vital Savings Dental Discount Program offered through Aetna Student Health. However, you are responsible for any additional charges that may occur.
Vision Care
Need new eyeglasses or contacts? If you are enrolled in SHIP, call Aetna Vision Care at 1-800-793-8616 for a list of in-network eye care providers. For basic vision care, we often refer students to Boston University Eye Associates or New England College of Optometry, located at 930 Commonwealth Avenue.
Radiology
X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
X-ray services are available at the Ryan Center for Sports Medicine, which is conveniently located right next to the Fitness & Recreation Center. For MRI and CT scanning, we can provide you with a referral for a local provider. Check your insurance plan’s benefits and be advised that you are responsible for paying any associated costs not covered by insurance.
Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
The Ryan Center For Sports Medicine at Boston University offers a range of comprehensive sports medicine and rehabilitation services including The Boston University Physical Therapy Center (BUPTC).You can take advantage of orthopedic and sports physical therapy, post-surgical rehabilitation, biomechanical analysis, work injury management, aquatic therapy, concussion care, and more all at one convenient location.
Laboratory Tests
Blood Work & More
While we do have an on-site lab for some basic testing, we may need to send your specimen to an outside lab for more advanced processing. Our in-house LabCorp laboratory is located at our 881 Commonwealth Avenue location and offers an extensive selection of laboratory services. Please note that coverage for laboratory testing is dependent on your health insurance.
Allergy Shots
SHS does not provide allergy shots, but we can point you toward a local practice that does.
See a list of local resources that can provide allergy testing and shots.
Nutrition Services
Boston University’s Sargent Choice Nutrition Center offers a variety of services to help you navigate the dining halls, restaurants, and your own kitchen. Their offerings are designed to help you balance your nutritional needs with your preferences, budget, and lifestyle. They offer individual counseling sessions with registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) who have expertise in the following areas: eating disorders, weight-related concerns, food allergies and intolerances, celiac disease , gastrointestinal disorders , women’s health , vegetarian/vegan meal planning , sports nutrition , nutritional deficiencies, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and diabetes and pre-diabetes. They also offer classes, workshops, and interactive educational events. Learn more about their services.
Travel Medicine
Going abroad? You may need certain vaccines or preventative care to stay healthy—check cdc.gov/travel for the most up-to-date guidelines. If you need traveler health services, make an appointment at a local travel clinic.
If you are doing international research or another program that will involve contact with patients and/or blood-borne pathogens, please review these additional guidelines.