What To Do When You Get Sick

Procedures

The most accessible health care for students can be found on Main Campus at UNM Student Health and Counseling (SHAC). SHAC is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:30pm, and Friday, 9:00am to 5:00 pm. For more information about SHAC services, visit the SHAC website or call 505.277.3136.

Generally, SHAC health practitioners can treat your medical conditions.

If they are unable to treat your condition, they will assist you with referrals to other health facilities, which can provide the care you need.

SHAC office visit fees are much lower than community rates. There are additional fees for lab work, X-rays and other treatments. If your illness requires immediate attention and SHAC is closed, you can:

1. Contact the doctor on call at Student Health and Counseling by calling 505.277.3136.

2. Contact a local doctor's office or clinic.

3. If you cannot contact a doctor or clinic and the illness is severe, go to a hospital emergency room (make sure to check with your insurance company in advance, if you are not so severely sick that you are prevented from doing so).

4. Take medical insurance information with you (including an insurance card if you have one).

5. Take a picture I.D. with you.

6. Take a friend or acquaintance that can help you.

Useful Tips

Understand your Health Insurance Policy!

• Be prepared in advance by being familiar with your insurance company's policy on emergencies and hospital treatment.

• It is important to know what exactly your health insurance plan covers before the need to seek medical treatment arises. Many insurance companies require you to check with them before going to the emergency room of the hospital.

• Sometimes it might be hard to understand the terminology, which describes your benefits and specific health conditions that are not included in the plan. Please re-visit our guide on Basic Insurance Terminology to help you better comprehend your health insurance policy.

Useful Links:

If you are ill, and Student Health and Counseling is closed, or if you need care for your spouse or children, you may try the following health care providers for an appointment or emergency care (please click on the links to view a map):