Patient Advocate

All registered Harvard students who purchase both the Student Health Fee and Student Health Insurance Plan may qualify for financial assistance to help cover the cost of medically necessary health care that is not otherwise covered by insurance. Contact the Patient Advocate to learn more.

Harvard employees may be eligible for Harvard’s reimbursement programs to help address high out-of-pocket medical expenses. Benefits-eligible employees may also be interested in exploring options for Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts. Visit the Harvard Human Resources website to learn more and inquire.

We are prepared to meet the health care needs of students, faculty, staff, and retirees with disabilities. For students, we recommend early contact with a primary care clinician to establish a relationship of care during your time at Harvard.  

• Accessible automatic door openers are available at every clinic location.
• Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located throughout Harvard University Health Services at every clinic location. 
• There is braille signage in the elevators to navigate to the clinic floors.
• The Patient Advocate is available to assist individuals with arrangements for accessible needs and provide an orientation to the practice.
• For more questions or resources about accessibility for your work or academics, visit the Harvard University Disability Resources website.

If you speak a language other than English, HUHS provides language assistance services and appropriate auxiliary aids and services free of charge. To access these services, call (617) 495-5711 and indicate the language or service that is needed.

Harvard University Health Services is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. We partner with you to ensure that your care aligns with your individual needs and supports your dignity and wellbeing. We encourage you to review your rights and responsibilities as a patient. These rights and responsibilities apply to all patients—including minors and adults—as well as parents, guardians, or other legally authorized representatives.

• Bring your medications to the visit or a list that includes prescriptions, non-prescriptions, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
• Bring information on your current medical conditions, past surgeries, or illnesses.
• Write down your questions for your provider.

• Explain your symptoms, health history, and any prior problems you have had with your medication.
• Provide specific information about any challenges or limitations you’ve experienced due to your illness, injury, or condition. 
• Ask questions so that you understand what your healthcare provider is saying.
• Let your provider know if you do not feel you can follow any of the care recommendations.
• If you need a test, ask: How is the test done? How will it feel? What do I need to do to get ready for it? How will I get the results?
• If you need a prescription, tell your provider if you are pregnant, nursing, have had prior reactions to medicines, or take vitamins or herbal supplements.
• Ask for written instructions, brochures, videos, and/or websites.

• Follow your health care provider’s instructions.
• If you cannot follow the instructions or do not understand them, call your provider or care team for clarification.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you stop taking any medicines that your provider prescribed.
• Call your health care provider if your symptoms persist or worsen.
• Call your provider if you had labs or other tests and have not received your results.
• Schedule follow-up appointments that your doctor might recommend.

• Ask someone to join you at your visit to remind you to ask your questions and remember what was said.
• Take notes.
• Know your family health history, such as your parents’ health conditions.
• Ask questions if anything seems unclear.
• Let us know about your health concerns.
• Give us updates on any medications you are taking.
• Tell us when you see other healthcare providers.
• Work with us to develop a plan that works best for you.
• Tell us when you do not understand something.
• Ask for information on how to stay healthy.
• Do your best to keep scheduled appointments or reschedule as soon as possible.
• Share your feedback on how we can improve our care.