Medical Referrals
Sometimes you might need medical services that SHS doesn’t provide. In these circumstances, we can connect you with healthcare providers outside of BU.
Finding medical care off-campus can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone—our Referral Coordinator and Insurance experts can help.
Why you might need a referral
In general, you will need a referral for any specialty care, tests, or procedures that are not provided at SHS. Some common types of specialty care include:
How to Request a Referral
If you’re experiencing a new health concern, schedule an appointment so we can learn more and discuss your referral options.
Schedule online for an initial referral:
- Log on to Patient Connect
- On the left-hand side, select Appointments
- Select Schedule an appointment
- Select the reason for your visit
If you’re looking to renew a referral or have questions about a past referral from SHS, send a message to our referral coordinator.
- Log on to Patient Connect
- On the left-hand side, select Messages
- Select New Message
- Select Referrals
- Select the type of referral (either Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) or Primary Care/Medical (Physical Health, Chronic Disease, Injury)
- Add a message subject to the Subject line
- Compose your message in the text box provided
- Select Send
You can expect to hear back within 2-3 business days.
Resources for care outside of SHS
Some medical care requires referrals, while others do not. Review the resources to learn more.
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.
Usually, students don’t need a referral to access dental care, but we recommend connecting with your insurance provider if you have questions.
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 recommend
Boston University Eye Associates or
New England College of Optometry, located at 930 Commonwealth Avenue.
Usually, students don’t need a referral to access vision care, but we recommend connecting with your insurance provider if you have questions.
Nutrition Services
Boston University’s
Sargent Choice Nutrition Center offers a variety of services to help you navigate the dining halls, restaurants, and your 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) and offer classes, workshops, and interactive educational events.
If you’re enrolled in SHIP, you must obtain a referral before using nutrition services. Without a referral, your care might not be eligible for coverage and higher out-of-pocket costs may apply.
Physical Therapy
SHS works closely with the
Ryan Center for Sports Medicine and
Boston University Physical Therapy Center (BUPTC) and can provide referrals for care. Connect with our referral coordinator on Patient Connect to get started.
If you’re enrolled in SHIP, you must obtain a referral before receiving physical therapy. Without a referral, your care might not be eligible for coverage and higher out-of-pocket costs may apply.
Dermatology
SHS partners with several dermatology clinics in the Boston Area, including
Integrated Dermatology and
Skin Center Boston, for your complex skin needs. Connect with our referral coordinator on Patient Connect to get started.
If you’re enrolled in SHIP, you must obtain a referral before using dermatology services. Without a referral, your care might not be eligible for coverage, and higher out-of-pocket costs may apply.
X-rays and imaging services
X-ray services are available at the
Ryan Center for Sports Medicine, which is conveniently located right next to the BU Fitness & Recreation Center. Connect with our referral coordinator on Patient Connect to get started.
If you’re enrolled in SHIP, you must obtain a referral before receiving imaging services. Without a referral, your care might not be eligible for coverage and higher out-of-pocket costs may apply.
Travel medicine
We recommend reviewing the latest travel health guidance at
cdc.gov/travel. For vaccines and individualized recommendations, please make an appointment with a
local travel clinic. Connect with our referral coordinator on Patient Connect to get started.
If you’re enrolled in SHIP, you must obtain a referral before using travel medicine services. Without a referral, your care might not be eligible for coverage, and higher out-of-pocket costs may apply.
