Medical Referrals
Depending on your medical concerns, you may need services or tests we cannot provide at the Schacht Center. Certain kinds of services and tests require a referral, so it may still be important to be seen at Schacht even if you know you need something we cannot provide. In these meetings, your medical provider can discuss your concerns, help you connect with a specialist who is local to Smith, or help you find options for care in your home area.
A referral is an official recommendation from a medical provider for their patient to meet with a specialist. Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care doctor in order to cover the visit with a specialist. That’s why meeting with a primary care provider is a good first step, even if you think you might need to meet with a specialist. Schacht Center providers can provide routine referrals and physician orders through scheduled appointments at the Schacht Center. For students with insurance other than the Smith College Health Insurance: It is your responsibility to determine whether a referral is needed or an off-campus visit will be covered. You can call the phone number on the back of your insurance card to find out this information.
Tests done in the ER or at urgent care do not usually require a separate order from the Schacht Center. See Medical Emergencies for more information about seeking local care in an emergency.
Services We Do Not Provide
Services Available Through Community Providers |
Where To Receive This Care |
Referral Required? |
|---|---|---|
X-rays or other diagnostic images |
An emergency room like Cooley Dickinson or Baystate
|
No. If you receive care in the ER or urgent care and they believe you need imaging, they will order it for you and complete it there. |
Ultrasounds |
Any local emergency room like Cooley Dickinson |
No. If you are at the ER for a concern that warrants an ultrasound, a referral from a PCP is not needed. |
Medication abortions or surgical abortions (because we do not have ultrasound machines) |
Cooley Dickinson OB-GYN
|
No. You can connect with an abortion provider without a referral from a PCP. If it would be helpful for planning your care, the Schacht Center is happy to meet with you to provide warm hand-offs to local providers. |
IUD and Nexplanon placement |
Tapestry Sexual Health Clinic
|
No. Most insurances do not require a referral. If you are interested in an IUD or Nexplanon, you are welcome to make an appointment at Schacht and we can discuss options with you. |
Physical therapy |
Northampton Physical Therapy
|
Yes. A referral from a primary care provider is typically required for initiating services with a physical therapist. The Schacht Center is a good starting place for helping you connect with a physical therapist who meets your needs. |
Gender affirming surgery |
There are several local and Massachusetts-based surgeons who specialize in gender affirming surgery. Schacht maintains a referral list that we are happy to share with students as requested. |
Yes. A referral from a primary care provider and letters of support from a therapist are typically required for visits with gender affirming surgery providers. |
Contact the Schacht Center for Health & Wellness
Schacht Center for Health & Wellness
Smith College
21 Belmont Avenue
Northampton, MA 01063
Hours:
M, T, Th, F 8:30 a.m–4:30 p.m.
W noon–4:30 p.m.
Phone: 413-585-2800
If there is an emergency, call Campus Safety at 413-585-5555
For non-urgent concerns, email us:
- Counseling Services: counselingservices@smith.edu
- Medical Services: medicalservices@smith.edu
- Wellness Services: wellness@smith.edu