Barnard College Barnard College
Health and Wellness

Primary Care Health Service

Our mission at Primary Care Health Service of Barnard College (PCHS) is dedicated to delivering evidence-based, trauma-informed, accessible, high-quality, and compassionate care that holistically addresses the health and well-being of our students. We are committed to health and reproductive justice, supporting student growth, and fostering autonomy in medical decision-making. Our goal is to empower students to become independent healthcare utilizers and advocates for their health, collaborating with them to co-create strategies that enhance their wellness and address the sensitive and vulnerable aspects of care.

We are committed to providing high-quality, student-centered healthcare. Guided by the standards of the American Association of Ambulatory Health Centers and the American College Health Association, we strive for excellence in every aspect of our services.

As the primary healthcare provider for our students, we offer comprehensive medical services, including primary care, preventive medicine, gynecologic care, and nutritional support. We aim to deliver high-quality, innovative healthcare that supports students' academic success, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Log into your Patient Portal here

Schedule an Appointment

Students are able to self-schedule appointments through the Health Portal for the following services ONLY:
Travel Immunization and Medicine
STI Screening
Flu Vaccine
Nutrition
Pregnancy Options Counseling

If a student schedules one of these appointment types but does not require that specific service, the appointment will be canceled, and the student will be asked to schedule the appropriate appointment for a later date.

For all other appointment types, patients should call 212-854-2091 to schedule an appointment.

To schedule an appointment, regardless of insurance status, call 212-854-2091. Please note that walk-in appointments are not available, and appointments cannot be made by email.

Our academic year hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are located in Brooks Hall, Lower Level (LL).

For after-hours triage care, please call 212-854-2091.

Our Services & What to Bring

Quick Links

Forms and Records

For medical forms and records, including required incoming student forms, see here.

Respiratory Illness Guidance

Barnard Health & Wellness has updated its guidance for respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), RSV, and other respiratory infections.

Our guidance follows current recommendations from the New York State and New York City Departments of Health and uses a symptom-based approach for returning to normal activities after illness.

If You’re Sick

If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness:

  • Stay home and away from others while you are sick.
  • Return to normal activities when your symptoms are improving, and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
  • For the next five days, take additional precautions to reduce the spread of illness:
  • Wear a well-fitting mask around others, especially indoors.
  • Maintain distance from others when possible.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Improve ventilation and choose cleaner air when possible.

Masking is encouraged when you have respiratory symptoms and is always welcome as a personal choice.

Need Medical Care?

Primary Care Health Service (PCHS)

PCHS is available to support students experiencing respiratory symptoms. Our clinicians can provide evaluation, testing, and treatment when clinically appropriate.

PCHS
212-854-2091
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • After-hours medical triage is available through the same number.
  • PCHS provides care for Barnard students only.

Medical Emergencies

For a medical emergency, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injury, or another potentially life-threatening condition:

  • On campus: Call CARES at 212-854-6666 to request assistance and no-cost ambulance transport to the nearest emergency room through CUEMS.
  • Off campus: Call 911.

Testing for Respiratory Illness

At-home rapid tests are available for purchase from the Health & Wellness vending machine on the first floor of Brooks Hall.

Local pharmacies and healthcare providers may also offer COVID-19 and influenza testing.

Testing recommendations may vary depending on your symptoms, exposure, medical history, and clinical circumstances. Contact PCHS if you have questions about whether testing is appropriate for you.

If You Live in Campus Housing

If you are sick and live in campus housing:

  • Wear a mask in shared spaces.
  • Maintain distance from others when possible.
  • Improve ventilation and choose cleaner air when possible.
  • Avoid sharing food, drinks, or personal items.
  • Clean shared surfaces after use.
  • When possible, ask a friend or roommate to pick up food for you.
  • If you need to obtain food yourself, wear a mask and consider visiting dining locations during less busy periods.
     

Contact a medical provider if your symptoms worsen or you are concerned about your health.

Academic Support During Illness

If you are sick, review your course syllabus for information about illness and attendance policies.

You do not need to disclose a specific diagnosis when seeking support for an illness or academic accommodation.

If you need additional support in a class, contact your Class Dean to discuss your options.

Students seeking formal disability-related accommodations may contact the Center for Accessibility Resources and Disability Services (CARDS).

Vaccination

Vaccination remains an important way to reduce the risk of serious illness from respiratory infections.

For the 2026–2027 respiratory season, New York State and New York City health departments endorse current recommendations from leading medical organizations for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccination.

PCHS can provide vaccine counseling and will share information about flu and COVID-19 vaccine availability in the office and upcoming Flu/COVID vaccine clinics through B Brief. If PCHS does not offer a vaccine that is recommended for you, we can refer you to another vaccination site, such as a local pharmacy or healthcare provider. Many local pharmacies have also begun receiving these vaccines. 

Local Pharmacy Resource Guide

Questions?

If you are a Barnard student and have questions about respiratory symptoms, testing, treatment, or vaccination, contact PCHS at 212-854-2091.

PCHS is here to help you make informed decisions about your health and return to your normal activities safely.

About the PCHS

For information regarding our contact information and notice of privacy practices

See more here