Student Health FAQs
Where is the on-campus health center located?
Norton Medical Center (NMC), the on-campus health clinic, is the small white building located next to the bookstore on Taunton Avenue.
How do I make an appointment?
Call 508-286-5400 to schedule an appointment. NMC provides same day only appointments. Space is limited so call as soon as you possibly can. The office accepts phone calls beginning at 9 AM. You must have an appointment to be seen; NMC is not a walk-in clinic.
How much will an appointment cost?
All Wheaton students regardless of their health insurance plan (Wheaton or personal) are seen free of charge at NMC; there is no cost for an office visit. Any associated labwork, procedures, treatments, and/or prescriptions are billed to your health insurance and you will be a responsible for any deductibles or copays incurred.
Will I pay a copay at NMC?
No, there's no copay required at NMC. You are required to pay a copay according to your insurance plan for any other doctor's office visits as well as emergency room visits. The Wheaton insurance copay is $20.00 for an outpatient office visit and $50.00 for an emergency room visit.
If I'm unable to be seen at NMC, are there other health clinics close by?
Yes, there are several walk-in health clinics nearby:
1. MANSFIELD WALK-IN HEALTH CENTER
200 Copeland Drive
Mansfield, Ma
508-339-4144
Bring picture ID, insurance card, copayment, and, if you belong to an
HMO, a referral.
2. ROUTE 44 MEDICAL WALK-IN (True-Med Walk-In)
106 Route 44
Raynham, MA
508-824-1476
3. TAUNTON WALK-IN HEALTH CLINIC
Tremont Street (Route 140)
Taunton, MA
508-822-2311
What if I need health care when NMC is closed or need emergency care?
If you become ill after NMC has closed for the day, call 508-286-5400, leave a message with the answering service, and the doctor-on-call will promptly return your call. For emergency situations any time of day, contact Wheaton Public Safety at 508-286-8213 or dial 911.
Is there an infirmary on campus?
No, there is no traditional overnight infirmary.
What if I need transportation to the Emergency Room or to an off-campus medical appointment?
For emergency room visits, Wheaton Public Safety provides transportation to and from Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, 10 minutes from campus.
For medical appointments, free taxi vouchers are available for Wheaton students. To reserve a taxi after scheduling an appointment, call Foxfield Taxi at 508-339-2828 at least 3 days prior to the date of your appointment. Plan carefully and allow enough time to arrive for your appointment in the event the taxi is delayed. Obtain a taxi voucher at the Public Safety Office or from the taxi drivers themselves upon pickup. The taxi driver will ask to see your Wheaton ID. After your appointment, call Foxfield Taxi to schedule a return trip to campus.
Where is the closest pharmacy?
There are 3 pharmacies conveniently located within easy walking distance:
HASKINS PHARMACY: 508-285-4481
CVS PHARMACY: 508-285-4564
WALGREENS PHARMACY: 508-285-4961
NMC will fax your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. When picking up your prescription, you will need to bring your insurance card and money for a copayment.
What services are provided at NMC?
There are 3 physicians and 2 nurse practitioners who are available treat a variety of health problems such as colds and flu, mono, strep throat, GI upset, UTIs, and other minor illnesses and injuries. GYN exams, birth control, routine immunizations, and confidential STD and HIV testing are available as well. Routine physical exams and Pap tests are not avaiable.
The onsite lab is open from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM Monday through Friday for any bloodwork your personal MD may order (fax to 508-285-3388) or that an NMC provider may order. You will subsequently receive a bill from Sturdy Memorial Hospital as all bloodwork and cultures are processed there.
Are there any female providers at NMC?
Yes, there are 3 female providers: 1 MD and 2 NPs. You may request to see one of them for GYN exams, birth control, and pregnancy counseling, as well as routine sick visits. Notify the receptionist of your preference when calling to schedule an appointment.
Is Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, available at NMC?
Yes, Gardasil is available at NMC but only after forwarding written confirmation of receipt of your first dose of the vaccine to Cynthia Maricle, Health Coordinator (x8210). When it's time for your second dose, contact NMC at 508-286-5400 to request a prescription for Gardasil. A health care provider will then fax your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. You're strongly encouraged to check with your insurance company to confirm that the Gardasil vaccine is covered (out of pocket cost is about $120.00) and to verify any deductibles and/or copays that you may be responsible for. After the prescription has been filled (presenting a AAA card will save $40.00 off of the prescription price), bring the vaccine immediately to NMC where it will be promptly refrigerated. You may then schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine free of charge. Follow the same to receive your third dose of Gardasil.
Are physical exams available at NMC?
No, NMC providers do not perform physicals but there are several other local health clinics where you can receive an exam:
1. MANSFIELD WALK-IN HEALTH CENTER (Physicals by appointment only)
200 Copeland Drive
Mansfield, Ma
508-339-4144
Bring picture ID, insurance card, copayment, and, if you belong to an
HMO, a referral.
2. ROUTE 44 MEDICAL WALK-IN (True-Med Walk-In)
106 Route 44
Raynham, MA
508-824-1476
3. TAUNTON WALK-IN HEALTH CLINIC
1 Tremont Street (Route 140)
Taunton, MA
508-822-2311
Are study abroad physicals and immunizations available at NMC?
Routine immunizations are available at NMC by appointment but less routine vaccinations required for traveling abroad are not. For these immunizations, you will need to make an appointment at one of the travel clinics in the area (more). If a physical exam is required for a study abroad program, you will need to schedule an appointment at one of the off-campus health clinics listed above.
Are allergy shots available at NMC?
No, NMC does not administer allergy shots but the following allergists are located nearby:
1. ALLERGY & ASTHMA SPECIALISTS
550 N Main Street
Attleboro, MA
508-222-0066
2. DONALD ACCETTA, MD
2007 Bay Street, Suite 101
Taunton, MA
508-880-3121
3. AAP ASTHMA & ALLERGY PHYSICIANS
35 Summer Street
Taunton, MA
508-880-8737
Contact each office to confirm whether serum from your present/previous allergist is acceptable or whether you'll need to use serum prepared by your new allergist. Check with your insurance company regarding coverage for specialists and whether there are any charges or deductibles which are not covered by your health plan. At the time of each office visit, you'll be asked for your insurance information and a copayment. You'll also be required to remain in the allergist's office for 30 minutes after receiving your allergy injections.
What if I'd like to see a specialist?
For a comprehensive listing of local health care providers including specialists, please refer to the Directory of Local Health Care Resources.
What if I'd like to keep my parents from receiving the bill from NMC or Sturdy Memorial Hospital?
If you have Wheaton insurance, bills from NMC and Sturdy Hopsital will be mailed to your campus mailbox. If you are covered by your parents' insurance, the statement of charges will be mailed to your parents at their home address. If you pay out of pocket, neither you or your parents will receive a bill.
Information about the Wheaton Student Accident and Sickness plan, the Accident Only plan, and the Optional Supplemental Benefit may be found at Student Insurance Information.
Where can I find additional information regarding NMC?
More detailed information about NMC may be found at Welcome to Norton Medical Center.
Whom should I contact regarding NMC, my health insurance, or available health care options?
Call the Office of Health & Wellness at 508-286-8210 to speak with Craig Andrade, Director of Student Health Services, or Cynthia Maricle, Student Health Coordinator. They are available to answer specific questions regarding NMC, as well as concerns you may have regarding your health insurance coverage, on- and off-campus options for health care, and other health related issues.