Student Health

The College of Medicine ensures exceptional accessibility to primary care through an agreement with COMMpanion powered by Penn State Health. This is a “telehealth-first” direct primary care model. Students may opt-in to the service for $5/month. They receive access to primary care through video or telephone, with no additional charge for an unlimited number of video visits, phone visits, and electronic messages with primary care physicians and CRNP. Students can access the service from home, rotation site, or anywhere with internet access or through an app on a smart phone. The service is available Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and manages urgent and acute, chronic, preventive care and travel-related care for students and their spouses and dependents over the age of 18.

COMMpanion providers can access consultation with Penn State Health specialists through electronic communication within 3 days of consultation request. COMMpanion providers can order lab testing, diagnostic testing, prescribe medications and refer to specialists for conventional in-person appointments. The COMMpanion team includes RNs available for triage and education, and health navigators who assist student with coordinating medical tests and arranging referrals. Students also have the option to seek medical care at any Penn State Health site or other private physician though conventional health insurance.

Visit www.commpanion.health or call (888) 774-2676.

In addition, the following Penn State Health Medical Group sites are currently accepting new patients:

• Cocoa – 1120 Cocoa Avenue, Hershey: 717-533-4141

• Elizabethtown – 1 Continental Drive, Elizabethtown: 717-361-0666

• Fishburn Road Specialties – 845 Fishburn Road, Hershey: 717-531-8181

• Middletown – 3100 Schoolhouse Road, Middletown: 717-948-5180

• Mount Joy – 201 Lefever Road, Mount Joy: 717-653-2900

In addition to COMMpanion or an on-site Penn State Health Medical Group, students can receive urgent care immediately through telehealth at the Penn State Health OnDemand App.

Local urgent care locations:

Patient First: Harrisburg
5125 Jonestown Rd Ste 105, Harrisburg, PA 17112
Sunday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
717-943-1566

MedExpress Hershey (Urgent Care) 565 E Chocolate Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
Sunday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
717-533-4935

AspireCARE Urgent Care
49 Prince St, Harrisburg, PA 17109
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to. 6 p.m.
717-901-3440

Concentra Medical Center: Harrisburg
6301 Grayson Rd, Suite 9, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
717-920-5910

Concentra Medical Center: Lancaster
241 Rohrerstown Rd Suite 200, Lancaster, PA 17603
Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
717-431-1770

Referrals and Specialists

Although your insurance may not require one, most Penn State Health Specialties require a referral from a provider. Students have access to the Penn State Health Concierge Service, 833-PSH-TEAM (774-8326). Concierge specialists will connect students with a Penn State Health Coordinator, who will help schedule appointments with specialists or diagnostic services and obtain authorizations. If you are a subscriber, the primary care providers at COMMpanion can provide specialty referrals as well as rapid electronic consultation for select Penn State Health specialists.

Cost

Aside from unlimited primary care appointments through COMMpanion, which are no-cost beyond the monthly subscription, the student’s insurance will be billed for the cost of all appointments. Visit expenses are the responsibility of the student and their insurance carrier. If you wish to obtain an estimate of costs performed through Penn State Health, call 888-835-5850; please have your insurance information, CPT and diagnostic codes ready.