How to Go to the Doctor at Texas A&M

Photo and essay by Sahar Almohaimeed

What would you do if you had an exam, but you did not feel very well? All of us may be in that situation. We have to be aware about what should we do when we are sick. We have to take care of ourselves and go to the doctor. Having an appointment at the Student Health Services is easy, but you have to follow certain steps.

To set up an appointment, you have to either call or go to the website, or you can go simply and have a walk-in appointment. Make sure when you are setting an appointment to not conflict with your schedule because if you are late for your appointment, you will be charged a fee and miss the appointment.

At the Student Health Services or when you call the Student Health Services, you have to provide your Universal Identification Number, (UIN) number, phone number, and your address. If you have insurance different than Texas A&M insurance, make sure to inform them. After giving your information to the first office or the person on the phone, you have to walk to the inner office to check your information. Then they will give you the directions to the open room to meet the nurse to measure your blood pressure and weight.

After that, you will wait for the doctor to call you to his or her examination room. Then, the doctor will ask you several questions about your health history. After the doctor finishes asking, you can tell him or her about your pain or illness. When the doctor finishes examining you, you should ask him or her for a note or an excused absence. The note is important if you are late for a class or you are absent, the note shows that you were in the Student Health Services at that time. Also, ask the doctor if you need to have another appointment. At the end, make sure to take your medicine from the pharmacy.

In conclusion, you must know how to go through this process before you even need to go to the Student Health Services because you will not be able to think or focus when you are sick. Before reaching this point, try to be healthy. Eat organic homemade food, and exercise to avoid going to the doctor in the future.