Columbia University Health Services

Primary Care Medical Services (PCMS) works with students to manage all of their health care needs, including prescription medications. We encourage students to select a Primary Care Provider (PCP) in one of our Practice Groups to obtain prescription medications in a timely fashion, get information about benefits and potential side effects, and about drug-to-drug interactions.

If a provider outside of PCMS has already prescribed medication for you, considerations of quality care dictate that you still have a thorough assessment at PCMS , before we are able to prescribe that medication for you. Even if the prescription you were given a few months ago was right for you then, it may not be right for you now. Our providers need to assess the efficacy of your medication and potential side effects before continuing the prescription. To schedule your first visit at PCMS , go to Making Appointments .

Prescriptions can be filled at any local drugstore. For information about utilizing pharmacy benefits go to the  Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan , or contact your insurance carrier.

For information about how to obtain emergency contraception, go to Contraception .

For routine prescription renewals, contact your Practice Group to request a renewal. A minimum of 3 business days notice before your prescription expires will allow your PCMS provider and pharmacy the necessary time to process your request accurately. Your call for a prescription renewal may serve as an opportunity to schedule a follow-up appointment, make you aware of preventive services, or obtain up-to-date contact information.

If you will be traveling overseas for an extended period, you should plan in advance for your prescription medication needs. Specifically, most insurance plans only allow for a 30-day supply of prescription medications. If your trip will have you out of the country for more than a month, plan ahead. Students insured under the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan should contact Aetna Student Health to request approval for a medication supply adequate to meet their travel needs. Students who carry other insurance plans should contact their carrier for more information.

Go to CU On The Road Travel Medicine