If you become ill or need to consult with a doctor while studying in the United States, you should first go to the university's student health clinic. You should go to a hospital emergency room if you need immediate medical attention or are experiencing intense pain. If the university does not have a student health clinic, you could visit a private physician.

In the Doctor's Office
When you arrive at a doctor's office for the first time, you will be asked for your insurance information. If you do not have insurance, you may have to pay for the visit before leaving. In the exam room, a nurse will likely weigh you and take your temperature and blood pressure. Next, the doctor will visit you and ask questions about your symptoms. The doctor will provide you with a treatment plan, a prescription for medicine, or will request further medical tests.

Doctors in the United States sometimes seem rushed as they often see more than 30 patients a day. During an office visit, it's important that you ask questions about anything that confuses you. You may want to take a dictionary or a friend to help you translate, or view definitions of common health care terms.

In addition to conventional forms of medicine practiced in the United States, alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, are available. Some insurance plans allow for a limited number of treatments. Check with your insurance carrier to find out if these treatments are covered in your plan.