Even when you know you need health care, it can be daunting (even anxiety-provoking) to make a first appointment for care in a new community. The process may be even harder when you are still in the process of adapting to a new culture and getting to know the community. You may be unfamiliar with the way the health care system works in the United States. You may also have concerns about establishing a relationship with a new health care provider.

Gannett staff understands these common reactions and would like to make your first step to getting health care a little easier by sharing information about how our system works, and giving you a better idea of what to expect when you call us to make an appointment.

Appointments are required for most services

Calling for an appointment will allow you to set a convenient time for a visit that will work with your other commitments. The nature of your health problem or illness will determine how quickly your appointment will be scheduled, the length of time you will spend with a health care provider, and the type of care or treatment you will receive.

Whether you need medical care for a non-urgent health concern (such as allergies, immunizations, headache, back pain, physical exam, etc.) or for a more urgent health concern (such as a sudden debilitating illness or injury), your first step is to call Gannett Health Services at 607 255-5155 during our regular business hours.

If you are experiencing an urgent health problem, we recommend calling early in the morning to increase your choices for a same-day appointment. Anyone with an urgent problem that needs prompt attention will talk with a nurse who can advise and/or schedule a same or next day appointment. 

Those who call with a non-urgent health concern will be seen within the next 7 to 10 days.

Before you call . . .

• Find a private location from which you can call. Gannett staff will need to ask you a variety of questions about the nature and complexity of your health concern. You may feel more comfortable if your conversation cannot be overheard by others. Remember, from your first contact with us to schedule an appointment, your health information is protected according to Gannett's privacy policy. We need your permission to share information about your health care at Gannett with someone else.
• Have your calendar open so you can see when you are available for an appointment. 
• Take your temperature if you think you have a fever (body temperature over 100° F or 32° C) so you can share that information during the call.
• When you call Gannett, you will be directed to:
  • press number 2 on your phone if you are sick or injured or wish to speak with a nurse to make a medical appointment
  • press number 3, to make all other medical appointments (for example, an immunization, gynecological, nutrition, or travel clinic appointment)
  • press number 1 to talk with our counseling department (CAPS).

What to expect when you call

When you call, a Gannett staff member will ask how can we help you today. Be as specific as you can be. For example, you might say you need to make an appointment because you have a stomach ache, have an injured hand, or are in need of an annual gynecological exam. 

Next you will be asked to provide your student identification number; and to confirm your name, address, phone number, and insurance coverage.

The staff member will then ask you a number of questions about your specific health concern so that the right type of appointment and length of time can be scheduled for you. Here are some of the questions Gannett (and other health care providers) routinely ask to obtain information needed to diagnose and treat your health concern:

• What symptoms have you had?
• How long you have experienced them? 
• Have the  symptoms changed over time?
  
• Do you think you have a fever? (It’s very helpful to be able to report your temperature.)

Health care providers

If you have never seen a clinician at Gannett before, you will be assigned to one of Gannett’s physicians or nurse practitioners who will become your primary care provider. You also can request to see a male or female physician or nurse practitioner. (Review the list of our providers.) If at any time, you would like to change your primary care provider, we'll do our best to meet your needs and help you feel comfortable with the provider you see.

Physical examination

If you are calling about having a “physical examination,” you will be asked to clarify for what purpose, as there are many kinds of physical exams. It's helpful if you can say if it is for employment, an annual gynecological exam, an exam to meet the Cornell health requirements, a physical for attending another school, or a preventive exam. These exams differ from one another in terms of what is included, how long it takes, and the cost. 

Language translation

Even if your English comprehension is excellent, you may find it easier to talk about your personal health concerns in your native language. Gannett has a telephone translation service that can be requested when you make your appointment to assist you during your visit. Over 170 languages are available through the translation service. During your visit, a speaker phone will be used to facilitate translation. Patient confidentially remains completely secure.

Patient advocacy

Gannett’s staff is committed to providing quality patient care. If you experience difficulties while making an appointment, or have problems during your appointment, please talk with one of the providers involved in your care or contact a Gannett Patient Advocate.