A Penn Student Health and Counseling on-call provider is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you decide if and where you should go to have your medical needs addressed. If it is a true medical emergency, students should call Penn Comm at 215-573-3333 if on campus, call 9-1-1 if outside the Penn patrol zone, or head to the nearest emergency room.

After Hours Care

Many of us have experienced an injury or illness happening outside of our doctor's regular business hours. When this happens, understanding where to seek care will depend on the severity and type of symptoms or injury you have.

Emergencies and Critical Injuries

In case of a true emergency or life-threatening injury, call Penn DPS at 215-573-333 (if on/near campus) or dial 911 (the US national emergency assistance line).
If you are experiencing a suicidal crisis or are in emotional distress, call or chat 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7), or dial chat with a Lifeline support person online. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor (24/7).
Students with non-traumatic injuries requiring immediate medical care — from broken bones to intoxication sickness — are eligible to receive free, high-quality care and hospital transportation from the Penn Alternative Response Unit (AR-1) instead of an ambulance. The AR-1 unit is a marked SUV staffed by a paramedic lieutenant and an emergency medical technician, who work collaboratively with Penn’s student-run Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) and Penn Police officers.
- Schedule: Wednesdays through Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.
- Location: Penn Patrol Zone: between 30th Street and 43rd Street, and between Market Street and Baltimore Avenue.

Urgent medical or mental health needs

- Consult with an on-call provider by calling 215-746-WELL (9355).
  An on-call Student Health and Counseling provider, who can help you decide if and where you should go to have their medical needs addressed. For example, if you are not sure whether your symptoms should warrant an immediate visit to a hospital or walk-in clinic, the on-call provider can help you figure out what to do.
- Visit a local Urgent Care center
  Urgent Care centers can address a number of urgent needs, with services that can include prescriptions, x-rays/imaging and labs, minor stitches, and more. Care is often with a doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. These centers are usually cheaper than a hospital or ER visit and the length of your wait and visit may be considerably shorter.
  
  There are several options in Philadelphia (you can search for them online) and their hours vary. Remember that you and your health insurance plan are responsible for any costs related to this care. Below are listed several local examples for illustration purposes and their inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement of the services provided:

Mild illness

- Schedule an appointment with Student Health and Counseling or your primary care provider.
- Visit a Walk-in Clinic
  In some locations, local pharmacies and municipalities offer lower-cost walk-in clinics that provide a range of basic care options. If you are unable to visit your regular physician, you may be seen by a nurse practitioner or other provider, who can write prescriptions or assist with common issues such as colds, rashes, and ear pain.