Frequently Asked Questions

The Student Health Center is open Monday-Friday from 8 AM-5 PM*.

*Operating hours are subject to change. Visit our About Us webpage for the most current information.

The Student Health Center provides low-cost health services to any enrolled Pepperdine student, regardless of insurance type. As part of the University’s efforts to provide more holistic care for Pepperdine students, Pepperdine will begin offering significantly expanded mental health, physical health, and fitness programs beginning fall 2022. To support this initiative, the University has introduced a mandatory wellness fee for all Pepperdine students and eliminated most health and wellness fees students currently pay. Students who have not completed their degrees and have paid the wellness fee in the fall and spring semesters will maintain access to service during the summer.

Although the SHC does not bill insurance directly, it provides a walkout statement (superbill) to patients as well as directions regarding how to seek reimbursement from their insurance plan. Students have the option of billing their student account or paying by cash or check. PPO plans typically reimburse SHC services at out of network rates while HMO, MediCal, and MediCare plans do not reimburse.

The Student Health Center is located in the Student Assistance Center (SAC). Student drivers may park their vehicles as designated by their permit type. Parking on the Malibu campus can be challenging, so students are encouraged to utilize the campus shuttles. Students may take the orange route shuttle and get off at the SAC stop. The Student Health Center is working with Transit Services and Planning, Operations, and Construction, to create an additional SAC shuttle stop on the blue route. Currently, the nearest blue route stops are at the Center for Communication and Business (CCB) and the School of Law (SOL).

Students who are too sick or injured to use the campus shuttle are encouraged to contact the Department of Public Safety at 310.506.4442 to receive a free medical escort. Additionally, the SHC recommends this option for any student who believes their illness may be contagious. A courtesy ride limits exposure of the illness to other community members.

Students have the option of billing their student account or paying by cash or check.

The SHC operates similarly to a family physician's office and demonstrates the latest in health standards, allowing students to acquire care from highly trained medical professionals right here on campus. Available services include a wide range of everyday health needs, including men's and women's health, care for illness and injury, immunizations, injections, labs, nutrition, respiratory problems, and dermatology. The SHC also offers specialized clinics such as flu vaccination, travel medicine, massage therapy, and STI testing. If deemed appropriate, practitioners may provide a referral to a specialist or determine if a higher level of care is required.

The SHC features an in-house dispensary, providing access to common medications. A written prescription will be provided for any medication not available at the SHC. Conveniently, there are multiple pharmacies in the local community with prescription co‐pay.

Clinicians can prescribe medications in alignment with their treatment plans. If deemed appropriate, physicians may provide a referral to a specialist or determine if a higher level of care is required.

Appointments are preferred, but walk‐ins are welcome. Walk‐ins are put in priority according to the nature and urgency of the illness or injury.

In such cases, it is recommended that an appointment be made with one of our practitioners first, in order to determine if a referral is necessary. We have a substantial referral list if needed.

The SHC is staffed with board-certified physicians, a physician assistant, a registered dietitian-nutritionist, registered nurses, medical assistants, and administrative personnel. Our medical team includes both male and female providers, allowing students to select a clinician who will make them most comfortable during their visit.

Some medical care can be continued by the Student Health Center. A summary of the medical problems, all health records, and recommendations from the student's physician or specialist is necessary for continuity of care purposes. Sometimes it may be necessary to refer to a specialist in our area depending on the medical issues. We keep an updated referral system for specialists in our area.

The Student Health Center strictly adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines and regards all medical information to be highly confidential. Students can rest assured their permission will be obtained before any health information is given to anyone not directly connected to their medical care. This applies to parents and University officials. Exceptions required by law include reporting certain communicable diseases, threats of suicide or homicide, or suspected abuse of children or elderly persons.

If you think you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. If on campus and it is safe to do so, call 310.506.4441 to notify the Department of Public Safety.

Our team understands care may be required outside of the Student Health Center's operating hours. View a list of local emergency rooms and urgent care centers.

Students may utilize 24/7 virtual health care services through TimelyMD. You must be a currently enrolled Pepperdine student to use these services.

Many health services are covered by the University's wellness fee. Learn which services are available at no cost by visiting our fees webpage.