Frequently Asked Questions

Membership includes an annual comprehensive diagnostic exam designed to achieve optimized health and wellness. This exam is accompanied with ongoing unlimited follow up routine office exams. These visits are supported by communication connectivity via our Member Portal that allows us to quickly schedule exams, answer health questions, and address health concerns of each member.

Office visits with the doctor are supported by year-long ongoing communication support – via phone, text, or video directly with your doctor.

Payment is simple. You can join today on this website . It’s just that easy! We will not bill your insurance. Our service is completely independent of any healthcare coverage that you may have.

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Yes. We have specifically designed our program with these in mind.

After joining Higher Ed Med, you should receive a prompt call from our Administrative staff for a brief orientation. Whenever you need to speak to your doctor or staff, simply click on the “Member Portal” on your HEM APP or on our website.  Once you fill out a request on the Portal, you will receive a call shortly thereafter.  Depending on your need, we will promptly set you up for an appointment or telehealth visit with Dr. Chisolm.

Medical offices are governed by HIPPA laws. If you are over 18 years old, we are not allowed to speak to anyone about your health visits without your explicit permission. Our experience is that most students want their parents involved. If the patient desires, we will often phone parents while the student is in the office to keep them in the loop.

Absolutely. Dr. Chisolm has been practicing in Athens since 2004. If a need arises that our office can not fulfill, we can assist with a referral. Remember that your membership will not cover any other doctor visits outside of our office.

Our service is a 12 month commitment. We believe that this commitment will foster building a relationship with your doctor and his staff and will promote an investment in your health. You have the option to make monthly payments, semi-annual payments, or annual payments.

The Health Center has excellent doctors. Some of the feedback that we have heard is that it is difficult to get an appointment. Our members really appreciate the convenience of same day appointments and access to communicate through the portal.  Delayed access to diagnosis and treatment can be dangerous, costly, and anxiety producing for students and parents.

This is certainly an option that many sick students use. Wait times are variable, but they can often result in hours in a crowded waiting room. A popular urgent care near campus does not take insurance. A single visit here can easily cost more than our annual membership.

The Emergency Room is absolutely the right place to go with a medical emergency! However, we are often shocked to learn of college students who head to the ER with non-emergencies because they simply don’t know what to do. Unnecessary ER visits can result in exorbitant billing. Again, ERs are the place to go in an emergency – and should be used when needed!

No. Because of potential abuse and addiction potential, no opiates (e.g. hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl) or benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax, Valium, klonopin) or stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta) will ever be prescribed. There are NO EXECPTIONS.

No. We are located in Athens, Georgia so our members tend to be students at UGA or other surrounding schools.

We are not comfortable giving advice about taxes. You should speak to your accountant and/or financial advisor regarding this specific question.

Office hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. If an emergent need arises after hours, the ER is likely the place to go. If a non-urgent need arises, next day appointments/telemed will be available