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Can I Trust This Health Information?
Health advice is everywhere. Before you trust it, take a quick look at the source:
WHO created it? Are they qualified?
WHY are they sharing it? Are they selling something?
WHAT scientific evidence supports it?
WHEN was it published or updated? Is it older than 3 years?
WHERE ELSE can you verify it?
Watch out for: quick fixes, “works for everyone” claims, fear-based messaging, or advice based only on personal experiences.
Social media, search engines, and AI can be great starting points, but important health decisions should be based on reliable information and conversations with your provider.
Healthcare 101
Healthcare can feel confusing, especially if you’re navigating appointments, insurance, or medical decisions on your own for the first time. Knowing a few basics can help you feel more confident, ask questions, and make informed choices about your health.
Where Should I Go for Care?
Not every health concern needs the same kind of care. Knowing where to start can save you time, money, and stress.
Start here for most health concerns.
Primary care is a good place to go for:
- Routine check-ups
- Common illnesses
- Ongoing or recurring symptoms
- Medication questions
- Preventive care
- Sexual and reproductive healthcare
- Managing ongoing health conditions
Campus Health Services can provide primary care for NAU students and employees and their dependents!
I need care soon, but it is not an emergency.
Urgent care is for health concerns that need timely attention but are not life-threatening.
Examples may include:
- Minor injuries
- Infections
- Sudden illness
- Symptoms that should not wait for a routine appointment such as a sudden rash
Campus Health Services offers same-day urgent care options during business hours. When Campus Health is closed, urgent care may also be available in the community.
This may be life-threatening or could cause serious harm if I wait.
Emergency departments are designed for serious or potentially life-threatening medical concerns.
Examples may include:
- Trouble breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Sudden severe stomach pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Serious injuries
- Other medical emergencies
Call 911 for a medical emergency or head to Flagstaff Medical Center Emergency Department.
Not sure where to start? Contact Campus Health Services for guidance at (928) 523-2131.
Healthcare Words Worth Knowing
Healthcare comes with a lot of unfamiliar language. Here are a few terms that can make navigating care and insurance easier.
Deductible
The amount you may need to pay for covered healthcare services before your insurance begins paying its share.
Copay
A set amount you pay for certain healthcare visits, medications, or services.
In-Network
A healthcare provider or facility that has an agreement with your insurance company. Using an in-network provider will often cost less than using an out-of-network provider.
Out-of-Pocket
Healthcare costs that you pay yourself.
EOB – Explanation of Benefits
A statement from your insurance company showing what services were billed, what insurance covered, and what you may owe.
An EOB is not a bill.
Referral
When one healthcare provider recommends or directs you to another healthcare provider for additional care.
Specialist
A healthcare provider who focuses on a specific area of health or medicine, such as dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, or gynecology.
Want to learn more about how insurance and payment work at Campus Health?
Speak Up for Your Health
You do not need to understand medical terminology or know exactly what to ask in order to take an active role in your healthcare.
It is always okay to ask questions, ask for clarification, or make sure you understand your options.
- “Can you explain that in another way?”
- “What are my options?”
- “What are the benefits and risks?”
- “What happens if I wait?”
- “How much might this cost?”
- “What should I do next?”
- “When should I follow up?”
- “What should I do if I do not feel better?”
Your healthcare provider brings medical expertise, but you bring important information about your experiences, needs, goals, and preferences.
Healthcare decisions work best when you are part of the conversation.
