Passport Health

This is a review for the Naperville location. Smart travelers should not come here. I found Passport Health to be ridiculously unhelpful and costly for the negligible service provided. Summary: If you graduated high school and are capable of performing a Google search, you will be better off with your primary care doctor and/​or getting vaccines at Walgreens/​CVS for much cheaper.
Firstly, upon arrival I waited about 1 hour past my appointment time to be seen for the consultation. Although I had come with printed immunization records and entered my immunization records online prior to the appointment, 10 minutes after I was finally seen was spent copying down the immunization details that I had already provided. The following 10 minutes were then spent printing out a packet of information on the applicable vaccines/​medications and travel health recommendations, the majority of which came directly from the CDC website. In fact, I had already read the vast majority of this information, and the information I had not yet read was still easily available on the CDC website or via a quick Google search. There is absolutely no reason I should have paid $ 65 to be told information I already knew, at a dumbed-​down level that was overly simplistic for even the most novice of travelers, and wait so long. If I wanted to print out pages from the CDC website, I would have printed them out myself and saved the $ 65. During the consultation, the clinician spent the majority of the time reading off of the printouts. I already read the information, and so could have anyone capable of typing a simple search into Google. The real reason I came was for a Japanese Encephalitis vaccine, which not only cost $ 397 per dose (not covered by insurance) but also would require multiple doses past the date at which I am leaving for travel. As such, I will get the vaccine overseas where it will be much cheaper, so the $ 65 consultation was not only entirely uninformative and unhelpful, but also was a useless expenditure considering I will have to get the vaccine overseas at a later date anyways. I got a prescription for malaria medication, which I could have gotten from a primary care doctor had I known, and will get it filled elsewhere as it is cheaper. Furthermore, during the consultation the $ 65 fee could have been supplemented by trying to sell me bug spray, imodium tablets, and other products you can easily get for cheaper at any other store, including a basic drugstore or Walmart. Again, I would have been better off on my own with the CDC website, a Google search, and the corner drugstore. This is ridiculous.
Had I known this is what Passport Health would be like, I would never have come. I wholly regret spending $ 65 and two hours on this, and will definitely not recommend this clinic to any other traveler I know. If you’re capable of a Google search, just go to Walgreens or CVS to get your vaccines and print out the CDC website on your own time, no unhelpful $ 65 consultation required.

So this is a mixed review, but I wanted people to be aware when they get travel immunizations. I went to the downtown location and got immunizations for an upcoming trip to SE Asia. I checked with my insurance company, and they said they would cover these, but there was no one in-​network. I read the reviews on Unilocal and decided to go here, after calling other places that seemed more expensive. The nurse I saw was very knowledgable, and seemed to know what she was talking about. There were two vaccines she said were mandatory, but another one was very pricey. I was unaware that the pricey one for Japanese encephalitis was per dose, and I feel that did not emphasize that to me. Long story short, my insurance company rejected the claim, and when I went back to them for the second shot a week later, I had to pay for the second dose. Let me be clear, I take responsibility because I should have asked, but I think they should really emphasize that you are paying per dose (especially since most insurance companies do not pay for these). When I said something at the second shot, she told me «I did tell you». And showed me a pink sign in a plastic sleeve (which I never saw before) saying per dose. So I would say buyer beware. I think this is a good place and they know what they are talking about, BUT I would caution you to be very clear on what the prices are, and if a vaccine requires multiple doses, YOU will have to pay per dose, and they tack on a vaccine administration fee for the second dose. Just remember, EVERYTHING is out of pocket, and good luck claiming with insurance.

This is a review for Jeanette Hope and Dr. Scott Morcott at the Vernon Hills location. (I did, however, have my TB test read by a nurse at the Loop location. I was in and out, which was great, considering I went on my lunch break.)
Anyways, long story short — I had a laundry list of things that needed to be done in a short amount of time in order to be cleared medically for the Peace Corps. I explained my situation to Jeanette and she worked with me to get everything done and results expedited with time to spare. She relieved a lot of the anxiety that I had about not having enough time to complete these tasks, for which I cannot thank her enough. Dr. Morcott was very friendly and professional, and offered lots of advice for my time abroad.
Both Jeanette and Dr. Morcott are ex-​military members who have spent time abroad and really do know their sh*t. There is a health consultation included in the physical fees that you pay. They provide you with a booklet tailored to your trip that reviews the risks and precautions you should take during your time abroad. Jeanette took the time to review the information included in the booklet, and even gave me some useful links to websites to help me prepare for my trip.
Like others said, insurance does not cover your costs, and it can be pretty pricey. However, Jeanette did send me a cost break down of everything before my appointment, so there was a little less «sticker shock,» on the day of my appointment, so to say.
Would definitely recommend to anyone in need of a travel physical.

I’ve visited both the downtown and Andersonville location and both are excellent. The downtown location is larger and easier to get to on the CTA, while the Andersonville location is on Clark Street with easy street parking.
If you have not visited Passport Health before, I highly recommend them for your upcoming travel. They keep thorough records of all your immunizations and provide you with a detailed folio on your upcoming destination (s). Included in the folio is a list of immunizations you should get, CDC recommendations for what to be aware of and avoid, and how to protect against various diseases endemic to that country. Yes, it’s quite a bit of information, but the nurses both here (Sheila) and at the other clinic downtown do a great job of walking you through the critical pieces.
Between the online appointment scheduling, the very kind receptionists and nurses, and their recordkeeping, I have been completely satisfied each time I have visited over the last two years (approximately 4 – 5 visits.)

Always very quick and efficient. When you make your appointment you tell them where you are headed and they have a booklet printed out for you with all the information you need for your trip. Any travel clinic will be a bit pricey but what can you do. They are very straightforward and know what parts of countries are at risk for different things. They never try to oversell anything and I really appreciate it whenever I come to one.

This place is great. I needed a last minute vaccination before my trip to Brazil, and I was able to get in the same day I called for an appointment. I arrived early and was accommodated very quickly. The nurse was knowledgeable and friendly, and the price was the cheapest in town. I will go here if I ever need more.

It has been a long time since I needed to visit a travel clinic of any sort, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was greeted by a very warm receptionist and settled into the waiting room, dreading a long wait. However, as punctual as can be, I was seen by one of the specialists who took me into her office and passed me a detailed and specific booklet (probably 20 pages) of every recommended immunization and precaution needed for my specific trip.
She walked me through each risk one by one and answered my questions thoroughly. She told me the upsides and down sides to different types of malaria medications and typhoid shots/​pills. She gave me recommendations for updating some of my older shots as well. After a thorough explanation, she asked me which of the immunizations I wanted and which I would pass up. She helped me to make the best decisions based on my personal preferences, risks, and needs.
I ended up deciding to get three shots (Tetanus booster, Typhoid, and also a Polio booster I should have gotten a long time ago). She also prescribed me malaria meds and an antibiotic. I did not feel pressured or like she was trying to up-​sell (I was worried about this going to a specialized travel place). I spent a significant amount of money, but it seemed comparable to anywhere else. Additionally, after spending the money, I did not feel regret, like I made the wrong decision.
In all, my visit was less than an hour, and that is with me asking a lot of questions. They were never impatient and never seemed to rush. They gave me the attention a client deserves, and treated me better than I could have ever expected. They were also knowledgeable. I asked some questions, thinking she would get caught up, but the nurse knew her stuff!
I would highly recommend the Chicago location.

Anna (the RN) was knowledgeable and had great bedside manner. The prices were fair — Hepatitis A is a two dose vaccine with required wait time in between. I waited much more than the recommended timing, and Michigan Immediate Care (where I got my first dose) told me I had to start over, while Passport Health confirmed I just needed a second dose. Hooray for more travel dollars!

This was a great Google find. I needed vaccinations for an upcoming trip, I Googled for «travel vaccinations» and boom. An office in the Loop? Sign me up.
So, armed with my crippling fear of needles, I trooped over, hyperventilating all the way. They ask you to complete a medical history before you go — I had not been to the doctor in something like 15 years, so I a) didn’t have any medical records for them but also b) it had been so long it didn’t matter, I just needed everything.
They were well prepared — nice little bound document printed out for me, specific to travel to my destination, and they had all their recommendations for vaccines. I decided to let them stab me 5 times, which they did. I was very brave, and did not pass out. But both of my arms are sore now.
Passport Health also recommended a couple things I really hadn’t considered, anti-​malarials and anti-​diarrheals. Seems like a good idea right? OK, yeah, write me prescriptions for those. I was warned the anti-​diarrheal was expensive… to which my response was basically «there is literally no number you can say that would result in me thinking ‘I guess having diarrhea for a 20 hour flight back to the US would be OK.’ Write the prescription.» Also side note… the anti-​diarrheal they gave me… lists…on the pill bottle… as a side effect… diarrhea. I am… so confused. I feel like that is a key side effect that might need to be mentioned. That… oxymoron…aside, they also look to be ready to recommend things like treated bed nets, insect repellent, etc. My trip is business, so I don’t need that sort of thing, but as a tourist, this would be a good one stop shop. They might think of things you didn’t if this was your first trip to, for example, a tropical nation with «new to you» diseases.
I have no idea what this sort of thing should cost. Maybe going to a GP would have been cheaper… maybe this is just what vaccinations cost. But my 5 vaccinations (which all varied in price) plus the prescriptions (which had high co-​pays but were covered by my insurance) ran to about $ 660. Being able to do it in the loop on two days notice and getting all the vaccinations in one visit (they could have filled the prescriptions, but I don’t think they would have accepted my insurance *and* I didn’t yet have a travel visa, so wanted to wait before filling) has definite convenience factor — I would recommend this to anyone else traveling abroad.

Update 01÷02÷13: The owner of the company cleared up some information for me that was not clear when given by the receptionist. It looks like passport might have great prices with this correction. Here are my findings:
To be fair I will start by saying that I haven’t actually been here. But I have been calling around to find out who has the cheapest shots because my husband and I are thinking of going to Ghana in 2 months and need to start planning on how to avoid sickness. I called a bunch of hospitals and clinics and here is my research if anyone is interested:
Passport Health– consultation $ 55 each for of 2 or more people and $ 140 for the Yellow fever vaccine. They do not charge a per shot injection fee, so not bad… Total = $ 195
Michigan Ave Immediate Care– Consultation $ 80-​$ 180, yellow fever vaccination $ 185. Total = $ 265 – 365
University of Chicago– Group evaluation (2 or more perfect for a couple) $ 55 each or single evaluation $ 95, yellow fever vaccination $ 115. Total = $ 170 – 210
Infectious disease associates and travel medicine (downers grove) — consultation $ 40, yellow fever vaccination $ 180. Total = $ 220
Rush Medical Hospital– Consultation $ 75, yellow fever vaccination $ 125.
Total = $ 200
Travel Medicine Source (Morton Grove) — Consultation is $ 35 for a group of 2 or more, and yellow fever vaccination $ 135. Total = $ 170

Vaccinations? Sorry. The only kinds of shots I like are the ones that involve liquor, preferrably lemon drops and Sambuca.
However, to protect yourself from illness domestically and abroad, one must take proper precautions, and for me, this included immunizations. After purchasing my flight and getting my itinerary for my Southeast Asia trip I learned that I needed to get some very important vaccinations to prevent myself from contracting certain illnesses overseas (I didn’t realize vaccinations would be part of the picture and I was becoming a little wary about what I was getting myself into!!). Although I was able to get most of my vaccinations on the cheap at the Chicago Public Health Department ($ 20 per injection if you are a resident), there were vaccinations that they, nor my GP, did not offer. Cost was a factor since my insurance does not cover travel vaccinations, so I checked multiple clinics in Chicago for cost and availability before settling on Passport Health.
I was running on a tight schedule and, since most vaccinations take roughly 1 – 2 weeks to be effective, I called the office to let them know what vaccines I needed and to see if they could squeeze me in. I was easily able to get an afternoon appointment a few days later. Upon arrival the nurse handed me a booklet outlining issuse, epidemics, health concerns, and the like for each of the areas I was visiting. It was nice getting this information so I could have an increased awareness of just exactly what I was getting myself into! Although there were plenty of recommended vaccinations and preventative measures I could possibly have taken I never felt pressured to get anything more than what was considered absolutely necessary. Within a half hour I walked out with one shot, two prescriptions, recommendations for additional protective products, and peace of mind knowing that I would be in good hands abroad.
After being in Southeast Asia for 18 days, the only «illnesses» I’ve come back with are a sunburn and a totally new appreciation for all that life has to offer. I recommend Passport Health… and world travel!

This review is for the Hoffman Estates location.
I decided to go here rather than the giant local hospital, and it was a decision well-​made. My nurse and I spent the entire appointment laughing, product and vaccine recommendations never crossed the line to being forced sales, and I got what I needed, except for what I didn’t have time for.
Main points:
1. The earliest appointment I could get was two days from my phone call.
2. NO INSURANCE — cash, check, or credit upon leaving. (Side note: this can get expensive. If you’re doing a full series of Japanese Encephalitis or Rabies, those go $ 300+ per shot (JE is 3, Rabies 2))
3. $ 10 discount on the office fee if you’re a student, missionary, or senior citizen. (yay!)
3. Yes, they make you watch a video, and yes, it is ridiculous; However, I did learn two things — apply lotion, sunscreen, and repellant in that order, and a hilarious rhyme that will stick with me forever (it distracted me from reading my Hepatitis A handout!)
«Malaria bites from dusk til dawn, but everything else bites all day long.»
Oh, yeah.

Headed to Uganda in November and was directed towards Passport health for shots. Being the skeptic that I am, I had to check things out for myself, so I did all the research, figured out what shots I’d need, called around and priced out a few different places.
Then I went to my GP and got the shots she could give me (to save a little money since Passport Health does not take insurance) then reluctantly made my appointment.
I say reluctantly because I was certain it would be super expensive. I needed 3 shots (Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio booster) and a few prescriptions (Malaria, antibiotic for «travelers diarrhea») and I was prepared to pay an arm and a leg… lets face it-​I DO NOT want to come home with some nasty disease…
I got there today at 2 and was asked to fill out a form (typical medical stuff… allergies, etc) and was taken back by Joanne who was incredibly sweet and helpful. She showed me the packet they had prepared for me with information specific to where and when I’ll be traveling. We went over all the suggested immunizations, and she answered all my questions.
After we decided which shots I’d get she went to process my payment and get the shots ready. I watched a little video recapping health and safety concerns and recommendations. Then Joanne came back and gave me the 3 injections… pretty painless… I mean, as painless as getting a needle stuck in your arm can be…
Start to finish, took about 40 minutes. And all for $ 365…not nearly as bad as anticipated!

I’ll be honest, I didn’t shop around but my husband got the last of his vaccinations and I think between the two of us we spent almost $ 1500. We each got yellow fever, diarrhea preventive care, tetnus, one or two others and he got hepatitus.
I’m not sure if they would have been cheaper somewhere else, but besides that Passport Health was great.
We went to Ecuador on our honeymoon and by the time we left we knew everything about foreign disease, what to eat, what not to drink, and what to do if we were to get sick.
This place is really great and coming from someone who HATES and passes out (almost) at the sight of needles, the nurse was really gentle and it was over before I could even let out a screech.

I ended up at Passport Health after a truly excruciating experience dealing with the sub-​par reception desk staff at the Northwestern Travel Cinic. The vaccinations aren’t cheap, but the prices are no more expensive than those received at any doctor’s office (and the office visit fees are much cheaper.) Since my health insurance doesn’t cover «non-​essential» inoculations, the tab for rabies shots was going to be out of pocket anyway, and I do feel that Passport Health had a lot of added value in their services. You can also get antibiotic packets for travelers’ diarrhea ($ 10), and that really is a good deal (especially if you have inadequate or no prescription coverage.)
The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, and all of my appointments ran right on schedule. I will definitely be using Passport Health the next time I need shots.

Who likes to get poked?
In order to obtain a Brazilian visa, I was required to get a yellow fever shot. I went to my primary doctor, and he said he would have to refer me to a travel doctor to administer the shot. Apparently there was a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine, so I called a number of places, and the closest locations that provided the shot were Northwestern’s travel clinic, and Passport Health. I chose Passport Health because the yellow fever shot was much cheaper, and so was the consultation fee. When making the appointment, I was asked which countries I would be traveling to for consultation. Upon arrival, I was given a booklet that included a personalized safety plan. It listed all of the countries I was traveling to, and possible vaccines I should consider taking. Given that I am planning to travel to Peru, Argentina, and Brazil… a couple of other vaccines were recommended. I opted to get the shots. Passport Health felt more like an office than a doctor’s office. The nurse that gave me the vaccines was very knowledgeable and friendly. A number of products from water purifiers to bug repellent are available at Passport Health, but they were never pushed on me. I really like it when a business doesn’t try to up-​sell me. I feel like I was given the vaccines that I needed for my trip, and wasn’t just poked for my cash.

One of the joys of living in a country with privatized health care is that you get zero coverage for travel medications.
So it wasn’t surprising that Passport Health’s office was totally empty when I arrived, with the Travel Specialist acting as both secretary and nurse.
For the obligatory $ 45 consultation fee, I got a binder with my «health and safety travel plan» (with my name on it– how special!) and a 20 minute video about how American tourists need to be constantly vigilant while traveling in other countries: «Remember, the American system of health care is far superior to that found in most other countries worldwide» along with images of the gruesome hospitals you should avoid at all costs.
(Actually, our infant mortality rates are higher than some developing countries, and it does no good to boast of top notch care if millions of citizens can’t afford it. I guess having the healthiest rich people is what matters.)
Anyway, midway through, while the video was outlining the dangers of market food, the nurse poked her head in and chuckled, «aren’t you glad you’re not going there?»
It just cracked me up. I AM going to market, to market to buy a fat hog, that’s the whole point of travel.
Because I needed last minute meds, I didn’t do much shopping around, but I’m betting the costs are as competitive here as anywhere else-don’t you just love the free market?

This place is great — so much cheaper than Northwestern’s travel clinic, and more accommodating with schedules. I had some last minute vaccinations done and they were helpful and not pushy with any of the services or products. Very professional, I highly recommend it!
By the way, it’s 30 North Michigan, not South, as I learned the hard way.