You might have heard of a community health center before but wondered what does that mean for you – the person living in the community? As a proud community health center and patient-centered medical home, we’re here to dispel some myths and present some facts about community health centers that will have you wondering why you haven’t visited one before.
1. What is a community health center?
First and foremost, we are a non-profit, community-directed health care provider serving medically underserved communities. Our excellent standard of care as a patient-centered medical home means we are a great provider for the entire community, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay.
2. Do you only serve low income, underinsured, or uninsured patients?
No. While our services are affordable to all, being a health center also means providing strictly high-quality, primary and preventive care. Our goal is to improve access to care to everyone in the community, regardless of insurance status or income.
3. How many community health centers are there?
Currently, there are over 1,300 health centers across the United States, delivering care through over 9,000 service deliver sites in every state and territory. Health centers costs of care rank among the lowest and reduce the need for more expensive hospital-based and specialty care. This saves billions of dollars for taxpayers.
4. What types of care do you provide as a community health center?
At the Family Health Clinic, we provide both primary and preventative care. Our staff is specialized in Children’s Health, Family Health, Adult Health, Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Behavioral Health Services. You can come to us to diagnose and manage chronic, major, and minor illnesses, receive prenatal care, and more. To view our list of services, click here.
5. If community health centers are non-profits, does that mean they don’t provide as good of care as for-profits?
Most definitely, no. Studies done by the National Association of Community Health Centers found that the quality of care provided at health centers is equal to or greater than the quality of care provided elsewhere! Also, 99% of surveyed patients said that they were satisfied with the care they receive at health centers, and we think that’s a pretty great percentage.
6. Do community health centers make a difference in their communities?
We are happy to say – yes! Across the country, health centers actively manage patients and respond to local needs. This helps guarantee that health centers improve the quality of life for millions of patients.
Overall, community health centers like the Family Health Clinic:
- Improve access to primary and preventative care
- Provide cost-effective care
- Demonstrate high-quality of care
- Reduce health disparities
- Effectively manage chronic illnesses
- Improve birth outcomes
- Create jobs and stimulate economic growth
You can learn more about these facts by checking out http://www.hcadvocacy.org/toolkit.
How can I make an appointment?
Come experience a community health center for yourself. Call us at (800) 321-5043 to schedule an appointment at any of our four clinics. We do make same day appointments!
Sources:
http://www.hcadvocacy.org/toolkit
